Soft Tissue Management (STM): Improving the Health of Your Gums
Dr. Victor R. Siegel believes in providing patients with expert dental care, emphasizing total wellness and great results. This focus on general dentistry, patient education, and preventative dental care has made his practice one of the leading centers in the Rockville area.
When it comes to treating dental problems, it requires coordination and cooperation between dentist and patients. That's precisely what's behind Soft Tissue Management (STM), a great approach to dealing with gum disease and improving periodontal health.
About Gum Disease
Gum disease refers to the infection of the gums, a problem that three-quarters of adults suffer from. When this happens, it leads to a number of serious health problems and issues. There are three different stages of gum disease. Progressing from least serious to most serious, they are as follows:
- Gingivitis
- Periodontitis
- Advanced periodontitis
The Dangers of Gum Disease
If gum disease goes untreated, it can lead to many problems with your overall dental health.
Early symptoms and problems associated with gum disease include:
- Bad breath
- Tooth discoloration
- Swollen gums
- Bleeding gums
- Gum irritation
If left untreated and allowed to progress, gum disease can result in much more serious dental problems and wellness issues, including:
- Gum recession
- Loose teeth
- Changes in dental alignment
- Spread of infection
- Tooth loss
Clearly it's important to treat gum disease as soon as possible and to prevent it from even occurring. This is why we are pleased to offer Soft Tissue Management (STM).
What Is Soft Tissue Management (STM)?
Soft Tissue Management (STM) is an advanced approach to preventing and treating gum disease. There are numerous approaches at a restorative, general, and preventative level, and we will use all three to help keep patient's smile as healthy and beautiful as possible for the many years to come.
How Does Soft Tissue Management (STM) Work?
As we noted above, Soft Tissue Management (STM) takes a general, restorative, and preventative approach. That means the following:
- Addressing signs of inflammation of the gums
- Reducing pocket depths
- Removing excess plaque and tartar
- Educating patients for great at-home care
Ideal Candidates for Soft Tissue Management (STM)
Given the prevalence of gum disease among adults, Soft Tissue Management (STM) is a great option to consider for people of all ages. An ongoing commitment to periodontal health is the best way to ensure lasting dental wellness for the years ahead.
What to Expect During Soft Tissue Management (STM) Treatment
An Soft Tissue Management (STM) management program will typically involve two to four dental visits, each one customized to address a patient's periodontal health needs. It's not uncommon for an STM session to involve a routine cleaning as well as a deep cleaning (root planing and scaling). For issues with gum recession, oral surgery may be recommended to help restore the gumline.
Since all STM plans are unique the patients, we will be able to discuss these matters in greater detail during a dental visit.
The Results of Soft Tissue Management (STM)
The primary aim of Soft Tissue Management (STM) is to make people smile with renewed health and confidence, and patients who undergo the process have excellent smiles as a result. Since there is an emphasis on oral hygiene at home and preventative care, patients can experience the benefits of great dental health for a long time, which is one of the best results of all—it's about patient wellness as well as patient empowerment.
Contact Dr. Victor R. Siegel
To learn more about Soft Tissue Management and improving periodontal health, be sure to contact our cosmetic and restorative dentistry center today. Dr. Victor R. Siegel and the team at the practice look forward to your visit and discussing these matters in greater detail.
