Periodontal disease is a series problem for millions of Americans. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, nearly 64.7 million people had it between 2009 and 2010. To make matters worse, the group expects this figure to continue to rise. Thankfully, people who have this disease can get help through periodontal treatment and orthodontics services in Columbus, Ohio.
What Is Periodontal Disease?
Before people look for periodontal treatment in Columbus, Ohio, they need to know about this disease. Also called periodontitis, it’s a very serious gum infection. As a matter of fact, it affects the soft tissue that supports the teeth. Eventually, the damage causes the teeth to become loose and even fall out.
Unfortunately, periodontitis is a very common problem. In addition, it’s a largely preventable one. Proper oral care, including brushing twice a day and flossing, can prevent this disease. Most of the time, poor oral care and avoiding regular teeth cleaning is the reason why it develops.
Symptoms of Periodontitis
In order for people to know if they need periodontal treatment, they have to know that they have this disease. Spotting the signs of periodontitis isn’t hard. In fact, some of the symptoms include:
- Gums that pull away from the teeth
- Pus between the gums and teeth
- Gums that bleed easily
- Loose teeth
- Bad breath
- Painful chewing
If people go to their dentists for regular checkups, they can identify periodontitis. Also, regular dental checkups can prevent the disease from happening altogether and you can avoid the need for gum disease treatment.
Periodontal Treatment Options
When it comes to seeking periodontal treatment in Columbus, Ohio, people have two options. The first is nonsurgical treatment, which usually includes antibiotics, scaling or root planing. Sometimes, treatment requires a combination of these methods.
Another option is surgical periodontal treatment. It might involve bone grafting, flap surgery or guided tissue regeneration. In general, dentists only perform this treatment for advanced cases of periodontal disease.
Scaling is typically the most common method for treating periodontitis. It involves removing bacteria and tartar from the surface of the tooth and beneath the gums. Since dentists can remove this buildup in a few ways, they may use instruments, ultrasonic devices, and lasers.
Root planing is another common practice to treat periodontitis that hasn’t advanced too far. While it removes bacteria, it also involves smoothing the surface of the teeth roots to discourage tartar buildup.
Most of these methods focus on removing bacteria from beneath the gumline. The reason is that bacteria byproducts cause inflammation in the gums. In addition, the bacteria and byproducts delay the natural ability of the gums to heal. Without getting periodontitis treatment, it can lead to tooth loss and dental implants.
Ways to Prevent Periodontitis at Home
After people get periodontal treatment, it’s important that they keep this disease from flaring up again. Fortunately, they can take a few measures to prevent it. These include not smoking or chewing tobacco, using an electric toothbrush and using a mouth rinse daily. An electric toothbrush is better at preventing tartar buildup than a manual toothbrush.
Contact South High Dental Today
Are you in need of orthodontics services in Columbus, Ohio has to offer? If so, consider getting treatment at South High Dental. We treat more than periodontal disease. Indeed, we offer services such as:
At South High Dental, we’re proud to offer dental services for the whole family. We’re a one-stop shop for all dental needs no matter your age. Because of that, you don’t have to run between multiple dental offices to treat your whole family. We can protect your family’s oral health.
Don’t lose your teeth to periodontal disease. Learn more about your periodontal treatment options. Reach out to South High Dental at 614.363.2462 today to learn more.