Periodontal Disease Treatment – Abingdon, VA
Reshape Your Dental Future
You don’t need a doctorate in dentistry and 15 years of experience like Dr. Amburgey does to know that your teeth aren’t the only part of your mouth. When it comes to your oral health, the state of your gums matters just as much as that of your pearly whites. Your gums are responsible for supporting your teeth, and if you don’t take care of them, you could develop periodontal (gum) disease. This bacterial infection can contribute to a plethora of oral and general health problems. Luckily, Dr. Amburgey can provide periodontal disease treatment in Ambingdon, VA to treat gum disease and prevent it from redeveloping in the future.
Why Choose Amburgey Dental for Periodontal Disease Treatment?
- Periodontal Exams Performed at Every Checkup
- Deep Cleanings Remove Infection at the Source
- Protect Your Oral and Overall Health
What is Periodontal Disease?
Periodontal disease, also known as gum disease, is a bacterial infection that causes inflammation of the gum tissue that supports your teeth. It is usually caused by buildup of plaque and tartar as a result of poor oral hygiene. Other common causes include tobacco use, genetics, teeth grinding, certain medications, or underlying health conditions such as diabetes.
In the earliest stage of gum disease (gingivitis), you may experience relatively mild symptoms like gums that are puffy, red, or tender. Your gums might bleed when you brush or floss. While you should give us a call if you notice any of these signs, you should absolutely schedule an appointment if you have any of the following symptoms that could indicate advanced gum disease:
- Teeth that appear longer or gums that appear shorter
- Changes in the way your teeth come together when you bite
- Persistent bad breath or bad taste in the mouth
- Loose or shifting teeth
Scaling & Root Planing
If gum disease is caught early enough, one or more additional cleanings will be recommended with special instructions given for improving your daily oral hygiene habits. If the condition has progressed to its more advanced stage (periodontitis), scaling and root planing (also known as a dental deep cleaning) will be necessary. During this procedure, tartar, plaque, and toxins are removed from above and below the gum line (scaling). Rough spots on the teeth’s roots are smoothed out (planing). This makes it more difficult for bacteria to attach to them later on, minimizing the risk of future infection.
Why Periodontal Disease Treatment Matters
While the milder symptoms of gingivitis can usually be reversed, allowing periodontal disease to go untreated can cause permanent damage. The structures keeping your teeth rooted in place can start to break down. Your teeth may come loose or even fall out altogether! In addition to tooth loss, research has shown proven links between gum disease and an increased risk of multiple medical conditions, including heart attack, stroke, type 2 diabetes, osteoporosis, and Alzheimer’s disease. The sooner you can schedule an appointment for periodontal therapy, the more likely you are to avoid some of these serious health risks.