Periodontics

Did you know that, according to the American Dental Association, an estimated 75% of Americans over the age of 35 have some form of gum disease? This silent, yet prevalent disease can be quite problematic, not just for your gums but for your overall health as well. Should the disease progress, it can lead to other very serious issues such as respiratory illness, heart disease, stroke, and even complications with pregnancy. Advanced Family Dental & Orthodontics is proud to have a leading periodontics department that can identify your symptoms and provide you with expert care.

Our Services

Our treatment methods will vary depending on the stage and severity of the illness that has affected your gums. Here are a few procedures you might expect if you’re experiencing gum disease.

• Deep Cleaning (Scaling and Root Planing) – This non-surgical treatment method allows us to remove plaque and tartar from deep within the gum tissues. Then, we will thoroughly clean your gum tissue and surrounding areas, including the dental enamel, roots, and gum pockets. By doing so, we can eliminate the cause of infection and restore your gums back to health.
• Pocket Reduction Procedure – If your symptoms have progressed to a point of requiring surgical intervention, this may be a treatment method that could help. During this procedure, we will fold the gum tissue back to remove bacteria that is hidden within the gum pockets and eliminate infection.
• Gum Graft Procedure – This procedure allows us to remedy the damages that have been made to your gums as a result of periodontal disease. Here, we will supplement your receding gum line with tissue from either your palate or a donor.

Identifying Your Risk of Gum Disease

Like any illness, it is important to identify gum disease early in order to prevent the issue from progressing. In its earliest stages, gum disease begins as an infection of the gums known as gingivitis. As the disease advances, it can affect the jaw bone, teeth, and even your overall health.

The key to addressing periodontal disease is prevention. It is important to know your risk of periodontal disease to ensure that you diligently care for your gums and make routine visits to the dentist to receive a professional cleaning. If you experience any of the following risk factors for gum disease, you may have a higher chance of experiencing some form of this illness:

• Buildup of dental plaque
• Poor nutrition
• Smoking and/or using tobacco products
• Genetic predisposition to gum disease
• Chronic stress
• Diabetes
• Hormonal fluctuations
• Bruxism (teeth grinding)

If you’ve identified yourself as high risk for gum disease, or if you’ve noticed bleeding or inflammation of the gums, call our offices straight away. We will help to identify the issue and bring your gums back to good health.