Want To Keep Your Teeth? Periodontal Therapy Is The Key

Periodontal Disease Symptoms

One of the biggest symptoms affecting those with periodontal disease is bleeding gums. The problem usually indicates that something is wrong with a patient’s gums, however few realize it or, even if they do, they don’t seek treatment. Without regular visits to a dentist and periodontist and proper home dental care, plaque and tartar buildup can increase your gums’ sensitivity. If left untreated, the buildup can lead to periodontal disease and even eventual tooth loss. Other symptoms of gingivitis include receding gums, swollen gums, loose teeth, separating teeth, and consistent bad breath.

Periodontal Disease Is Common

Unfortunately, periodontal disease is far from rare, making your periodontist visits and periodontal therapy that much more important. The Center for Disease Control reports that in 2009 and 2010 over 64 million adults (roughly 42%) in the United States had some form of periodontal disease, ranging from mild to serious. Factors contributing to periodontal disease include age, cigarette smoke, pharmaceutical drugs/medications, and a person’s genetic makeup.

Unfortunately, most people don’t realize they have the disease, and do not do something until it has gotten much worse and the symptoms more severe. Further, people don’t realize that the mouth has a serious effect on the health of the body. Left untreated, periodontal disease can lead to a number of health problems including heart disease.

Periodontists like Dr. Aalam and Dr. Krivitsky specialize in periodontal therapy and can help patients with periodontal disease get their mouths healthy. Treatment may include periodontal scaling, root planing, and, in more severe cases, gum surgery.

Periodontal scaling is the process of removing the built up tartar and plaque from the crown’s surface. Often, this treatment is coupled with an antimicrobial agent that helps reduce the bad bacteria in the area. Root planing also removes unwanted surface bacteria, but does so by scaling the root of the tooth, which is made of a soft material called cementum. Cementum’s soft consistency makes it an easy target for plaque and tartar build up.

Dr. Aalam and Dr. Krivitsky are experienced periodontists team in Brentwood and regularly administer periodontal therapy to help their patients. If you are experiencing any of the symptoms previously mentioned, please call our office at (310) 826-8242 to book your appointment today and improve your overall oral health.

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