WHAT IS PERIODONTAL CARE?
Periodontal care is a blanket term used to describe the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of periodontal disease, which is an infection of the gums that causes bone tissue and soft tissue destruction. Plaque forms around the gum line as a result of infrequent brushing and flossing.
While plaque can be difficult to remove at home, it’s when it hardens into tartar that you run into problems. It only takes 24 hours for plaque to harden into tartar, at which point you will require professional cleanings to remove it.
Plaque and tartar cause inflammation of the gums that can lead to gum disease if not responded to as soon as possible. Periodontal care enables us to screen for gum disease so we can detect it early enough to reverse it.
The treatment for gingivitis is minimally invasive but once gum disease advances into periodontitis, you may require oral surgery. Ongoing maintenance of the health of your gums after treating gum disease is also a part of periodontal care.
Did you know...
Unlike your natural teeth,
dental implants can't get cavities.
WHAT TO EXPECT WHEN GETTING GUM DISEASE TREATMENT
CONSULTATION
Dr. Qian will perform an oral exam to look for signs of gum disease. A probe will be used to measure the depths of your gum pockets for diagnosis.
SCALING
A scaler is used to remove plaque and tartar from above the gum line and below the gum line.
ROOT PLANING
The roots of the tooth are smoothed out so we can more easily reattach the tooth and gums.
FOLLOW-UP APPOINTMENTS
We will need you to come back for follow-up appointments so we can monitor the depth of your gum pockets and determine if further treatment is needed.
PERIODONTAL SERVICES IN PALO ALTO
DEEP CLEANINGS
A routine dental cleaning involves scaling, polishing, flossing, and fluoride treatment. However, if you have been slacking on your oral hygiene routine and have developed gum disease, you will need something a little more intense.
This is known as a deep cleaning and it involves two very important steps – scaling and root planing. Instead of cleaning above the gum line, we clean down to the roots.
The plaque and tartar are scraped away from not only above but also below the gum line to remove bacteria that has become trapped deep into the gum pockets. Then, the roots of the tooth are thoroughly cleaned and smoothed out so that the receded gums can reattach to the teeth.
Did you know...
Unlike your natural teeth,
dental implants can't get cavities.
HAVE QUESTIONS ABOUT PERIODONTAL CARE? FIND ANSWERS HERE.
IS GUM DISEASE REVERSIBLE?
This depends on the stage of gum disease. Gingivitis, the earliest stage, is considered reversible when caught early enough. The problem is that the symptoms are mild – tender, red, swollen, and bleeding gums – which can easily go undetected.
Untreated gingivitis develops into periodontitis, which is irreversible and causes bone loss and soft tissue damage. Advanced periodontitis can lead to loose teeth and eventually cause tooth loss.
Did you know...
Unlike your natural teeth,
dental implants can't get cavities.
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Dr. Qian is responsive, precise, and goes the extra mile to keep patients comfortable. I’ve had lots of dental work, and as a new patient in the past year, she guided me through the treatment of 2 complicated toothaches. On the lighter side, I was also very pleased with my teeth whitening procedure. Her staff is warm, helpful and professional.
Barb Mitchell