Why You Shouldn’t Avoid Your Periodontist Appointments

Regular dental exams are an integral part of maintaining good oral health. They can help detect issues while still in the early stages, allowing for effective treatment before the condition worsens. For example, if gum disease is left untreated, it can develop into periodontal disease, which can lead to gum recession, tooth loss, and other problems. A periodontist can treat and monitor gum disease to improve your oral health.

Benefits of Regular Periodontal Care

Even with daily brushing and flossing, you can develop gum disease. Plaque is constantly forming in small nooks and crevices around and between your teeth. If not removed, it can harden into tartar which can irritate your gums and damage your teeth. Plaque can be eliminated with brushing, but once it turns into tartar, your dentist or periodontist must use special tools to remove it.

Gum disease, also known as gingivitis, is reversible if caught early. Common signs include gums that are red, swollen, or bleed easily. If you experience any of these symptoms, it can be beneficial to have a periodontist examine your teeth. They can gently clear away plaque and tartar, allowing your gums to heal and stopping the progression of gum disease.

Gingivitis can develop into periodontal disease, a more serious gum infection. Bacteria and plaque form both above and below the gum line. The infection can cause your gums to shrink or recede and pull away from your teeth. It can also lead to bone loss which can result in teeth becoming loose or falling out.

If you have periodontal disease, your periodontist can create a treatment plan to help slow or halt the progression. This may include things like scaling and root planing to remove plaque and tartar from below the gum line. It creates a smoother surface that makes it harder for bacteria to accumulate. This deep cleaning can improve gum health and management of periodontal disease.

Your periodontist will continue to monitor your gums and take appropriate actions to maintain your oral health. This may include more frequent deep cleanings or other procedures. In more severe cases where gum recession has occurred, gum grafting may be performed to rebuild lost tissue, strengthen support around your teeth, protect the tooth root, and improve aesthetics.

If you have experienced tooth loss due to periodontal disease, not only can your periodontist treat the infection and promote healthier gums, but they can also perform dental implant placement to restore your smile. Good gum health is imperative for implant success, so you will need to continue diligently managing gum disease so that it does not worsen or reoccur.

Promoting a Healthier Smile

Regular visits with a periodontist at Periodontal and Implant Surgeons of Houston can help you maintain a healthy, beautiful smile and keep gum disease at bay. Skipping appointments can allow plaque and tartar to build up and cause complications with your oral health. Learn more about the benefits of consistent periodontal care and how our team of periodontists can help.