DENTAL SERVICES AT PROFESSIONAL DENTAL IN UTAH

Periodontal Treatment

Protect your gums and maintain a healthy smile with expert periodontal treatment at Professional Dental in Utah. Our specialized gum disease treatments target the root cause of issues like bleeding gums, gum recession, and periodontal infections.

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What is periodontitis

Periodontitis, commonly known as gum disease, is a serious infection that affects the soft tissue and bone supporting your teeth. If left untreated, it can lead to the gradual erosion of the alveolar bone, tooth loss, and even increase the risk of systemic health issues like heart disease and stroke. Periodontitis occurs when bacteria accumulate on the tooth’s surface and within gum pockets, triggering an immune response that leads to inflammation.

As a chronic inflammatory condition, it’s vital to address gum disease early. At Professional Dental in Utah, we offer expert periodontal treatments to prevent tooth loss and maintain your overall health. Regular dental check-ups and good oral hygiene are essential to managing and preventing periodontitis.”

Periodontitis vs. Gingivitis

Gingivitis occurs before periodontitis. It usually refers to gum inflammation, while periodontitis refers to gum disease and the destruction of tissue, bone, or both.

Gingivitis

The gums are red and inflamed.

There is bleeding during brushing.

The teeth are not loose.

There is no irreversible damage to bone or surrounding tissue.

Periodontitis

The gum and bone pull away from the teeth, forming pockets at the base of the tooth.

The tooth becomes increasingly exposed.

Debris collects in the spaces between the gums and teeth and can infect the area.

How is periodontal disease treated?

Dental cleaning and improved oral hygiene

Individuals with early periodontal disease (gingivitis) can often reverse the condition through regular dental cleanings and enhanced oral hygiene. Since there is no bone loss at this stage, this conservative approach effectively eliminates harmful bacteria before the disease progresses.

Scaling and root planing

Scaling and root planing is a specialized dental treatment that goes beyond routine cleaning by targeting plaque and bacteria beneath the gums—areas that toothbrushes and floss can’t reach. Periodontists often recommend this procedure for individuals with mild gum disease.

Pocket reduction surgery

During the procedure, a periodontist makes an incision in the gums to create a flap, allowing access to the tooth roots for thorough cleaning and smoothing of rough areas. Afterward, the gums are repositioned and sutured closed. This surgery is often combined with regenerative procedures like bone grafting, gum grafting, or guided tissue regeneration to enhance healing.

Bone grafting

A dental bone graft may be used by your periodontist to replace bone lost due to gum disease. After cleaning the infection, they will place grafting material in the eroded areas, serving as a scaffold that allows your body to gradually regenerate its own bone over time.

Gum grafting

If you’ve lost gum tissue due to periodontal disease, your dentist may recommend gum graft surgery to cover exposed tooth roots and enhance your gum line. During this procedure, a periodontist adds tissue to areas of gum recession, which may be sourced from the roof of your mouth or obtained from a licensed bone and tissue bank.

Guided tissue regeneration (GTR)

Periodontists often use guided tissue regeneration (GTR) alongside bone grafts to repair periodontal defects and prevent soft tissue from encroaching on these areas. During GTR, an artificial membrane is placed between the gums and the new bone grafting material, ensuring that new bone can grow in the space while inhibiting faster-growing soft tissue.

Risk factors

Factors that increase the risk include:

Age

Periodontitis can happen at any age but usually starts after the age of 35 years. The risk of consequences, such as tooth loss, increases with age.

Smoking

This increases the risk of gum problems and undermines the efficacy of treatment. Around 90% of cases that are hard to treat are in smokers.

Inadequate oral hygiene

This includes not brushing and flossing regularly.

Genetic factors

Some people are more likely to develop gum disease, for example, because of the way their immune system reacts.

Some health conditions

Type 2 diabetes increases the risk of periodontitis if a person is unable to manage their blood glucose levels.

Stress

Stress can affect the immune system and increase the chance of inflammation.

Weakened immune system

Health conditions and medication that affect the immune system can increase the risk of gum disease.

Physical irregularities

Examples include crooked teeth, damaged fillings, and dental bridges that no longer fit correctly.

Diet

A high intake of processed carbohydrates, including added sugars, increases the risk. In contrast, fruits and vegetables contain antioxidants, which can help protect the gums, according to research.

Schedule an appointment for Periodontal Treatment in Utah today at Professional Dental in Utah

Contact the experts at Professional Dental in Utah. Find your nearest location and schedule an appointment with our skilled dental restoration team. We specialize in high-quality treatments to restore and enhance your smile, ensuring you receive the best care possible.

Call Professional Dental at (801) 785-8000 to schedule your consultation in one of our dental offices in Utah

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Mon - Fri

07:00AM - 08:00PM

Saturday

08:00AM - 03:00PM

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08:00AM - 03:00PM

Frequently Asked Questions

More frequent questions about this dental service

Why is periodontal treatment necessary?

Treatment for periodontal disease is essential when it impacts the health of your gums and jawbone, which support your teeth. Initially, unhealthy gums may present only aesthetic concerns, but they can progress to symptoms like swelling, redness, and recession. As the disease advances, the supporting bone can deteriorate, leading to tooth mobility, shifting, or even loss. Beyond altering your smile, periodontal disease can affect your ability to speak and chew properly. To prevent tooth loss and maintain oral health, it’s crucial to address any signs of gum disease as early as possible.

What’s important for me to know before my first appointment?

For a smooth first visit, please bring the following: your referral slip, X-rays from your referring dentist, a list of medications, and your dental insurance card. You can also complete your patient forms online. Before any treatment, we’ll perform a thorough health exam, checking for tooth mobility, bone and tissue loss, oral cancer, TMJ, and signs of periodontal disease.

Will I experience any pain?

At Professional Dental, we prioritize your comfort and aim to minimize any discomfort during your treatment. Most patients experience little to no pain due to our use of local anesthesia, which numbs the area being treated. After the procedure, it's common to feel some mild discomfort, which can usually be managed with over-the-counter pain relievers. Our team will provide detailed aftercare instructions to ensure a smooth recovery. If you have concerns about pain management, please discuss them with us during your appointment.

What is gum disease?

Gum disease, also called periodontal disease, is an infection of the tissues that surround and support your teeth. It is caused by plaque, a sticky film of bacteria that is always forming on teeth.

According to the American Dental Association, gum disease is a major cause of tooth loss in adults. Because it is usually painless, you may not know you have it, which is why regular checkups and periodontal treatment when needed are so important.

Source: American Dental Association (MouthHealthy.org)

What is the difference between gingivitis and periodontitis?

Gingivitis is the early stage of gum disease. Gums may become red and swollen and bleed easily. At this stage the disease can still be reversed, usually with a professional cleaning followed by daily brushing and flossing.

Periodontitis is advanced gum disease. It can cause loss of the tissue and bone that support the teeth, and teeth may feel loose and move. Periodontal treatment depends on the type of disease and how far it has progressed, and early treatment is better.

How can I prevent gum disease from coming back after periodontal treatment?

Good care at home is essential to keep gum disease from getting worse or coming back. Brush your teeth twice a day, clean between your teeth every day, eat a balanced diet and keep your regular dental visits.

Treatments such as scaling and root planing clean infected root surfaces. With the right periodontal treatment and home care, gum disease does not have to lead to tooth loss. Learn more about routine dental care at Professional Dental.

Source: ADA: Periodontics

Will I need X-rays?

Current periodontal X-rays are crucial for our dental team at Professional Dental to accurately detect potential gum diseases and other underlying oral health issues. If your referring dentist has already taken X-rays, you can easily request that they be sent to us. This information allows us to create a tailored treatment plan to address your specific needs effectively.

Does my insurance cover the cost?

Dental insurance policies frequently cover periodontal treatments and procedures. To ensure a smooth appointment at Professional Dental, please bring your medical and dental benefit information, along with your insurance cards. This will help us assist you in maximizing your coverage for medical costs.If desired, we can submit a claim prior to your treatment to predetermine your insurance benefits and coverage. However, please note that this is not a requirement for most insurance plans.

Will I need surgery?

Not all patients with periodontal disease require surgery. If detected early, gum disease can often be effectively treated without surgical intervention. At Professional Dental, we conduct a thorough examination of your individual case to recommend the best treatment options tailored to your needs.Should surgery be necessary, rest assured that our highly trained dentists are dedicated to providing a comfortable and positive experience. With extensive training in the latest surgical techniques, our team ensures minimal post-operative swelling and discomfort. Our philosophy prioritizes conservative and comfortable care to achieve optimal treatment outcomes.

What are the warning signs of gum disease?

Watch for gums that bleed easily, gums that are red, swollen or tender, and gums that have pulled away from the teeth. Bad breath or a bad taste that won't go away can also be a sign.

Other signs include permanent teeth that are loose or separating, a change in how your teeth fit together when you bite, and a change in the fit of partial dentures. Gum disease can also occur without any warning signs.

What increases the risk of gum disease?

Risk factors include poor oral hygiene, smoking or chewing tobacco, genetics, crooked teeth that are hard to keep clean, pregnancy and diabetes. Some medications, including steroids, certain anti-epilepsy drugs, cancer therapy drugs, some calcium channel blockers and oral contraceptives, can also increase the risk.

Tell your dentist about your health history so your periodontal treatment plan fits your needs.

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