Periodontal Disease

A Spotlight on Periodontal Care and Your Health

Periodontal Disease Treatment at Smile Design Team in Dedham, MA

At Smile Design Team, we provide comprehensive treatment for periodontal (gum) disease, helping our patients in Dedham, MA, maintain healthy gums and prevent the progression of this common but serious condition.

What Is Periodontal Disease?

Periodontal disease, also known as gum disease, is an infection of the tissues that hold your teeth in place. It’s typically caused by poor brushing and flossing habits that allow plaqueโ€”a sticky film of bacteriaโ€”to build up on the teeth and harden. In advanced stages, periodontal disease can lead to sore, bleeding gums; painful chewing problems; and even tooth loss.

Stages of Periodontal Disease

  1. Gingivitis: The earliest stage of gum disease, causing inflammation and redness around the gum line. If treated at this stage, gum disease can often be reversed.
  2. Periodontitis: Untreated gingivitis can lead to periodontitis, where the gums pull away from the tooth, forming pockets that become infected. This can lead to a loss of tissue and bone, and, eventually, the teeth may become loose and need to be removed.
Macro photo of an examination of a patient with tartar in a clinic with innovative technologies The mouth is wide open the use of a mirror and instruments in the dental clinic

Symptoms of Periodontal Disease

  • Red, swollen, or tender gums
  • Bleeding while brushing or flossing
  • Receding gums or longer appearing teeth
  • Loose teeth or loss of teeth
  • Persistent bad breath
  • Pus between the teeth and gums
  • Changes in the way teeth fit together when biting

Our Approach to Treating Periodontal Disease

Our treatment for periodontal disease depends on the severity and progression of the condition:

  1. Diagnosis: We start with a thorough examination, including checking for gum recession, assessing how the teeth fit together when biting, and taking X-rays to look at bone health.
  2. Non-Surgical Treatments:
    • Scaling and Root Planing (Deep Cleaning): This procedure involves removing plaque and tartar from above and below the gum line. Root planing smooths rough spots on the tooth root where bacteria gather, helping to remove bacteria that contribute to the disease.
    • Antibiotic Treatment: Antibiotics can help control bacterial infection. We may use antibiotic gels, fibers, or microspheres made with medicine that’s placed inside the gum pockets after scaling and planing.
  3. Surgical Treatments:
    • Flap Surgery/Pocket Reduction Surgery: For patients with significant bone loss or deep pockets that are difficult to clean, this surgery involves lifting back the gums and removing the tartar. The gums are then sutured back in place so that the tissue fits snugly around the tooth again.
    • Bone and Tissue Grafts: These procedures help regenerate any bone or gum tissue lost to periodontitis. Bone grafting, often using synthetic or donated bone, can help promote bone growth, while tissue grafts can cover exposed roots or develop gum tissue where absent.
  4. Maintenance: Following treatment, we will recommend an ongoing maintenance plan that involves regular dental checkups, cleanings, and periodic scaling and root planing to prevent further progression of gum disease.

Why Choose Smile Design Team for Periodontal Care?

  • Expertise and Experience: Our dental professionals are experienced in diagnosing and treating all stages of periodontal disease.
  • Personalized Care Plans: We tailor each treatment plan to meet the specific needs and health conditions of our patients.
  • Advanced Treatment Options: We use state-of-the-art technology and methods to provide the most effective treatments for gum disease.
  • Supportive and Informative: We help our patients understand their condition and the importance of comprehensive oral care in preventing disease progression.

Other Services at Smile Design Team

In addition to periodontal care, we offer a full range of dental services:

Get Started with Your Periodontal Treatment

Are you experiencing symptoms of periodontal disease? Donโ€™t wait. Contact Smile Design Team today to schedule your consultation. Our team is ready to help you restore your oral health and maintain your beautiful smile.

Take control of your gum health with periodontal care from Smile Design Team โ€“ where your dental health is our top priority!