Periodontal Care
 Your periodontal (gum) tissues are an important part of your smile and oral health. Without proper periodontal care, gum disease will likely occur. At Calapooia Family Dental, we provide the necessary periodontal care to ensure your smile stays healthy and beautiful for years to come.
What Is Periodontal Disease?
Periodontal, or gum disease, is one of the most common dental problems Americans face today. Much like the other most common problem, tooth decay, periodontal disease is caused by the bacteria found in plaque buildup. In response to this bacteria, your immune system produces toxins that unfortunately result in an infection of healthy tissues as well.
We refer to this infection like periodontal disease. The first stage of periodontal disease is known as gingivitis. Luckily, gingivitis is easy to treat and reverse. Without the proper treatment, it will advance to periodontitis, which is much more detrimental for your oral health.
Gingivitis results in swollen and red gums that tend to bleed easily during brushing and flossing. Periodontitis can cause several symptoms, some of which include:
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Receding gums
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Deep Periodontal pockets between your teeth and gums
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Persistent bad breath or taste in your mouth
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Pain when chewing
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Infection or inflammatory response in other areas of your body
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A sudden change in the way your teeth fit together
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Loose teeth |
The Importance of Periodontal Care
As periodontal disease progresses, the infection spreads to the connective ligaments and underlying bone. Without proper treatment, this infection can threaten the life of one or more teeth. Periodontal disease is the leading cause of tooth loss in the United States.
Professional periodontal care and a good at-home routine can help prevent this problem before it results in major complications for your oral health. Patient education is perhaps the most important part of periodontal care. Knowing why periodontal disease occurs and how to prevent it can save you a significant amount of time in the dental chair.
Treating Periodontal Disease
Periodontal care, like all of our treatments, begins with an initial consultation. During your first appointment, Dr. Summers or Dr. Hagerty will review your dental history and perform a comprehensive exam to establish a baseline for your oral health. If we diagnose you with periodontal disease, the type of treatment we recommend depends on the current status of your infection.
In many cases, gingivitis can be treated and reversed with improvements to your daily oral hygiene. At this stage, the disease has yet to cause irreparable damage. We will review the proper brushing and flossing techniques during your appointment to ensure you implement a strong at-home hygiene routine.
Periodontitis is usually treated with a procedure known as scaling and root planing. During your scaling and root planing, we use an ultrasonic scaler to eliminate plaque and tartar deposits from the surfaces of your teeth. Once this is complete, we smooth out any rough surfaces on your roots. Planing the roots prevents plaque, tartar, and bacteria from reestablishing below the gumline.
After your treatment, your gums should return to a pink, healthy state. Be sure to voice any questions or concerns during your appointment to prevent a reoccurrence.
Schedule Your Appointment Now!
Don't neglect your periodontal health! Call (541) 936-9222 to schedule a consultation today! |
Hours
(541) 936-9222 
Drs. Summers and Hagerty