Periodontal Therapy

There is a myth that when people get older their teeth start falling out. The truth is many adults do experience tooth loss, however, it is not due to aging. More often than not it is due to improper oral hygiene and the lack of general dental treatments. Periodontitis is the leading cause of tooth loss in all adults, not just senior citizens. Fortunately, the rate has diminished over the years according to a report by the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research. You do not need to be a victim of periodontal disease. Corrective measures can be taken to restore your oral health.

The early stages of periodontitis begin with gingivitis when the gums become red and swollen. Left untreated, tartar builds up pushing the gums away from the teeth. Tartar is a hard yellow-brownish substance that can only be removed by a professional cleaning. Pockets form along the gum line with the tartar buildup which can cause food debris to get trapped. More bacteria forms along with the plaque and interacts with the food debris and the chemicals produced by the body's immune system to fight off infection causing even more tartar to form. This interplay of substances produces acids which breakdown soft tissue and bone around the teeth causing them to loosen and eventually fall out.

Treatment for Periodontitis

Cleaning all the tartar from around the teeth is the first step in treating the disease. The hygienists at Frederick Dental is skilled at removing it without causing undue discomfort. Once the teeth are free from the tartar and plaque, measurements are taken around each tooth to determine the extent of the damage and depth of the pockets. This exam will aid in development of a treatment plan. Dr. Frederick will talk to you about your options if you experience pain with the periodontitis. You may need to be treated for pain and infection. You may also be given a prescription for special mouthwash and/or toothpaste.

Deep Cleaning, Scaling and Root Planing

Dental instruments designed to remove tartar and plaque are used to deep clean your teeth. Once all the debris is removed, the tooth roots will be scaled and planed to smooth them out. This is done in order to allow the gums to reattach to the teeth as part of the healing process.

Be sure to keep your follow-up appointments so that Dr. Frederick can monitor the progress of healing. These visits will also allow him to determine what more, if anything, is needed to aid the healing process. Keeping your mouth healthy will go a long way in keeping your entire body healthy and your teeth intact. Contact Frederick Dental today to schedule an appointment for yourself or a member of your family.