Periodontal Therapy

WHAT IS PERIODONTAL THERAPY?

Sometimes known as gum disease, periodontal disease is an often-chronic gum disorder that affects many people. As a result of harmful oral bacteria, gum disease is thought of as one of the main causes of missing teeth among people over 35 years old and can be linked to several worrisome systemic health concerns. These bacteria inhabit plaque deposits that build up on the teeth and produce toxins, which ultimately begin to damage the gums, bone, and structures that secure teeth in their place. Periodontal disease is essentially composed of three progressive phases: gingivitis, periodontitis, and advanced periodontitis. Detecting and treating gum disease as soon as possible might help stop the damage and maintain your smile. Swollen or discolored gum tissue, bleeding while brushing or flossing, or chronic bad breath could all be signs of periodontal disease. Dentist Dr. Asher Henegar at R. Asher Henegar, D.D.S., P.A. provides several effective solutions to address periodontal disease, no matter the stage. Get in touch with our practice in Colorado Springs, CO to schedule a comprehensive evaluation and learn about your solutions to halt periodontal disease.

HOW IS GUM DISEASE TREATED?

Signs of periodontal disease may include inflamed, discolored, or painful gums; bleeding while tooth brushing or flossing; constant foul breath and an unpleasant taste in the mouth; and more. Diagnosing and managing gum disease when symptoms first arise is essential to protect the health of your smile. To know whether periodontal disease is impacting your dental health, our staff will utilize a tiny device to assess the gaps between your gum tissue and tooth roots. When these gaps are more than three millimeters in depth, it is usually a cause for concern. We use advanced technologies to detect each stage of periodontal disease. The first stage of gum disease, gingivitis, is usually addressed with a deep cleaning and better daily dental hygiene. To manage periodontitis, the middle stage of periodontal disease, scaling and root planing (occasionally called SRP) treatments are conducted to clean out the periodontal pockets and smooth the root surfaces to minimize bacteria accumulation. Later-phase cases of periodontal disease could be best treated with a more intensive option, like osseous surgery or bone grafting procedures. After your appointment, a better at-home dental routine is vital to fight off periodontal disease. Dr. Henegar will also supply you with thorough aftercare guidelines to allow you to bounce back from your procedure efficiently. Periodontal maintenance treatments are usually suggested once every few months.

PERIODONTAL DISEASE FAQ

Can you recover from periodontal disease?

With professional treatment, we can reduce the severe effects of gum disease. Depending on the severity of your condition, we may perform scaling and root planing or gum grafting. For the earlier stages of periodontal disease, you may only require deeper cleanings. Our dental professionals can determine the best course of action for your needs.

Is early periodontitis severe?

Yes. Harmful pockets of bacteria can cause infection and make your gums start to recede. We highly recommend practicing a good oral healthcare routine at home and scheduling routine dental exams to avoid any long-term damage. Because this disease is progressive, it’s best to catch it earlier on.

How is advanced gum disease treated?

Our dentists will complete a thorough exam and cleaning before creating a detailed treatment plan. Depending on the level of your periodontal disease, we may need to complete flap surgery, bone grafting, soft tissue grafts, or tissue regeneration. No matter what, your comfort is our priority. We will take the time you need to answer any questions.

STOP GUM DISEASE IN ITS TRACKS

R. Asher Henegar, D.D.S., P.A. can help men and women with gum disease get access to safe and proven services and restore the wellness of their teeth and gums. If you experience one or more concerns related to gum disease, we suggest that you get in touch with our Colorado Springs, CO office right away. Dentist Dr. Asher Henegar and his staff provide a range of solutions to take care of any phase of gum disease. Dr. Henegar’s team wants to make oral care as affordable as possible so we are happy to connect with your dental insurance provider to verify coverage. We also accept a range of payment methods, like special financing, to help any excess amount fit well within your budget.