Proactive care for the gums that protect and surround your teeth!
“Periodontal” refers to the tissues that surround and protect our teeth. Soft tissues, such as the gums, can become damaged due to disease. In fact, periodontal or gum disease is a leading cause of tooth loss. It is particularly common among adult patients aged 30 and older, though all individuals with certain risk factors such as high stress lifestyles, diabetes and tobacco use are susceptible to this devastating and progressive condition.
Treatment to resolve gum inflammation and disease depends on the stage of the condition. At Sky Dental in Littleton, we partner closely with patients to prevent periodontal disease and protect their gums by performing annual screenings, saliva testing for risk factors, and modifications to oral hygiene. We will intervene promptly with appropriate hygiene modifications and services if we find that infection is present.
Treatment for Periodontal Disease
When gingivitis or gingival inflammation is not addressed, gum disease can advance to “periodontitis” or periodontal disease. Periodontitis breaks down the attachments between the teeth, gums, and supporting bone. When bone is lost, it is lost for good. We try to avoid this at all costs with prompt and proactive preventive and restorative care.
When periodontal disease is present, pockets or spaces form between the teeth and gums as the disease progresses, which require treatment with initial periodontal disease therapy. This treatment starts with a non-surgical process called “scaling and root planing” (SRP) to remove bacteria, plaque, and tartar from both the teeth and gum line and underneath the gum line. The pockets are then flushed out with medicaments and treated with a laser to remove any residual bacteria and promote gum healing.
After initial periodontal treatment is completed, your hygienist will recommend that you have follow up cleanings, called periodontal maintenance every 3-4 months. Periodontal maintenance cleanings differ from “regular cleanings” in that they are focused on arresting the disease process, and maintaining your gum health by cleaning above and below the gumline to remove bacterial biofilms, plaque, tartar and stain on a more frequent basis.
If you are due for a check-up, do not wait! We can prevent the devastating effects of gum damage. Call Sky Dental at (303) 979-9488. Or our Littleton team can be reached via this website.
