Periodontal Care

Beachwood, OH

Like most medical fields, dentistry has a number of specialties. One such specialty is periodontal care. This specialty involves learning how to diagnose and treat periodontal disease, more commonly called gum disease. The team at Aspire Dental Spa includes experienced periodontists who are here to help all of our patients learn about periodontal disease and how to prevent it.

What Is Periodontal Care?

Periodontal care is aimed at preventing and treating gum disease. This starts with the early diagnosis of gingivitis, the first stage of periodontal disease. In addition to gum disease, periodontal care also involves various procedures related to the gums and to implants. It includes placing dental implants, gum grafting, crown lengthening, laser treatments, and a number of cosmetic procedures.

How Is Periodontal Care Provided?

Basic periodontal care that is focused on gum disease begins with an exam. We will first go over your dental and medical records to learn about any conditions that may play a role in periodontal disease. It is important that we know all of your medical history and what medications you are taking, so we can create the best treatment plan possible.

Next, we will do a full visual examination of your gums. We look for several things here, including the color, shape, and durability of your gums. We will look to see if your gums have receded, if any of your teeth are loose, and check your bite. Another important part of this exam is measuring any pockets that have appeared between your teeth and your gums. These pockets are often home to a large amount of bacteria and must be cleaned out. In some cases, we may also need to do an x-ray to study your jawbone.

Treatment for gum disease depends on how far it has progressed. In some cases, scaling and root planing may be enough. These techniques remove the bacteria, plaque, and tartar from your teeth and gums. Planing helps prevent repeated buildup on your teeth and promotes healing. We may give you some antibiotics to take to combat the infection, too.

If your periodontal disease has progressed, surgery may be necessary. There are a number of different procedures we may need to do. These include pocket reduction surgery, tissue or bone grafts, and tissue regeneration.

What Periodontal Care Can You Do At Home?

The best periodontal care you can do at home is to brush your teeth twice daily and floss regularly. You should replace your toothbrush regularly and make sure you’re using one with soft bristles. Using an electric toothbrush and mouth rinse may also be helpful. You should also make certain that you schedule and attend regular six-month cleanings. These cleanings will give us the chance to professionally clean your teeth and monitor your gum disease.

Who Needs Periodontal Care?

If you have noticed your gums bleeding more than usual or that your teeth are loose, you may have periodontal disease. If that is the case, you need to call us and make an appointment for an exam. The sooner we can begin treating periodontal disease, the better, and the less likely it is that you will require surgery or will lose any teeth. Contact Aspire Dental Spa at (216) 342-4388 today to make an appointment.