Periodontal Care
Get Attractive, Healthy Gums
Protect Your Oral Health With Periodontal Care in Rochester
Healthy gums are the foundation your whole smile depends on. Periodontal care in Rochester treats infection and inflammation below the gumline, stopping gum disease before it affects your teeth or jawbone. Our practice offers several ways to treat gum disease, including deep cleaning and laser-assisted treatment, so you receive customized care for your smile.
Treating gum disease early can stop bleeding and swelling, and it helps prevent the bone loss that leads to loose or missing teeth. A soft-tissue laser precisely targets infected tissue, often with less bleeding and a faster recovery than traditional methods. Because gum health affects your whole body, treating gum issues early can also benefit your overall well-being, not just your smile.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Periodontal Care
Q What is periodontal disease?
Periodontal disease is an infection of the gums and the bone that holds the teeth in place, usually caused by plaque and tartar buildup along the gumline. If left untreated, it can progress from mild inflammation to more advanced stages that affect the stability of the teeth over time.
Q What causes gum disease?
Gum disease is primarily caused by plaque, a sticky film of bacteria that forms on the teeth and hardens into tartar if not removed regularly through brushing and flossing. Other factors, like smoking or certain health conditions, can also increase a patient's risk of developing gum disease.
Q What are the stages of gum disease?
Gum disease generally progresses through two main stages: gingivitis and periodontitis. Gingivitis is an early, reversible stage marked by redness and bleeding. Periodontitis is more advanced and involves bone loss that can eventually lead to loose or missing teeth if untreated.
Q What is scaling and root planing?
Scaling and root planing is a deep cleaning that removes plaque and tartar from below the gumline and smooths the surface of the tooth roots. This helps gum tissue reattach to the tooth and reduces the pockets where bacteria tend to collect over time.
Q How does a soft-tissue laser help treat gum disease?
A soft-tissue laser helps treat gum disease by precisely targeting infected tissue while leaving healthy tissue undisturbed during treatment. This method often results in less bleeding and a faster recovery compared to traditional scaling methods used on their own.
Q How are topical antibiotics used in gum treatment?
Topical antibiotics may be applied directly to gum pockets after a deep cleaning to help control any remaining bacteria left behind. This targeted treatment can reduce inflammation and encourage healing in areas that are harder to reach with brushing alone.
Q What is antibacterial irrigation?
Antibacterial irrigation involves flushing gum pockets with an antibacterial rinse designed to reduce harmful bacteria that a toothbrush can't reach on its own. It's often used alongside scaling and root planing to provide added benefit during gum disease treatment.
Q How is gum disease connected to overall health?
Gum disease has been linked to several overall health conditions, including heart disease and diabetes, according to ongoing research. The inflammation associated with gum disease may contribute to broader health problems elsewhere in the body, making treatment important beyond just oral health.
