Gum disease is a common but serious condition that can significantly impact your oral health if left untreated. At Emerald Isle Smiles, we are dedicated to helping our patients maintain healthy gums and prevent the progression of periodontal disease. Our compassionate team understands that gum health is essential for a confident smile and your overall well-being. By addressing gum disease early and effectively, we aim to restore oral health and provide the foundation for a lifetime of strong, healthy teeth.
Diagnosing Gum Disease
While there are key signs of developing gum disease that we screen for routinely, the earlier we can catch an emerging infection, the more conservative the treatment can be. Dr. Myers uses OralDNA salivary testing to analyze the health of your gums through oral saliva. Easy to perform, OralDNA testing can identify existing pathogens that can lead to gum disease and are also associated with overall health and wellness issues. This is especially important as we age due to the connection between oral health and systemic health and wellness. Keeping the gums and teeth healthy will support your ability to enjoy better overall health.
Other common signs of developing gum disease or gingivitis can include redness or swelling along the gum line, gums that bleed when brushing and flossing, and even persistent bad breath. If you have concerns about the condition of your gums, schedule a visit and discuss them with Dr. Myers.
Treatment For Periodontitis And Gum Disease
Have you been diagnosed with gum disease? Don’t be concerned. We can help. We can correct the problem and protect your healthy smile with thoughtful treatment and careful maintenance. Depending on your individual condition and needs, Dr. Myers may recommend a treatment known by several names. It’s sometimes called root planing and scaling, periodontal cleaning, or “deep cleaning.”
The Problem:
- A bacterial infection has become too engrained to be remedied by a routine cleaning.
- Plaque has solidified into calculus deposits that are sitting under the surface of your gums, continuing to irritate the gums and spread infection.
The Solution:
- Removing the calculus from below the gumline using special tools.
- Smoothing the root surfaces to be sure plaque can’t get traction there.
- Once the plaque and calculus are removed, your gums can finally heal.
Periodontitis, advanced gum disease, is caused by a sticky film of bacteria called plaque. Plaque is always trying to build up on your teeth, and if your teeth aren’t cleaned well, the bacteria in plaque can cause your gum tissue to become inflamed. If left untreated, your gums will begin to pull away from your teeth, leaving pockets where the bacteria can breed.
What Is Scaling And Root Planing Treatment?
Scaling and root planing is a two-part procedure to treat periodontitis. Scaling is when Dr. Myers removes all of the plaque and tartar (calcified plaque) above and below your gum line, a process similar to what the hygienist does at a regular dental cleaning. It’s important that she cleans all the way down to the bottom of the pocket. Dr. Myers then begins the second phase of treatment, which is root planing. Root planing involves smoothing out your teeth roots to help your gums re-attach to your teeth. This also keeps bacteria, plaque, and tartar from re-adhering underneath the gum line. The process may take more than one appointment to ensure your teeth are clean and healthy.
After Your Procedure
When you see Dr. Myers for follow-up treatments, she will want to check on the healing of your teeth and gums. In most cases, patients with red or swollen gums find their gums turning pink again, and bleeding from periodontitis lessens or completely disappears. You won’t need further treatment if your gums respond well and remain stable.
Remember that gum disease treatment may require some follow-up maintenance and monitoring. More frequent cleanings will help protect your recovering gums and allow us to monitor your progress.
Each case of gum disease is different. If the infection is extensive, you may need additional help. Whatever your situation is, we can discuss your options and help you with a plan to regain control of your oral health. Don’t put it off any longer! Talk to us today about your options.
Periodontal Splinting
One of the effects of periodontal disease is the gradual loosening of the teeth as the surrounding gum and bone tissue is compromised. Teeth can also become loosened by traumatic injury. In both cases, chewing can be painful and difficult. One solution for loose teeth is periodontal splinting, meaning that the teeth can be splinted or joined together to distribute the bite pressure evenly among them.
How Does A Periodontal Splint Work?
A splint can either be temporary or fixed. Teeth can be splinted together temporarily with extra-coronal splints, which are bonded to the enamel, or intra-coronal splints, which involve cutting a small channel into the teeth and inserting and cementing a custom metal splint in place. In permanent or fixed splinting, the crowns of the affected teeth are literally fused together.
Here at Emerald Isle Smiles, we want all of our patients to be able to enjoy the comfortable use of their teeth. If you’re struggling with painful, loose teeth, give us a call or use our online request form to set up an appointment. Dr. Myers can examine your teeth and determine whether you are a good candidate for periodontal splinting.