Our Dental Blog

Periodontal disease could lead to serious problems for your oral health, including tooth loss in the advanced stages. In today’s blog, your Kansas City, MO, dentist will explain the causes of the issue, and what you can do to help protect your smile. With the right steps, you can keep your gums healthy and your smile whole!

The Causes of Periodontal Disease

Periodontal disease starts as gingivitis or inflammation. The periodontal tissues could become inflamed due to poor oral hygiene, which leaves plaque and tartar coating the teeth and irritating the tissues. Smoking cigarettes and using tobacco products could also be a factor, as could a family history of inflammation, untreated inflammatory illnesses, and the use of certain medications. As part of your treatment, we will need to understand the factors behind the issue, so we can create a treatment plan. While gingivitis can be reversed, periodontal disease cannot, but routine care can manage it to stave off the later stages, which could cause tooth loss unless addressed.

To help keep your smile safe from home, make sure you not only brush daily but floss as well, which removes particles from between the teeth and along the gum line. Avoid tobacco use as well, and be sure you eat a healthier diet.

Warning Signs of Trouble

You should let us know when you notice changes to your smile, such as sore, red gums that bleed easily. If you attend checkup and cleaning visits every six months, then we can help identify the issue in the earliest stages, before you even experience these warning signs. Otherwise, you may not know you need care until periodontal disease has already developed.

Scaling and Root Planing

Also known as deep cleaning, this treatment not only helps reverse gingivitis, but could be key to stopping the progression of the disease into the later stages, and allow us to better manage with routine cleanings every three to four months. Like regular cleaning, this involves using an ultrasonic scaling device and a manual tool to break up plaque and tartar. However, we also remove the buildup from the roots as well as the surfaces of the teeth. The process could take between one and four visits, depending on the cause and extent of your buildup. We will administer a local anesthetic to ensure comfort, and then polish the teeth afterward for a more esthetically-pleasing appearance. We may also send you home with a special rinse as well.

Dental Cleaning

A routine cleaning every few months then helps us control buildup and manage the disease, keeping your smiles safe from discomfort and tooth loss.

Do You Have Questions About Preventive Dentistry?

Our team knows that protecting your gum health means preserving the stability and beauty of your smile. To learn more about our approach to managing gum issues, then schedule a consultation by calling Cosmetic & Implant Dentistry of Kansas City, MO, today at 816-427-4018.