Your oral health starts with your gums, as does the appearance of your smile. We understand that here at See Me Smile Dental of Oxnard and we are committed to providing you with expert periodontic treatment to help you get the smile you want and deserve.
Periodontal disease is caused by a bacterial infection of the gum tissue. It is more commonly known as gum disease. It is a common problem and frequently causes tooth loss among other issues. Red, swollen, and/or bleeding gums are often the first sign. It is a progressive disease and must be treated to avoid serious dental and physical health consequences.
Periodontal treatment encompasses several dental procedures aimed at treating and reversing periodontal disease and restoring oral health. It includes nonsurgical treatments such as deep cleanings and surgical treatments such as grafting and tooth extractions.
There are two basic types of periodontal treatment: surgical and nonsurgical treatment. All periodontal cases need nonsurgical treatment, but advanced cases may also need surgical treatment.
Nonsurgical periodontal treatment is the first treatment utilized for periodontal disease. It might involve antibiotic treatment but usually involves a deep cleaning, more properly called root planing and scaling. This is a procedure that removes hardened calculus and tartar from the teeth both above and below the gum line. It is usually a multiple-step process that requires several trips to our Oxnard office.
More advanced periodontal disease often requires surgical treatment. This can include procedures such as soft tissue grafting, which means taking a piece of tissue from the roof of the mouth and attaching it to an area where the gum tissue has been destroyed. Surgical treatments can also include tooth extractions and the placement of dental implants or dentures.
Periodontal treatment is absolutely essential to stop the progression of the disease. Without it, it will continue to progress until it causes tooth loss and other health consequences. Periodontal treatment has other benefits as well, however. Here are just a few of them.
Receding gums disrupt the appearance of your smile. Plaque and tartar can stain your teeth and/or make them appear yellow. Treating these issues restores your smile and gives it a more pleasing look.
Periodontal disease is a leading cause of bad breath (halitosis). Many people with periodontal disease have chronic bad breath. Periodontal treatment will remove the cause of your bad breath and thus resolve the issue.
Since periodontal disease eventually leads to tooth loss, periodontal treatment prevents this issue. That allows patients to keep their natural teeth much longer.
Sensitive and painful teeth and gums are one of the primary symptoms of gum disease. Undergoing periodontal treatment reduces these symptoms and may eliminate them entirely if the disease is caught and treated in the first stage.
All the plaque and tartar that causes gum disease in the first place will be removed during treatment. This is usually done in the first stage of treatment, which involves a periodontal deep cleaning, otherwise known as scaling and root planing. This will prevent the disease from progressing.
Periodontal disease has implications for overall health in addition to oral health. It can cause serious issues from pneumonia to diabetes. It can even contribute to cardiovascular disease, heart attacks, and strokes. Getting treatment improves all of these issues and improves overall health.
A thorough periodontal cleaning is the first step in periodontal treatment. This is more involved than a normal twice-yearly cleaning. It is a special type of cleaning known as periodontal cleaning, deep cleaning, or scaling and root planing.
These names all refer to the same procedure, which removes plaque and tartar from above and below the gum line and shapes the roots of teeth to make it harder for bacteria to attach to them. Local anesthesia is used to prevent discomfort during this process.
A deep cleaning has several steps and is normally done over multiple appointments. The hygienist will either treat half the mouth at each of two appointments or treat the mouth in quadrants over four appointments. This is due to the involved nature of the cleaning process.
The first step in the procedure is the use of local anesthesia to numb the treatment area to prevent the patient from feeling any pain.
This next step removes the plaque and tartar from the teeth above the gum line, just like a normal cleaning.
This step involves removing the plaque and tartar that have accumulated below the gum line and cannot be reached by normal brushing and flossing.
In this step, the hygienist will “plane,” which means smooth, the surface of the roots to help prevent bacteria from latching onto them in the future.
This last step does not always happen, but occasionally the hygienist will apply antibiotics or an antimicrobial to the pockets to kill any remaining bacteria.
Periodontal treatment utilizes anesthetics to keep the patients from feeling pain during the procedure, but there may be some irritation or discomfort afterward. However, periodontal treatment also leads to the relief of longstanding pain and irritation.
The cost of periodontal treatment varies based on the type or types of treatment each patient needs and insurance coverage. Our staff will verify your insurance coverage when you come in for a consultation and let you know what will be covered and how much you will have to pay.
See Me Smile Dental of Oxnard is proud to offer payment arrangements and financing options to help our patients get the care they need. Please ask our staff for more information if you would like to know more about these options.
Call See Me Smile Dental of Oxnard at (805) 716-6890 to schedule a periodontal evaluation!
Dr. Omid Barkhordar, DDS has earned his reputation as a leading family and cosmetic dentist in See Me Smile Dental Oxnard,, the Central Coast, and Southern California. He is committed to providing patients of all ages with compassionate care.
From general dentistry to advanced procedures, Dr. Omid uses innovative technology and gentle techniques to deliver safe and stress-free dental care so patients can enjoy a painless, healthy, and gorgeous smile.
Dr. Omid earned his Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) degree from the University of Southern California (USC) School of Dentistry in one of the best dental programs in the United States. His dedication to helping patients achieve their perfect smile has earned Dr. Omid the continued trust and recommendation of many clients.
No matter the age or needs of the patient, Dr. Omid is committed to helping you discover the benefits of a healthy, beautiful smile.
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