Periodontal Disease

A condition sometimes referred to as “gum disease” can also be called “periodontal disease.” Periodontal disease is an infection that affects the tissues and bone that support the teeth.  If severe enough, periodontal disease, can lead to the destruction of the structures that support your teeth.  Eventually, teeth become loose and may need extracted. Bacteria in dental plaque are the cause of periodontal disease.  In recent years, gum disease has been linked to other health problems including heart disease, premature births, diabetes, and strokes.

Scaling and Root Planing

Scaling and root planing is one method of controlling the progression of periodontal disease.  Scaling and root planing is a deep cleaning below the gumline used to treat gum disease.  Gum disease is caused by a sticky, soft bacteria called plaque. Plaque forms on your teeth throughout the day, if oral hygiene and dental checkups are insufficient, the bacteria in plaque can cause your gums to inflame.  Gum inflammation causes gums to pull away from your teeth and form pockets.  Plaque over time will calcify to because calculus which can no longer be brushed away.  If not removed properly, the disease will cause loss of bone around your teeth leading to tooth loss or infections.

Scaling and root planing is often the initial recommended treatment for periodontal disease.   Scaling and root planing is when your hygienist or dentist removes all the plaque and tartar/calculus (hardened plaque) above and below the gumline ensuring a smooth surface on your tooth free of tarter to help your gums reattach to your teeth. Scaling and root planing may take more than one visit to complete and may require a local anesthetic. Treatment and maintenance of gum disease will focus on prevention by improving oral hygiene at home and maintaining regular checkups to monitor the disease.

Laser Treatment

Dr. Caudillo is proud to offer the latest technology available for periodontal therapy: laser treatment. There are numerous advantages to using laser therapy.  Laser therapy can be used in conjunction with scaling and root planing to treat gum disease.  A laser can be used to access an infected pocket to kill the infected tissue and bacteria when scaling and root planing is insufficient.  With laser treatment, there is reduced or no bleeding and minimized swelling.  There is a much lower chance of gum disease returning when laser therapy is used as opposed to traditional scaling and root planing.  Finally, postoperative sensitivity is greatly limited by laser dentistry, and recovery time is much quicker than with traditional methods.

To learn more about how laser therapy can help you have a healthier smile, contact us your Papillion La Vista dentist, Inspired Dental, using the form below today.