Periodontal Maintenance in Memphis TN
Periodontal Maintenance
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Periodontal disease is one of the most common issues in the United States. In fact, it is predicted that approximately half of American adults have gum disease to some extent. There are many different treatment options for those suffering from problems with their gums, and the sooner you schedule an appointment with your periodontist, the better. After all, if you leave gum disease to develop and get worse, it can end up resulting in tooth loss, which is the last thing you want!
Here at the Periodontal Associates of Memphis, we provide a lot of our patients with regular periodontal treatment to keep on top of their condition. This is known as periodontal maintenance. Discover more about it below, and please do not hesitate to give our friendly team a call if you would like to find out more.
Periodontitis: What is it? What are the Symptoms of Gum Disease?
Before we tell you a little bit more about periodontal maintenance, it is important to get a better understanding of this gum condition. Periodontitis is gum disease, which damages the soft tissue and can end up destroying the bone that supports your teeth if you do not get treatment. This is why it is imperative to get in touch with us as soon as you notice any signs of gum disease. Peridontitis can ultimately result in your teeth loosening, which can cause tooth loss.
WHAT CAUSES GUM DISEASE?
There are a number of different reasons why you may end up experiencing gum disease. It ultimately happens when plaque is formed, which is a sticky film that is mainly composed of bacteria. When this is left without treatment, it can eventually result in periodontitis, and here is how:
- Plaque forms on your teeth when the sugars and starches within food interact with the bacteria that are normally found in your mouth. Flossing once a day and brushing your teeth twice per day can help to remove plaque, but it does re-form quickly.
- Plaque can harden into tartar under your gum line if it remains on your teeth. It is much more difficult to remove tartar, and it is filled with bacteria. The longer that tartar and plaque remain on your teeth, the greater damage they do. Flossing and brushing will not enable you to get rid of tartar. A professional dentist will need to clean your teeth in order to do this.
- Gingivitis can arise from plaque. This is the mildest type of gum disease. It causes inflammation and irritation. Professional dental treatment can help to reverse this.
- Periodontitis occurs if gingivitis is not treated, as pockets develop between your teeth and gums that end up becoming filled with bacteria, tartar, and plaque. These pockets will become deeper and deeper, causing infections, which can result in bone and tooth loss. Not only this, but your immune system can be put under strain from ongoing chronic inflammation, which is why treatment is critical.
SOME OF THE MOST COMMON SYMPTOMS OF PERIODONTITIS
There are a number of different symptoms that are associated with gum disease. When gums are healthy, they are pale pink, firm, and they fit around the teeth snugly. However, when gums are not healthy, you may notice the following symptoms:
- A change in the manner in which your teeth fit together whenever you bite
- Gums that recede, i.e pull away from your teeth, which makes your teeth look longer than normal
- Gums that are puffy or swollen
- Gums that are purplish, dusky red, or bright red
- New spaces that develop in between your teeth
- Pain when you chew
- Loss of teeth or loose teeth
- Pus between your gums and teeth
- Bad breath
- Spitting out blood whenever you floss or brush your teeth
- A pink-tinged toothbrush once you have brushed your teeth
- Gums that bleed with ease
- Gums that feel tender when you touch them
What is Periodontal Maintenance?
Periodontal maintenance involves a series of appointments whereby we can help you to get your gums back to a healthy condition. We will explain more about periodontal disease, the extent of the disease you are suffering from, and what you can do to protect your gums in the future. You may be advised to have other treatment, like surgery, however, maintenance visits are vital.
When periodontal disease is first found, scaling and root planing are needed to get rid of the bacteria, tartar, and plaque that is underneath your gum line. This treatment will help to disrupt bacteria growth. However, bacteria can remain and it will settle back into the pocket, which means it can reproduce, making the issue worse all over again! This is why repeat treatments are imperative.
While there may not be a complete cure for gum disease, by having a three-month periodontal maintenance plan in place, you can help to prevent the more aggressive and extensive treatment. This is because the bacteria that cause gum disease will re-establish within three months, which is why this is the recommended time period for your maintenance appointments.
Of course, the exact course of treatment you need will depend on the extent of the gum disease. This is why your periodontist will always assess your gums and make recommendations based on this. Nevertheless, regular periodontal maintenance appointments are certainly one of the best ways to protect your gums and teeth both now and in the future.
Contact Us Today For More Information Regarding Periodontal Maintenance
If a patient fails to follow-up with periodontal cleanings and gum disease worsens, laser gum therapy or surgical intervention may be required to address worsening periodontitis. It is advised to make and keep regular periodontal cleaning appointments to avoid advancement of periodontal disease.
Contact us today for an appointment and discover what a deep cleaning can do.