Periodontics
The healthy smile your life depends on
Periodontal Treatment in Dublin
We routinely evaluate our patients’ periodontal health during our initial exam and at all hygiene (cleaning) visits. Our doctor will tailor your periodontal treatment plan based on your oral health and individual needs.
Routine Hygiene Cleanings
We routinely evaluate our patients’ periodontal health during our initial exam and at all hygiene (cleaning) visits. Our doctor will tailor your periodontal treatment plan based on your oral health and individual needs. Learn about periodontics, its causes, and its treatments below.
What is periodontal disease?
Periodontal disease is a serious gum infection. It’s preventable with good oral hygiene. If you suspect you have periodontitis, see your dentist.
Do routine hygiene cleanings prevent periodontal issues?
Yes! If you are periodontally healthy, you do not have gum pocketing, bleeding, bone loss, or heavy plaque accumulation. This can result from routine “cleaning” and polishing. Patients who come in for routine hygiene cleanings at our dental office can help ward off periodontal disease, which may start with the appearance of plaque and bleeding gums when brushing or flossing. Advanced periodontal disease can lead to deep gum pockets and bone loss.
What are periodontal scaling and root planing?
When we discover signs of gum disease, we often recommend scaling and root planing treatments. This more extensive cleaning treatment frequently helps our patients return to optimal periodontal health, and may eliminate the need for periodontal surgery. During this procedure, we remove plaque and tartar buildup from above and below the gum line. This is the scaling portion of the approach. We then smooth the tooth roots to ensure the gums reattach to the teeth, which is what we call planing. For patients with more isolated areas of gum disease, we offer localized treatment with medications placed directly into the affected area.
What causes periodontitis gum disease?
Patients frequently ask us what causes periodontal disease. This condition starts as gingivitis, which is a progressive concentration of inflammation of the gums. As bacteria living in the plaque on your teeth infects the surrounding gum tissue, this condition develops into periodontal disease. The following may cause gingivitis and periodontal disease:
- Changes in hormones – During pregnancy, puberty, menopause, and menstruation, gums are extra-sensitive, making them more susceptible to periodontal disease.
- Immune system compromising illnesses – Cancer, diabetes, and HIV tend to weaken the immune system. A weakened immune system can make your gums plagued by periodontal disease in addition to other oral health issues.
- Medications – Certain medications can reduce the flow of saliva and cause dry mouth. Saliva helps to protect your mouth from harmful bacteria. If you take certain medications that slow your saliva production, bacteria can build up on your gums, causing periodontal disease.
- Habitual behaviors – Smoking and grinding your teeth are culprits of an increased risk of gum disease. Identifying and stopping these behaviors can greatly reduce your chances of having periodontal disease.
- Family history – Hereditary causes can play a role in periodontal disease. If a parent or sibling has gum disease, ensuring you attend regular hygiene appointments is even more important to reduce your chances of hereditary periodontal disease.
Want to talk more about periodontal therapy? Call us at 614-655-3457 to discuss your options.