Faith Cousins DDS
General Dentistry located in Silver Spring, MDPeriodontal disease, also known as gum disease, is a common problem that affects more than half of adults over age 30. At Faith Cousins, DDS, in Silver Spring, Maryland, the team regularly performs periodontal treatment in their welcoming, state-of-the-art offices. If you’re concerned about your risk of gum disease, call the office or click the online booking tool to make an appointment today.
What is periodontal disease?
Periodontal disease is an infection that damages the bone and soft tissues that support your teeth. Left untreated, periodontal disease may cause your teeth to loosen or fall out. It also increases your risk of chronic bad breath and more serious health problems, including high blood pressure and diabetes.
The two most common types of gum disease are gingivitis and periodontitis. In its early stages, gingivitis doesn’t always present symptoms. However, as it gets worse, you may notice that your gums bleed when you brush or floss your teeth.
Periodontitis occurs when bacteria and plaque break beneath your gum line. Ultimately, this makes your gums recede from your teeth, creating pockets where more bacteria can collect and cause further damage.
What types of periodontal treatment do you offer?
At Faith Cousins, DDS, the team offers a full suite of periodontal treatments, including:
Scaling and root planing
For mild or moderate gum disease, your dentist might recommend scaling and root planing. During this procedure, your dentist carefully removes tartar and bacteria from the surface of your teeth and beneath your gums. Root planing involves your dentist smoothing the root surfaces of your teeth. This eradicates the infection and helps your gums reattach to the surface of your teeth.
Antibiotics
Following scaling and root planing, your dentist might also recommend topical or oral antibiotics. The team at Faith Cousins, DDS, also offers prescription mouthwash designed to eliminate excess bacteria.
Oral surgery
For serious cases of gum disease, oral surgery may be necessary. Depending on the severity of your infection, your dentist might recommend gum flap surgery, soft tissue grafts, bone grafts, or guided tissue regeneration.
What type of periodontal treatment is right for me?
To determine the type of periodontal treatment you’ll most benefit from, make an appointment at Faith Cousins, DDS. During your appointment, your dentist reviews your medical history, asks you about your symptoms, and performs an oral exam. Your dentist also takes a series of oral X-rays to get a closer look at your jawbone and tooth roots and to determine the severity of your infection. After gathering all of this information, your dentist develops a treatment plan that aligns with your unique needs.
Don’t ignore red, puffy, or irritated gums. Take the first step toward improved oral health and make an appointment for periodontal treatment at Faith Cousins, DDS, today by calling the office or clicking the online booking tool.