How to Tell if You Need Periodontal Treatment
October 19, 2018
One of the reasons why it’s important to stick to a routine of dental checkups and cleanings is because your dentist is your best chance at detecting certain dental issues. For instance, your dentist can inspect your teeth and gums for things you can’t see, like warning signs of gum disease, and recommend periodontal treatment before it becomes obvious. For patients in Kansas City, MO, this means they can have a better chance at preserving their smiles even if gum disease development. They can improve their chances even further by keeping a close eye out for these common signs that could indicate a need for periodontal treatment.
The Signs of Gum Disease
Gum disease isn’t obvious at first because it begins as minor irritation in your gums known as gingivitis. This irritation stems from an overabundance of oral bacteria gathering along and underneath your gum line. Over time, this can infect your gums, leading to increasingly worse inflammation and damage in your gums. You may notice early signs of this infection by checking for:
- Red, glossy gum tissue
- Darkened areas of your gums
- Redness and swelling
- Occasional bleeding in your gums
- Consistent bad breath
- Gum recession
- And more
These and other signs of gum disease become more prominent the more severe your disease grows. The sooner you notice them and seek appropriate treatment, the better chance you have at protecting your smile from the disease.
What to Do if You Notice Them
If you notice signs of gum disease, then it may be serious enough to require personalized periodontal treatment. Your dentist can carefully clean the harmful bacteria from underneath your gums with scaling and root planing, or deep cleaning, to allow your gums to heal. If your gum disease is severe enough that you’ve lost a tooth or need to have it extracted, then your treatment might also include replacing the tooth with a lifelike dental implant.
Find Out if You Need Periodontal Treatment
If you experience these or other signs of gum disease, then you may be a good candidate for personalized periodontal treatment. For more information, or to schedule a consultation, call Cosmetic & Implant Dentistry of Kansas City, MO, today at 816-427-4018.