Periodontics

Periodontal disease is a silent destroyer. It may show few or no symptoms at first, but if not detected early it can cause serious or even irreversible damage. Periodontal disease begins with an infection called gingivitis, in which bacteria around the teeth infect the gums. Gingivitis doesn’t have any initial symptom, so it may be hard to detect if you don’t visit the dentist regularly. If not found in time or if left untreated, gingivitis eventually leads to periodontal disease with symptoms including inflammation, irritation and bleeding of the gums. At this stage damage is already occurring.

Common symptoms of periodontal disease include:

• Sensitivity to acidic fruit or other foods
• Bad breath, even after brushing
• Gum recession
• Tooth pain
• Abscesses
• Tooth loss

Periodontal disease may start off as a minor problem, but if it is not treated it may cost you your teeth. Regular checkups can help you avoid this.

Once periodontal disease is discovered, treatment must begin immediately. Root planing, periodontal cleanings, local antibiotics and laser therapy can be used to control the periodontal disease. In severe cases the only remedy is periodontal surgery, and it must be done as soon as possible.

The best way to prevent periodontal disease is to have regular visits with your dentist. Without routine preventive care you may develop a gum infection that, left undiagnosed and untreated, progresses to periodontal disease and tooth loss.

Seattle’s Downtown Dentist has an outstanding record in treating periodontal diseases and offers the following periodontic services:

• Biopsy
• Bone grafting
• Gingival / gum grafting
• Soft tissue grafting
• Osseous grafting / guided tissue regeneration
• Arestin
• Crown lengthening
• Periodontal splinting (weak teeth)
• Osseous surgery / pocket reduction
• Cosmetic periodontal surgery
• Scaling and root planing
• Occlusal adjustment
• Frenectomy

Periodontal disease treatments are straightforward but can become complex when periodontal surgery is needed. Whatever the stage of your gingivitis or periodontal disease, the highly qualified dentists at Seattle’s Downtown Dentist can handle it expertly. You can book an appointment by calling(206) 623-3371.