Periodontal therapy is a term used to describe a range of treatments that focus on treating a periodontal disease or gum disease. This disease is a severe condition that can cause damage to the gums, teeth, and bone structure of the mouth. Periodontal disease can contribute to tooth loss and other serious health problems if left untreated.
This blog post will discuss periodontal therapy and its benefits for your health.
What is Periodontal Disease?
Periodontal disease is a bacterial infection that upsets the gums and bone structure supporting teeth. The escalation of plaque, a sticky film of bacteria that builds on the teeth, causes it.
If plaque is not removed through regular brushing and flossing, it can be formed as tartar, which a dental professional can only remove. The bacteria in plaque and tartar can lead to inflammation and infection in the gums, leading to periodontal disease.
The signs of periodontal disease include:
- Red, swollen, or tender gums
- Bleeding gums when brushing or flossing
- Receding gums, which can make the teeth look longer
- Loose or shifting teeth
- Changes in the way your teeth fit when biting or chewing
- Persistent bad breath or even a foul taste in your mouth
If you have any of these symptoms, seeing your dentist for an evaluation is essential.
What is Periodontal Therapy?
Periodontal therapy is a range of treatments used to treat periodontal disease. Periodontal therapy aims to remove the plaque and tartar buildup causing infection and inflammation in the gums. There are several types of periodontal therapy, including:
- Scaling and Root Planing: This deep cleaning removes plaque and tartar from the surfaces of teeth and below the gum line. It also smooths the tooth roots to help prevent the future buildup of bacteria.
- Antibiotics: Dental professionals may prescribe Antibiotics to treat bacterial infections in the gums.
- Surgery: In some cases, surgery may be needed to remove infected tissue or reshape the gums.
- Dental Implants: If teeth have been lost due to periodontal disease, they can be replaced.
Benefits of Periodontal Therapy
There are several benefits of periodontal therapy for your health. These include:
1. Improved Oral Health
Periodontal therapy can improve oral health by removing the bacteria that cause periodontal disease. This can help prevent tooth loss and other oral health problems.
2. Reduced Risk of Systemic Diseases
Periodontal disease has been linked to several systemic diseases, including heart disease, diabetes, and stroke. By treating periodontal disease, you can reduce your risk of developing these diseases.
3. Prevention of Tooth Loss
Periodontal therapy can help prevent tooth loss by treating the underlying cause of periodontal disease. This can help preserve your natural teeth and prevent the need for dentures or dental implants.
4. Improved Quality of Life
Periodontal disease can cause pain, discomfort, and embarrassment. By treating periodontal disease, you can improve your quality of life by reducing these symptoms.
5. Lower Healthcare Costs
Treating periodontal disease can help lower healthcare costs by reducing the need for more invasive and expensive treatments, such as dental implants or surgery.
Conclusion
Periodontal therapy is essential for maintaining good oral and overall health. If you have symptoms of periodontal disease, it is vital to see your dentist for an evaluation. With the proper treatment, you can prevent tooth loss, reduce your risk of systemic diseases, and improve your quality of life. Talk to your dental professional today to learn about periodontal therapy.
Manassas Smiles provides dental care services to patients in and around Manassas, Centreville, and many Northern VA communities. With a team of experienced dentists and state-of-the-art facilities, patients can expect high-quality treatments for various dental concerns, from cosmetic dentistry and dental implants to gum disease treatment, all under one roof. Do not hesitate to contact our dentist in Annandale, VA today to learn more about our services or to schedule an appointment.
