What Is Periodontics?
Periodontics is a dental specialty focused on the health and support of the gum tissues and surrounding bone structures. Through periodontic care, we address gum-related conditions like periodontal disease to maintain the stability and health of your teeth and gums.
- Disease prevention: Helps prevent gum disease and bone loss.
- Support for oral health: Maintains healthy tissue and jaw stability.
- Long-term care: Protects oral health for years to come.
- Overall health impact: Plays a role in improving total well-being.
The Link Between Periodontal Health & Overall Health
Healthy gums are not just important for your oral health; they are closely linked to your general health as well. Studies show that untreated gum disease can contribute to systemic issues like heart disease, diabetes, and even certain respiratory conditions. By managing your periodontal health, you’re investing in your overall wellness.
- Heart health: Reduces risk of heart disease and diabetes.
- Respiratory support: Lowers risk of respiratory issues.
- Immune function: Helps maintain a strong immune system.
- Holistic wellness: Supports whole-body health.
What Is Periodontal Disease?
Periodontal disease, commonly known as gum disease, begins as a bacterial infection in the gums and, if untreated, can lead to serious issues, including tooth and bone loss. Early detection and treatment are essential to prevent these long-term impacts.
- Cause: Caused by bacteria and plaque buildup.
- Symptoms: Leads to gum recession and inflammation.
- Consequences: Can result in tooth and bone loss.
- Treatment needs: Requires professional intervention.
Stages & Symptoms Of Periodontal Disease
Gum disease progresses in stages, from gingivitis to advanced periodontitis. Recognizing the symptoms early can make a significant difference in treatment outcomes and preserving your smile.
- Gingivitis: The early stage is characterized by red, swollen gums and bleeding.
- Periodontitis: As the disease progresses, gums pull away from teeth, creating deep pockets.
- Advanced periodontitis: This stage leads to severe infection, bone loss, and potential tooth loss without intervention.
Preventing Periodontal Disease
Preventing gum disease starts with effective daily oral care and regular dental checkups. Our team also provides cleanings and guidance to help you maintain a healthy smile for years to come.
- Oral hygiene: Brush and floss regularly to prevent plaque buildup.
- Routine cleanings: Schedule professional cleanings as recommended.
- Bacteria control: Use mouthwash to reduce bacteria.
- Dietary impact: Follow a balanced diet to support gum health.
Our Periodontic Services
We offer a range of periodontic treatments to address all aspects of gum health and restore damaged tissue, helping you maintain a strong, healthy smile.
Scaling and Root Planing
Scaling and root planing is a deep-cleaning procedure that removes plaque and tartar buildup from below the gum line, promoting healing and reducing inflammation.
- Bacteria removal: Targets plaque in deep gum pockets.
- Surface smoothing: Smooths root surfaces to prevent further buildup.
- Disease treatment: Essential for managing gum disease.
- Symptom relief: Reduces inflammation and discomfort.
Arestin
Arestin is a locally applied antibiotic used to treat bacterial infections in the gums. Applied directly into the gum pockets, it helps to fight infection at the source.
- Localized application: Applied directly to infected areas.
- Bacterial control: Reduces bacterial buildup effectively.
- Inflammation reduction: Helps manage gum inflammation.
- Enhanced healing: Improves periodontal treatment outcomes.
Perio Protect
Perio Protect is a non-invasive treatment that uses custom-fit trays to deliver medication directly into the gum pockets, targeting bacteria that contribute to gum disease. This innovative approach helps keep gums healthier between dental visits and complements other periodontal treatments for more comprehensive care.
- Targeted medication delivery: Custom trays apply medication directly where it’s needed most, deep in the gum pockets.
- Bacterial control: Perio Protect targets harmful bacteria that cause gum disease, supporting ongoing gum health.
- Non-invasive: Provides effective treatment without surgery, making it comfortable and easy for daily use.
- Ongoing prevention: Helps maintain healthy gums between professional cleanings, reducing the risk of gum disease progression.
Periodontal Splinting
For patients with loose teeth due to gum disease, periodontal splinting helps stabilize affected teeth by bonding them together, enhancing comfort and functionality.
- Tooth stability: Binds loose teeth to neighboring ones.
- Preventive measure: Reduces risk of further tooth movement.
- Strength support: Reinforces overall tooth structure.
- Comfort improvement: Minimizes discomfort from loose teeth.
Crown Lengthening
Crown lengthening reshapes the gums to expose more of the tooth’s surface, often done for restorative purposes or to improve aesthetics.
- Tooth exposure: Increases visible tooth structure.
- Restorative use: Supports restorative and cosmetic procedures.
- Gum recontouring: Balances the gum line aesthetically.
- Smile enhancement: Improves the appearance of your smile.
Bone Grafting
Bone grafting restores lost bone tissue in the jaw, creating a stable foundation for future implants or restorations and reversing bone loss due to periodontal disease.
- Bone restoration: Rebuilds bone tissue after loss.
- Implant support: Provides a foundation for dental implants.
- Jaw stability: Enhances structural integrity of the jaw.
- Facial contours: Helps restore natural facial contours.
Ridge Augmentation
After tooth loss, ridge augmentation is used to restore the natural contours of the jawline, improving both function and appearance.
- Jawline reconstruction: Restores the jaw’s natural shape.
- Implant preparation: Prepares the area for future implants.
- Aesthetic balance: Enhances facial aesthetics and symmetry.
- Functional support: Improves oral functionality and stability.
Experience Lasting Gum Health With Personalized Periodontal Solutions
When it comes to your gum health, trust our experienced team in San Clemente, CA, to provide the expert care you need. Our advanced periodontic treatments are designed to prevent and reverse gum disease, helping you achieve and maintain a healthy, beautiful smile. With personalized care tailored to your needs, we’re here to guide you every step of the way. Ready to take control of your gum health? Contact us today to schedule your periodontal consultation and start your journey to a healthier smile!