Soft Tissue Management Can Treat and Protect Against Periodontal Disease
Gum disease, also known as periodontal disease, is a chronic oral health concern that can have devastating effects for your smile and physical wellness. Fortunately, Dr. Victor R. Siegel and his team can customize a soft tissue management plan for periodontal disease at their Rockville, MD, practice. Our treatments can eliminate bacteria around the gum line to keep gum disease under control as well as treat inflamed and damaged gums. In this way, we can reduce your risk for tooth loss, as well as systemic health concerns.
What Is Gum Disease?
Gum disease is a common condition that affects almost half of all adults in the US. The condition can develop when bacteria build along your gums. Although bacteria will at first gather on the surface of teeth, it can eventually move underneath your gum line, causing mild to moderate inflammation. This first stage of gum disease is known as gingivitis, and it is usually treatable with a routine dental cleaning. However, without timely care, the bacteria can move deeper into your gums. There, it can form pockets around your tooth roots and lead to more advanced stages of gum disease known as periodontitis. Symptoms of periodontitis can include significant sensitivity, redness and inflammation, gum recession, bad breath, and tooth loss.
Soft Tissue Management with Dr. Siegel
While routine dental cleanings are usually enough to reverse gingivitis, you may require a deep cleaning. This procedure combines scaling and root planing. During this treatment, a member of our team will remove the bacteria from around your gum line and your tooth roots. If needed, they may also use a topical antibiotic to more thoroughly eradicate microbes. We will then smooth your dental roots, carefully buffing away the rough spots that can harbor bacteria. Our team uses very gentle techniques to reduce discomfort and the impact to your gums. You should experience minimal discomfort, but you can receive sedation to ensure your comfort if you suffer from dental anxiety.
Gum disease is a chronic condition. Although a deep cleaning can keep it from advancing, you will need routine care and regular dental cleanings to keep periodontitis at bay. In addition to removing bacteria, plaque, and tartar, we can also suggest oral health changes that you can make at home. We may be able to teach you better ways to brush and floss your teeth. In other cases, reducing sugar consumption can reduce the growth of bacteria. We can also provide treatment or referrals for patients who require more than a deep cleaning, such as soft-tissue grafting to treat areas of recession.
Our effective periodontal maintenance can not only protect your smile, but can safeguard your overall health, and possibly extend your life.
The Importance of Good Periodontal Care
If you are experiencing any of the symptoms of gum disease, it is important to seek treatment as soon as possible. Without appropriate care, the condition can rapidly grow worse. You could experience severe discomfort and, in some cases, you may suffer significant tooth loss. In turn, your jawbone may also start to recede. While our first goal is to treat gum disease before these problems develop, we can also provide appropriate restorative care such as dental implants if you do suffer significant tooth loss.
Periodontal care can also protect your overall health. Gum disease has been linked to an increased risk for high blood pressure, heart attack, and stroke. A gum disease diagnosis can highlight your increased risk for heart disease and other issues, allowing your doctor to take appropriate preventive measures. Our effective periodontal maintenance can not only protect your smile, but can safeguard your overall health, and possibly extend your life.
Protect Your Smile and Health
Do not neglect a crucial aspect of your overall physical wellness. Contact Dr. Siegel’s office to receive the periodontal treatment that you need.
