PERIODONTAL THERAPY
Periodontal (gum) disease results in inflammation and infection of your gums and supporting bone structures around your teeth. According to the CDC, 47.2% of adults over the age of 30 have some form of periodontal disease. This can be caused by poor oral hygiene, lack of preventive care, or simply not brushing or flossing well. Periodontal disease is the number one cause for tooth loss. With treatment, supportive periodontal care, and supportive home care, periodontal disease can be controlled.
You may need scaling and root planing if you experience the following symptoms:
Swollen and inflammed gums
Bleeding gums when you brush and floss
Excessing build up on teeth
Bad breath
Shifting teeth
If you suspect that you may have periodontal disease, it is important to get care right away. Dr. Chan will do a full periodontal assessment to determine the health of your gums. Treatment of periodontal disease typically starts with a “deep cleaning” or scaling and root planing, which involve specialized tools to clean below your gums to clean tartar and remove bacteria that have developed below your gums. It is important to note that once treatment is completed, you must do your own part in maintaining your oral hygiene with regular brushing and flossing to prevent the build up of plaque and tartar between maintenance appointments.
