Periodontics
Your Periodontics Professionals in Annapolis, MD
Periodontal disease, also known as gum disease, is a common condition About Smiles Dentistry treats at our practice in Annapolis, MD. Our periodontics experts have ample training and experience diagnosing this disease and providing effective treatment options to reverse or manage it. Periodontics is a dental specialty that pertains to preventing, diagnosing, and treating periodontal disease affecting the gums and jawbone. Periodontists complete years of additional dental training and our concern is maintaining the jawbone and tissues’ health, function, and aesthetics.
Signs & Symptoms You May Be Affected
The signs of periodontal disease start with mild gum inflammation, also known as gingivitis, and it progresses from there. As the leading cause of tooth loss in adults in developed countries, patients should take this disease seriously. If you have gum disease, you may notice signs and symptoms like red, painful, swollen, or bleeding gums, as well as gum recession. You might not even notice any symptoms in some cases. This condition starts with bacteria in plaque causing an infection in the teeth’s surrounding tissues, leading to irritation and pain. Over time, this infection causes the jawbone to recede, and teeth can become loose.
Treatment Options for Periodontal Disease
About Smiles Dentistry uses various treatment options to deal with periodontal disease. We focus on curing the underlying bacterial infection. After accomplishing this, we give patients advice on appropriate home cleaning methods to ensure an infection does not happen again. Our collection of treatment options includes the following:
During this treatment, we remove the agents causing inflammation in the gum tissue and bone, such as dental plaque and tartar (calculus). This method works well for patients with gingivitis and moderate to severe periodontal disease.
Gum disease is the leading cause of oral bone loss, and bone grafting effectively replaces it to create a stable base for dental implants, halt gum disease progression, and improve aesthetics. We perform autogenous bone grafts (removed from elsewhere in a patient’s body), allografts (synthetic bone), and xenografts (cow bone).
Our periodontist performs periodontal cleanings and other treatments to maintain your gum and bone health and prevent gum disease. We also advise you on the best oral hygiene practices to do at home. Regular teeth cleanings will help remove any plaque and tartar on your teeth putting your gums at risk.
About Smiles Dentistry Is Here to Help
The dental care team at About Smiles Dentistry is ready to help you maintain a beautiful smile and healthy, pain-free gums. If you experience any of the symptoms of periodontal disease, let our dentist know, and we will evaluate your oral condition and provide treatment to restore your health.