Having healthy gums is just as important as having healthy teeth. If you notice that your gums bleed when you brush or floss, you may be suffering from periodontal disease in Jacksonville, NC. Dr. Jose Arauz is an experienced periodontist that can help get your gums back on track.
Gum disease is caused by the plaque that gathers on the surface of your teeth each day. Even if you brush and floss regularly, there are some areas that you can’t reach without professional teeth cleaning. If the plaque isn’t removed, it hardens and becomes tartar. Bacteria will feed on plaque and tartar and cause irritation to the gums or even gum disease. If gum disease is left untreated, it develops into periodontal disease.
How to Treat Gum Disease and Periodontal Disease in Jacksonville, NC
Scaling and Root Planing- If you have gum disease, the gums will pull back from the teeth and create pockets that collect plaque and bacteria. Scaling and root planing is a procedure that can reverse gum disease because it consists of deep cleaning around the edges of the teeth and below the gumline. After they are cleaned, the gums are smoothed to help them reattach to the teeth and cover the exposed tooth roots. You may need several sessions to complete this treatment.
Gum grafting- If your gum disease has advanced into periodontal disease, a gum graft may be needed. When the gums have receded too much to be repaired, a small piece of tissue can be added to lengthen them. This is typically taken from the palate of your mouth. The procedure makes sure that your sensitive tooth roots are no longer exposed and you aren’t at risk of tooth loss.
Periodontal maintenance therapy- Getting treatment for your periodontal disease doesn’t stop after your procedure because you need to maintain your results to ensure the health of your smile. Periodontal maintenance therapy (PMT) is an advanced form of professional cleaning done every three months. During your appointment, your periodontist will also monitor the progress of your gums and make sure there are no signs of infection. PMT can keep periodontal disease from reoccurring or advancing. We will also advise you on the proper oral hygiene to use at home.
If your gums feel tender or show signs of gum disease or periodontal disease in Jacksonville, NC, reach out to Dr. Arauz. Call (910) 577-1315 to schedule your appointment today.