Periodontal Therapy

Gingivitis specifically refers to the initial stage of gum disease. This stage causes inflammation and symptoms like gum discoloration and bleeding, but does not cause irreversible harm. With proper care from Dr. Khanani and good at-home oral care, gingivitis can be completely eliminated. However, if you do not get help in time, the disease may progress and cause irreversible damage to your teeth and gums.

During the later stages of gum disease, the condition can be halted by periodontal care, but it will never be possible to completely eliminate the disease. This is why it’s so important to seek periodontal therapy right away if you believe you have gum disease.

• Puffy, bleeding gums are a very common indicator or gum disease. The gums may bleed quite a bit when brushing or flossing, or even begin to bleed for no apparent reason.
• Persistent bad breath (halitosis) is also common in patients with gum disease. The high levels of oral bacteria may contribute to bad breath or even cause a bad taste in your mouth.
• Another sure indicator of serious periodontal disease is loose teeth. Over time, the bacteria infecting your gums will damage the roots and supporting structures of your teeth. This may cause your teeth to loosen and result in a shift in your bite and a change in how your teeth fit together.

Periodontal care usually begins with a treatment called “scaling and root planing” (also known as a deep cleaning). This treatment is usually performed on one half of your mouth at a time, so the entire process takes two appointments at Khanani Family Dental. Dr. Khanani will use special dental tools to remove plaque and tartar from between your teeth and gums, and smooth out the roots of your teeth where bacteria may collect. This is usually accompanied by an antibiotic treatment.

Together, these periodontal therapies can halt or reverse most cases of minor-to-moderate gum disease. However, additional surgical treatments like gum grafting may be needed to restore your smile if you have a more advanced case of gum disease. To learn more and explore your options for periodontal therapy, schedule a consultation with Dr. Khanani at our Holden dental practice today!