Periodontal Disease TreatmentBend, OR

Periodontal disease, also known as gum disease, is an infection of the tissues that hold your teeth in place. It is typically caused by poor brushing and flossing habits that allow plaque—a sticky film of bacteria—to build up on the teeth and harden. In advanced stages, periodontal disease can lead to sore, bleeding gums, discomfort, and even tooth loss. At Bend Family Dentistry in Bend, OR, we are dedicated to helping you maintain optimal gum health to prevent these serious complications.

What Is Periodontal Disease?

Periodontal disease is a progressive condition that starts with gingivitis and can advance to more severe forms, affecting the supporting structures of your teeth. Common signs of periodontal disease include:

Gingivitis, the earliest stage of periodontal disease, is characterized by inflammation and bleeding of the gums. If left untreated, it can progress to periodontitis, where the inner layer of the gum and bone pull away from the teeth and form pockets. These pockets collect debris and can become infected. As the disease progresses, the pockets deepen, and more gum tissue and bone are destroyed. Eventually, teeth can become loose and may need to be removed.

Early detection and treatment are crucial in managing periodontal disease effectively. Regular dental check-ups and good oral hygiene are your best defenses against this condition.

How Is Periodontal Disease Diagnosed?

Diagnosing periodontal disease involves a thorough examination by one of our trusted providers. The process may include:

Reviewing your medical and dental history: Understanding your medical history helps identify any underlying conditions or risk factors that may contribute to gum disease.
Examining your gums: We look for signs of inflammation, bleeding, and measure the depth of the pockets around your teeth using a periodontal probe. Healthy pockets are usually between 1 and 3 millimeters deep. Pockets deeper than 4 millimeters may indicate periodontal disease.
Digital x-rays: These are used to assess bone loss and detect other issues that are not visible during a clinical examination.
Evaluating your oral hygiene: We provide personalized recommendations to improve your daily oral care routine.

How Is Periodontal Disease Treated?

Treatment for periodontal disease varies depending on the severity of the condition. Some treatments include:

Scaling and root planing: A deep cleaning procedure that removes plaque and tartar from below the gum line and smooths the tooth root to promote healing. This non-surgical treatment is often the first step in treating periodontal disease.
Antibiotic therapy: The use of topical or oral antibiotics to control bacterial infection. These may be used in conjunction with other treatments to reduce bacteria and inflammation.
Surgical treatments: In more advanced cases, procedures such as flap surgery, bone grafts, and tissue regeneration may be necessary. Flap surgery involves lifting back the gums to remove tartar deposits and then suturing the gums back into place. Bone grafts use natural or synthetic bone to replace bone destroyed by periodontal disease. Tissue regeneration encourages the growth of bone and gum tissue that has been lost.

Our goal is to provide personalized care that effectively manages and treats periodontal disease, restoring your gums to a healthy state. We tailor our treatment plans to meet the unique needs of each patient, ensuring the best possible outcomes.

Periodontal Disease Prevention

Preventing periodontal disease is key to maintaining a healthy smile. Some preventative measures include:

Regular dental cleanings and exams: Professional cleanings remove plaque and tartar that can't be eliminated by brushing and flossing alone. Regular exams allow us to detect early signs of gum disease.
Effective home care routines: Proper brushing and flossing techniques are essential. We provide guidance on the best practices and recommend tools like electric toothbrushes and water flossers.
Nutritional counseling: A balanced diet supports gum health. We offer advice on foods that promote healthy gums and those to avoid.

Maintaining Gum Health

After treatment, maintaining gum health is essential to prevent recurrence. Our team will work with you to create a customized maintenance plan, which may include:

Regular periodontal cleanings: More frequent cleanings, also known as periodontal maintenance, help keep your gums healthy and monitor for any signs of returning disease.
Ongoing monitoring of gum health: Regular check-ups allow us to catch any issues early before they become serious.
Recommendations for oral hygiene products: We suggest specific products that can help maintain gum health, such as antimicrobial mouthwashes and special toothbrushes.
Education on lifestyle changes: Lifestyle factors, such as diet and stress management, play a role in gum health. We provide education and support to help you make positive changes.

Choose Bend Family Dentistry For Premier Periodontal Care

When it comes to treating periodontal disease, choosing a provider you can trust is crucial. Bend Family Dentistry in Bend, OR, is dedicated to offering comprehensive and compassionate care. Our experienced team uses the latest techniques and technology to ensure the best outcomes for our patients. We understand the impact that periodontal disease can have on your overall health and quality of life, and we are here to help you achieve and maintain a healthy smile.

Don’t let periodontal disease compromise your smile—take the first step toward better gum health today. Schedule your appointment with us now and experience the premier periodontal care you deserve!