Periodontal Treatment Near You
Periodontal treatments in Okanagan Falls aim to deal with gum disease by managing inflammation and preserving the health of gum tissue.
What is Periodontal Disease?
Periodontal disease is a chronic inflammatory condition that impacts the tissues supporting teeth, known as gums. It develops due to plaque accumulation, which initially causes gingivitis. If untreated, gingivitis can progress to periodontitis, characterized by the formation of pockets between teeth and gums, bone loss, and potentially tooth loss.
What are the Signs of Periodontal Disease?
The signs of periodontal disease can vary in severity, but common indicators our dentists in Okanagan Falls watch for include:
- Gums that bleed easily
- Swollen or tender gums
- Receding gums
- Persistent bad breath
- Painful chewing
- Loose or shifting teeth
- Changes in tooth alignment
- Pus between teeth and gums
- Pockets forming between teeth and gums
- Changes in bite
The Most Common Periodontal Treatments
The most common periodontal treatments our dentists in Okanagan Falls provide aim to address gum disease and its associated symptoms. Some of these treatments include:
- Scaling and Root Planing – This deep cleaning procedure involves the removal of plaque and tartar present below the gum line (scaling) and smoothing the tooth roots (root planing) to prevent bacterial reattachment.
- Periodontal Maintenance – Routine professional cleanings and check-ups are essential for maintaining gum health and managing periodontal disease.
- Antibiotics – Antibiotics may be prescribed to control infections. The antibiotic may be either in oral form or as topical gels applied directly to the gums.
- Gum Graft Surgery – In cases of severe gum recession, tissue grafts may be necessary to cover exposed tooth roots and improve the appearance of the gums.
- Pocket Reduction Surgery – This surgical procedure seeks to reduce the depth of gum pockets by lifting the gums away from the teeth, removing tartar, and securing the tissue back in place.
- Bone Grafting – In severe cases where loss of bone has occurred, bone grafts may be performed to regenerate lost bone and support teeth.
- Guided Tissue Regeneration – This technique involves placing a membrane between the gum and bone to promote the regeneration of lost tissue.
- Dental Crown Lengthening – Crown lengthening may be done to expose more of the tooth’s surface by removing excess gum tissue, facilitating restorative procedures.
- Dental Implants – Missing teeth can be replaced via dental implants, restoring functionality in cases of tooth loss due to severe gum disease.
- Laser Therapy – Laser technology may be employed for non-surgical periodontal treatment, targeting and removing infected tissue while promoting gum regeneration.
Looking For Periodontal Treatment in Okanagan Falls?
At Okanagan Dental, we emphasize the importance of staying informed about periodontal disease to enhance oral health. If you suspect gum disease, don’t wait! Contact our nearby dentists now to arrange a consultation for periodontal treatment with us today!