Periodontal Treatment

What is Periodontal Disease?

Periodontitis or periodontal disease is a gum infection that causes damage to the surrounding soft tissues and bones supporting your teeth. The primary cause of Periodontal disease is an accumulation of bacteria, mucus, and other particles. This build-up of plaque or tartar sits between the gums causing irritation that can lead to Periodontitis. Periodontal disease can range in severity from a simple gum inflammation, known as gingivitis, to more severe inflammation of the periodontal tissues. Left untreated periodontal disease can result in significant tissue damage and eventual tooth loss.

The problem with periodontal disease is that often the progression is painless. As a result, the affected individual may not be aware of an ongoing disease process. This is why it is so important to recognize the signs of the earliest stage of periodontal disease, which is gingivitis. Visual signs of gingivitis typically include red, swollen and bleeding gums. If caught early on, treatment is often sufficient to reverse the course of the disease and avoid permanent damage to periodontal tissues. Gingivitis treatment includes:

• A series of deep dental cleanings
• Improved home care regimen

Patients committed to regular maintenance at this stage of periodontal disease can help in preventing progression. It is important to note that gingivitis that is left untreated can escalate into periodontal disease. between the teeth and gums, gum surgery, as well as bone and tissue grafts.

Other factors that can contribute to the escalation of periodontal disease are smoking, genetic tendencies, and unchecked diabetes. Once periodontal disease has progressed, damage to the bone and soft tissues will be evident. Dedication to treatment at this phase can help halt the progression of the disease and, in some cases, restore tooth support. Periodontal treatment in this phase may include the following:

• Medications to control the bacteria and reduce the size of the pockets between the teeth and gums
• Gum surgery
• Bone and tissue grafts

What is PerioProtect?

Ahwatukee Dentistry is a proud PerioProtect provider. This method of periodontal treatment is minimally invasive. Focused on comprehensive disease treatment, PerioProtect is ideal for patients currently seeking Periodontal cleanings to control sensitivity. It also kills the bacteria that causes caries and cavities making it ideal for preventing the progression of periodontitis.

As beneficial as a good routine of brushing and flossing is, with perio patients a deeper clean is key. Traditional deep cleaning treatments like root planing, scaling and surgery used to be the only way to access the hard to reach pockets around your gums. The Perio Protect method offers a different approach suitable for many of our patients indeed of perio treatment.

How it works:

• Dr. Le will place trays designed with a patented seal on your teeth. These trays will place and hold medication at the site of infection.
• Using a low concentration of hydrogen peroxide, PerioProtect deep cleans the periodontal pockets.

For some treatment cases, Perio Protect can reduce the need for surgical intervention. For others, a combination of traditional treatment methods and PerioProtect results in greater success in treating and preventing the progression of gum disease. Other benefits of PerioProtect include:

• Gentle and effective
• Combats bacteria
• Whitens teeth
• Freshens breath

Early detection is key. Regular dental exams are the best way to detect early signs of periodontitis. To learn more about how PerioProtect can help you fight the progression of gum disease, please contact Ahwatukee Dentistry to schedule an exam.