When considering oral health, a lot of attention is paid to the teeth, keeping them strong, white, and free of cavities. This can leave the gums somewhat neglected, even though they also play a major part in good oral health. At North County Dental Group, we can offer tips and guidance on how to best care for your teeth and gums in order to avoid developing problems. We are also available to patients if problems do occur, such as periodontal disease. Our periodontal treatment in Poway, CA can effectively restore health to the gums.

What is Periodontal Disease?

Periodontal disease, also known as gum disease, is an infection in the gums caused by a buildup of bacteria. It is usually the result of bad oral care practices, namely failing to brush and floss regularly. The early stage of gum disease is called gingivitis, and can present symptoms such as red or swollen gums, sensitive teeth, or bad breath that won’t go away. If left untreated, it could progress into more serious stages, potentially leading to gum recession or even tooth loss. It is beneficial to receive treatment as soon as possible in order to stop the progression of the disease and to restore health to the gums.

Periodontal Treatment

There are a few types of periodontal treatment available. For advanced stages, surgery may be needed. However, your dentist at North County Dental Group will first recommend more non-invasive forms of periodontal treatment in Poway, CA.

A popular treatment for periodontal disease is a scaling and root planing, also referred to as a deep cleaning. It is similar to a regular cleaning that all patients need as part of a good oral care routine, but it goes deeper into the gums. For the scaling portion, your dentist will clean out the areas below the gumline of plaque and bacteria. The tooth roots will then be planed, or smoothed out, to help the gums reattach to the teeth and reduce the chances of a buildup occurring again. Because it can be more uncomfortable than a routine cleaning, local anesthesia is usually administered for this procedure.

Your dentist may also prescribe antibiotics to treat periodontal disease, either in the form of a mouth rinse or a gel. Either treatment will eliminate harmful bacteria from the mouth to restore health.