What Is Periodontics?

Gum Disease: Factors and Symptoms

Gum disease is the leading cause of tooth loss among adults in the United States, according to the National Institutes of Health. You may be at increased risk for moderate to advanced periodontitis if you: 

• Are advanced in age
• Regularly use tobacco products
• Maintain poor oral hygiene habits
• Consume processed and sugary foods 

Unfortunately, the symptoms of gum disease are not always obvious in the early stages. You can stay ahead of these serious dental problems by undergoing biannual dental exams. During these visits, Dr. McCartney can inspect your gums for early signs of gum disease, such as: 

• Swollen gums
• Loose teeth
• Bleeding gums
• Infected gum pockets
• Exposed roots
• Impacted teeth
• Jawbone atrophy

If he does find symptoms of mild, medium, or advanced gum disease, treatment can be promptly scheduled.

Benefits of Periodontal Treatment

Periodontics offers a wide range of oral health benefits. By undergoing safe and effective gum tissue treatments at our Adel dental practice, you can benefit from:

• An Attractive Smile: Gums play an important role in how beautiful our smile is perceived to be. Gum disease can lead to unsightly swelling and bleeding of the gums. After you have undergone safe and effective periodontal treatments at our dental practice, you can enjoy a smile that is both healthy and attractive.
• Better-Smelling Breath: Bad breath results from a number of causes, including gum disease. Unlike cosmetic mouthwashes, periodontal treatment addresses the root causes of bad breath and can get rid of it for the long-term. 
• Elimination of Oral Discomfort: Gum disease can make brushing and flossing uncomfortable. Following dental or deep cleanings at our Adel dental practice, you can eliminate the discomfort associated with gum disease.
• Cost Savings: Periodontal problems like gum tissue recession and gum disease can require costly treatment if not addressed quickly. By treating gum disease early through periodontal treatments, you can prevent the need for invasive treatments down the road, like gum grafting, or even bone grafting and dental implants.
• Improved Overall Health: Medical studies have found a link between cardiovascular problems and gum disease. By treating gum disease, you can lower your risk of developing heart disease and stroke.

How Is Gum Disease Treated?

Early stages of gum disease can be treated with simple dental cleaning at our Adel dental practice. A member of our dental team will gently remove tartar buildup along the base of your teeth before polishing your teeth using a special rotary device.  If you have more advanced levels of gum disease, however, deep cleaning or scaling and root planing may be recommended.

Before your deep cleaning begins, a topical anesthetic will be used to numb your gums so that you remain comfortable throughout the appointment. If you are anxious about visiting the dentist, we can also provide dental sedation to help you relax.

First, Dr. McCartney will perform scaling to remove plaque and hardened tartar that cannot be eliminated by brushing alone. Once all the tartar buildup has been removed, a treatment called root planing will smooth the surface of the tooth root to prevent the return of the infection.

Unfortunately, a deep cleaning is not always enough. If you have advanced stages of gum disease and deep pockets of infection, Dr. McCartney may recommend that you undergo oral surgery to restore your oral health.

Schedule Your Periodontal Treatment Today

Dr. McCartney can use safe and effective periodontics to treat all stages of gum disease. Our dental practice offers CareCredit® and in-house insurance to help patients afford treatment. To schedule your next visit, please contact our office online or call (229) 896-7679.