According to medical statistics, approximately sixty-four Americans have gum disease. Without the proper treatment, gum disease can lead to tooth loss and other severe health issues. Therefore, you should seek timely periodontal treatment to avoid further damage. At West End Dental in Downtown Washington, Edward Kim, MS, DDS, DC, Lauren Izadi, DDS, and the team offer effective diagnosis and treatment of periodontal disease in Downtown, DC and Foggy Bottom, DC. They offer periodontal probing for diagnosing the disease and innovative treatments, including root planing, scaling, and local antibiotic therapy. To get started, call or book an appointment online today.
What Is Periodontal Disease?
Also known as gum disease, periodontal disease is a range of conditions that causes gum tissue inflammation. Without timely intervention and treatment, periodontal disease destroys your jawbone and gums resulting in loosening or losing your teeth. Various factors contribute to developing periodontal disease, such as eating junk foods, using tobacco, or drinking excessively. However, the leading cause of periodontal disease is poor oral hygiene.
What Are The Signs And Symptoms Of Gum Disease?
The symptoms of gum disease differ based on the severity of your condition. Some of the common symptoms of periodontal disease include the following.
- Loose teeth
- Bad breath
- Puffy or swollen gums
- Purple or bright red gums
- Easy to breed gums
- Developing spaces between your teeth
- Pain while biting or chewing
You might also notice you have a receding gum line, or your teeth do not fit together like before.
What Should You Expect During Diagnosis Of Periodontal Disease?
To diagnose periodontal disease, the team at West End Dental starts by conducting a comprehensive oral examination and periodontal probing. The periodontal probing procedure involves using a small handheld ruler to measure the size of pockets around your teeth. Big pockets are a sign of an active infection. Usually, visual observation by the dentist is sufficient in making a diagnosis. However, your provider might require you to take digital X-rays to monitor any jawbone damage.
What Are The Available Treatments For Periodontal Disease?
If you get diagnosed with periodontal disease, the best treatment will depend on the severity of your symptoms and overall dental and oral health. Some of the effective treatments available for periodontal disease include;
Scaling and root planing
Root planing and scaling is a quick, in-office outpatient procedure. The doctor tartar and plaque from your teeth surface as well as beneath your gum line. The tooth surfaces are then smoothed, enabling your gums to heal and reattach well to your teeth.
Local antibiotic therapy
If your periodontal disease case is severe, the team at West End Dental may recommend local antibiotic therapy. This type of treatment involves implanting tiny antibiotic medication beads underneath your gums. These medication beads dissolve over time, gradually releasing infection-fighting antibiotics. Local antibiotic therapy helps to inhibit further infections and preserve your proper oral health.
To sum up, don’t allow periodontal disease to affect your quality of life negatively. Book a consultation at West End Dental using the online scheduling tool or calling the office to get started with the treatment.
