Periodontal Therapy

Serving Dallas, TX and the Surrounding Areas

Our Dental Services

Periodontal disease is a serious gum infection that can damage the bone and tissues supporting the teeth. Left untreated, the devastating condition can lead to tooth loss and impact your overall health. That's why Illinois Family Dentistry focuses on preventing, treating, and managing periodontal disease. We strive to maintain healthy smiles for a lifetime.

What Are the Causes of Periodontal Disease?

Periodontal disease usually develops as a result of poor oral hygiene. When plaque, a sticky film of bacteria, is not removed by brushing, flossing, and regular professional cleanings, it can harden to tartar. That can irritate the gum tissues, leading to inflammation and forming spaces called pockets between the teeth and gums. These spaces trap plaque and food debris, providing bacteria with the perfect environment to flourish.

Additional risk factors for gum disease include genetics, diabetes, smoking, crooked teeth, the natural aging process, and hormonal changes. The good news is that early intervention and good oral hygiene practices can usually reverse the earliest stage of periodontal disease, known as gingivitis.

What Are the Warning Symptoms of Periodontal Disease?

If you see any of the following signs of gum disease, contact Illinois Family Dentistry right away:

Red, swollen, or tender gums
Gums that bleed when you brush or floss
Loose or sensitive teeth
Persistent bad breath that doesn't go away with brushing or flossing
Changes in how your teeth fit together

How Can Periodontal Disease Impact My Health?

Periodontal disease isn't just an oral health problem. It can also impact your overall health. Several studies found that patients with periodontal disease are more likely to develop chronic health conditions, including diabetes, heart disease, diabetes, high blood pressure, stroke, rheumatoid arthritis, and even pregnancy complications.

How Is Periodontal Disease Treated?

Periodontal disease treatment starts with a professional deep cleaning, a procedure known as scaling and root planing. Scaling involves using an ultrasonic scaler to blast away plaque and tartar from the teeth and right below your gum line. Root planing, on the other hand, involves cleaning and smoothing your tooth root surfaces. That helps discourage inflammation and prevents the infection from spreading. It also promotes healing and gum tissue reattachment to the clean tooth root surfaces.

You may require topical or oral antibiotics to control the infection, depending on your unique needs. In severe cases of periodontitis, surgical intervention may be necessary.

What Is Periodontal Maintenance?

After gum disease treatment, we typically recommend periodontal maintenance appointments every three to four months rather than the standard twice-yearly dental exams and cleanings. During your visits, we will clean your teeth, monitor your gum health, and provide any necessary treatments to keep your gums as healthy as possible.

Practicing good home oral hygiene is essential to your periodontal maintenance plan. Make sure to brush and floss regularly and rinse with an antimicrobial mouthwash. The goal is to stop the progression of periodontal disease and maintain healthy gums and teeth.