Periodontal Disease

Periodontal Disease Treatment in St. George, UT

Everything You Need to Know About Periodontal Disease

Periodontal disease is a dangerous condition that causes inflammation and infection of your gum tissue. You can reduce your risk of periodontal disease by maintaining a consistent daily oral hygiene routine and visiting the dentist annually for check-ups and professional teeth cleaning. At Plumb Dental, we have extensive experience diagnosing, evaluating, preventing, and treating periodontal disease in St. George, UT. We offer thorough patient education and preventive dental care that can slow or reverse the progression of periodontal disease or prevent it from developing. Contact us today to schedule a consultation or treatment for periodontal disease.

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Causes of Periodontal Gum Disease

Approximately 50% of all adults in the U.S. have some form of gum disease. The primary cause of periodontal gum disease is poor oral hygiene. When you don’t floss and brush regularly, tartar and bacteria build up on your teeth and gums. Eventually, this hardens into plaque, which harbors dangerous bacteria that can cause gum infection and inflammation. Some people are at a higher risk of developing gum disease even if they maintain a proper oral hygiene routine. Your risk of periodontal disease may increase if you:

Periodontal Disease Symptoms

The symptoms of periodontal disease vary depending on the stage of the disease. The most common symptoms are:

Red or purple gum tissue.

Bleeding gums.

Gums that are sore or tender.

Red or purple gum tissue.

Bad breath.

Bleeding gums.

A bad taste in the mouth.

Receding gums and loose teeth.

Increase in gaps between the teeth.

Pain when chewing, brushing, flossing, and drinking hot or cold beverages.

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Periodontal Disease Stages

Periodontal disease progresses the longer it goes untreated. If you recognize the early warning signs of the disease, you can get treatment for periodontal disease before it progresses to advanced periodontal disease. Some stages of periodontal disease can be reversed with swift intervention and periodontal disease treatment. The four periodontal disease stages are:

Periodontal Disease Treatment Options

If you recognize any of the above symptoms of periodontal disease, schedule a consultation for dental services immediately. We will diagnose periodontal disease by thoroughly examining your teeth and gums, as well as evaluating your symptoms and lifestyle. Treatment for periodontal disease can help reverse its effects and slow or stop the progression of the disease. Our periodontal disease treatment options include:

Lifestyle changes

Making lifestyle changes is the most effective way to prevent or reverse periodontal disease in its earliest stages. You should brush your teeth twice a day, floss at least once a day, and use a fluoridated, antiseptic mouthwash. You should also visit the dentist yearly for a check-up and dental cleaning. Quitting smoking, drinking plenty of water, and limiting alcohol and caffeine can also reduce your risk of periodontal disease.

Dental Cleaning

Routine dental cleanings help reduce plaque and tartar buildup on your teeth, thereby lowering your risk of periodontal disease.

Scaling and root planing

Scaling and root planing is an advanced treatment for periodontal disease. During this process, your dentist will thoroughly clean your teeth and gums. They will remove plaque and bacteria from between teeth and under the gums. It may take more than one dental visit, and your dentist will likely use local anesthesia to prevent pain and discomfort. You may also need to take antibiotics to fight the infection.

Laser surgery

Laser surgery can reduce the size of your gum pockets and prevent tooth loss. Your dentist will target diseased gum tissue using a small, handheld laser device.

Risks of Avoiding Periodontal Disease Treatment

While periodontal disease isn't life-threatening, it can affect the health of your teeth, gums, and bones. If the infection caused by periodontal disease spreads through your bloodstream to other parts of your body, it can cause complications and other health conditions like heart disease and stroke. Without treatment, periodontal disease will progress and worsen. Infections caused by periodontal disease can damage or destroy the supporting bone in your mouth, leading to tooth loss. At Plumb Dental, we will take aggressive steps to reduce your risk of complications associated with periodontal disease. 

St. George, UT

Schedule a Visit for Treatment of Periodontal Disease

If you have noticed any symptoms of periodontal disease, call us today or contact us online to schedule a consultation. With early intervention and treatment of periodontal disease, we can reduce your risk of permanent damage, tooth loss, and the need for dental restoration. We will work closely with you to enhance your oral hygiene routine and prevent complications associated with periodontal disease.