Periodontal disease can lead to discomfort, and over time, even threaten the stability of your smile. Which is why we want to make sure you know when to see us, and how we can help your smile stay whole. In today’s blog, your Encinitas/San Diego, CA, periodontist talks about gum disease.

The Causes of Gum Disease

Periodontal disease is a very common but serious oral health concern. The trouble begins when the gums become inflamed, also known as gingivitis, which could occur due to poor oral hygiene. Without treatment to take on your inflammation, the gums could start to pull away from the teeth and form pockets at the gum line. You then develop periodontal disease as disease-causing bacteria enter these pockets.

Symptoms and Risks

You may experience a number of uncomfortable symptoms, such as sore gums, redness, bleeding when you brush and floss, or even recession as the gums pull away and expose sensitive portions of the roots. You could then be more susceptible to tooth decay and infection, and over time, the risk of periodontitis increases. This is the advanced stage of the disease that is linked to adult tooth loss. Don’t risk the stability of your smile, talk to our team about treatments to manage the disease and keep your smile intact. Even if you lose teeth to periodontal disease, we can discuss replacement with durable and lifelike dental implants!

Starting Your Treatment

Our team will start with a detailed exam and diagnosis using digital x-rays and intraoral cameras, so we can understand the cause and severity of your periodontal issues, and create a treatment plan personalized for your smile. If we catch the disease early enough, we could offer a deep cleaning, also known as a scaling and root planing. If your disease is more advanced, then we could employ advanced laser dentistry to gently trim away the diseased parts and help reshape the gum line, so you have a healthier and more attractive smile., Lasers can offer care with precision in only one visit, and the treated areas tend to heal quickly. Afterward, we could offer treatments like cleanings, Supportive Periodontal Maintenance, Ozone Therapy, or antimicrobial treatments to manage the issue and keep your smile whole.

If you have any questions about how we diagnose and treat issues like periodontal disease, or if you want to schedule a visit, then contact our team today to learn more.

Schedule Your Next Appointment to Treat Your Periodontal Concerns

We want to help you enjoy good oral health and a smile free of periodontal issues. To learn more about the causes and risks of untreated gum disease, call Dr. Ann Kania in Encinitas, CA, today at 760-642-0711.