What is Periodontal Disease?
Periodontal Disease (periodontitis) is a serious gum infection that damages the soft tissue and, without treatment, can destroy the bone that supports your teeth causing tooth loss.
How do I know if I have Periodontitis?
Except for bad breath and bleeding gums, there are very few warning signs. Therefore, regular visits to your dentist or dental hygienist are the best way to catch it before it becomes serious. Gum disease has been linked to stroke, heart attack and diabetes so it is very important that any infections be caught and treated early.
How is Periodontitis treated?
Our periodontal care in Benton, Louisiana is straightforward. The dentist or hygienist will use a scaler to remove the plaque and tartar on teeth below the gum line. The dentist may also perform a procedure called root planing, in which the exposed surfaces of roots are smoothed to remove inflammatory agents like calculus, microorganisms and toxins. In some situations the dentist may choose to perform minor periodontal surgery using state-of-the-art laser technology. In more severe cases the dentist may recommend that the patient see a Periodontist for more specialized treatment.
What to expect at your appointment
In most cases, the dentist or hygienist will treat one area of your mouth each visit. Therefore, several appointments will be required. Local anesthesia is used when necessary and each appointment will generally last about an hour. Sensitivity at the injection site and in the treatment area is normal and will last several days. Most patients are able to return to work or school immediately after treatment.
