Gum disease is a serious issue, and top quality periodontics care offers a chance to reserve healthy teeth and gums. That’s why David Moghimi, DDS, and the team at Dr. David’s Family Dentistry and Orthodontics in Montebello, California, offer caring and compassionate periodontics services. To set up a visit, call today or try the online booking page any time of day or night.
Periodontics is a focus within general dentistry that addresses your gum health. Your gums play a critical role in creating a barrier between the ever-changing environment in your mouth and your bloodstream.
When your gums become diseased, they can pull away from the surface of your teeth, creating pockets that allow bacteria to thrive. In advanced stages, bacteria from your mouth can enter your bloodstream and move throughout your body.
Researchers find links between gum disease and numerous serious health conditions, including heart disease. You should take good care of your gums to reduce those risks and also help ensure your gum tissue stays strong enough to help hold your teeth in position.
Understanding the signs of gum disease helps you know when to take steps to seek professional care.
The early stage of gum disease, gingivitis often brings bleeding when brushing or flossing your teeth. Your gums might appear more pink or red than usual and could be sore after brushing. Gingivitis is usually reversible with proper dental hygiene.
In this advanced stage of gum disease, gums begin to pull away from the teeth, creating tiny spaces where bacteria can thrive and where you can’t effectively clear away plaque and tartar. Bad breath, loose teeth, and significant bleeding when brushing are all signs. This stage usually requires professional intervention to restore healthy gums.
If you notice these changes, schedule a diagnostic exam right away to determine if you have gum disease.
The first step in treating gum disease is often a procedure called scaling and root planing. Your dentist uses a tool called a scaler to scrape plaque and tartar off of your teeth, including beneath the gumline. Root planing smooths the surface of tooth roots, making it difficult for plaque and tartar to take hold.
Gum grafting is sometimes required to replace damaged or receding gum tissue. Tissue removed from another area of your mouth and secured to your gumline helps build up your gum tissue.
If advanced gum disease caused tooth loss, dental implants might be a good treatment path. Implants permanently replace one or more missing teeth using artificial tooth roots.
If you’d like more information, book a visit at Dr. David’s Family Dentistry and Orthodontics with a phone call or take a few moments to schedule an appointment online.