Eliminate Gum Disease for a Stronger, Healthier Smile
Gum disease is a serious condition that causes severe oral health issues. If left untreated, periodontal infection can even lead to tooth loss. Because early stages of gum disease often have no noticeable symptoms, it is crucial to maintain your oral health by attending regular dental cleanings and examinations. At Smile 360 in Austin, TX, Dr. Vincent Ip provides comprehensive periodontal disease treatment to address and prevent gum disease, as well as prepare patients for restorative treatments.
The Importance of Periodontal Care
Gum disease is not usually painful, but it can wreak havoc on your mouth. When plaque and tartar harden, it is easier for bacteria to spread below the gum line. Once there, bacteria can create pockets around the teeth, leading to gum recession. Left untreated, it can even lead to tooth loss.
When you devote time to regular periodontal care, you are investing in the future of your overall health.
Scientific research has demonstrated a link between oral and overall health. When bacteria is present in the mouth, the same bacteria is also usually present in the bloodstream, which carries the infection throughout your body. As a result, periodontal disease is often connected to heart disease, strokes, and diabetes. When you devote time to regular periodontal care, you are investing in the future of your overall health.
Treatments in Periodontal Therapy
Periodontal treatments can range from non-invasive cleanings to complex surgical treatments, depending on the severity and extent of your condition.
Antibiotic Treatment
Because periodontal disease is caused by bacteria, your doctor can prescribe antibiotic therapy to eliminate the source of the problem. In most cases, it is used in conjunction with other treatments, such as scaling and root planing.
Scaling and Root Planing
Scaling and root planing is a non-surgical treatment used to correct mild to moderate periodontal disease. Dr. Ip or one of our dental hygienists can clean deep into the gum line to remove the plaque and tartar deposits containing bacteria. The tooth root surfaces are then smoothed to discourage bacterial colonies from reattaching in the future.
Pocket Irrigation
When periodontal pockets are present around the teeth, they are prone to trapping food, debris, and bacteria. If a flare-up occurs, our team can flush the area out with an ultrasonic instrument or irrigate it with an antibacterial mouth rinse.
Pocket Reduction Surgery
Sometimes called osseous surgery, this procedure cleans the root surfaces to reduce the pocket size between the teeth and gums. In some cases, we may also alter and reposition the gum tissue during the surgery for a more aesthetic result.
If you have otherwise inexplicable bad breath or loose teeth, you may need periodontal treatment.
Gum Contouring
Although often used as a cosmetic procedure to reshape excess gum tissue, gum contouring is also used to remove infected tissue from the gum line.
Soft Tissue Grafting
The gum recession that often results from periodontal disease can leave the tooth roots exposed and vulnerable to decay and other issues. To protect the area, the doctor can perform a tissue grafting procedure to replace the gum tissue that has pulled away from the teeth.
Prophylaxis
This is a routine dental cleaning provided for patients who have successfully completed treatment. Sometimes called periodontal maintenance, this procedure helps keep teeth and gums healthy after infection is eliminated.
Boost Your Oral Health Today
If you have otherwise inexplicable bad breath or loose teeth, you may need periodontal treatment. To schedule a consultation with Dr. Ip, call our office at (512) 444-4746 or contact us online.
