At Acre Wood Dental in Round Rock, we believe in healthy gums as a foundation for a strong, healthy smile. Periodontal disease (or gum disease) is a common condition that can affect your overall health if left untreated. For our team, the goal is to provide comprehensive periodontal care in a comfortable and welcoming environment, ensuring your gums remain strong and healthy. Our caring and friendly staff is dedicated to making you feel at home as we help you maintain your best oral health.
What is Periodontal Disease?
Periodontal disease is an infection of the tissues that hold your teeth in place. It's typically caused by poor brushing and flossing habits that allow plaque (a sticky film of bacteria) to build up on the teeth and harden. Over time, this can lead to gingivitis and periodontitis.
Gingivitis is the mildest form of periodontal disease, characterized by red, swollen, and easily bleeding gums. This stage is reversible with professional treatment and good home care. If gingivitis is left untreated, it can advance to periodontitis. The gums pull away from the teeth, forming "pockets" that become infected. As the body tries to fight the infection, the bone and connective tissue that hold teeth in place begin to break down, eventually leading to tooth loosening and loss.
Common Signs and Symptoms of Gum Disease
The most common signs and symptoms of periodontal disease include:
- Red, swollen, or tender gums
- Bleeding gums, especially when brushing or flossing
- Persistent bad breath (halitosis)
- Receding gums (teeth appear longer)
- Loose or shifting teeth
- Changes in the way your teeth fit together when you bite
If you notice any of these symptoms, it's crucial to schedule an appointment with us at Acre Wood Dental right away. Early detection and treatment are key to preventing further damage. Our top periodontal treatments in Round Rock include:
Periodontal Exams
During your regular dental check-up, or if you present with symptoms of gum disease, our team will conduct a thorough periodontal exam. This comprehensive exam allows us to accurately diagnose the stage of gum disease and recommend the most appropriate treatment plan. This involves:
- Visual Inspection: We'll examine your gums for signs of redness, swelling, and bleeding.
- Pocket Depth Measurement: Using a tiny, gentle probe, we'll measure the space between your teeth and gums (known as "pockets"). Healthy gums have shallow pockets, while deeper pockets can indicate the presence and severity of gum disease.
- X-rays: We may take digital X-rays to assess the bone levels around your teeth and identify any bone loss.
Periodontal Deep Cleanings (Scaling and Root Planing)
If you are diagnosed with periodontitis, a standard dental cleaning may not be enough. We recommend a periodontal deep cleaning, also known as scaling and root planing. This procedure goes beyond a regular cleaning to address the infection below the gum line.
We'll typically numb the area of your mouth being treated to ensure your comfort during the procedure. To perform the scaling portion of the periodontal deep clean, our hygienists will use specialized instruments to meticulously remove plaque and tartar (hardened plaque) from both above and below your gum line, down to the bottom of the pockets.
After scaling, the root surfaces of your teeth are smoothed out by our doctors. This helps remove any remaining bacteria and toxins, and makes it more difficult for new plaque to form, allowing your gums to reattach more firmly to the tooth roots.
Periodontal deep cleanings offer benefits like:
- Removes bacteria and toxins that cause gum disease
- Reduces inflammation and bleeding
- Helps shrink periodontal pockets
- Promotes healing and reattachment of gum tissue
- Can prevent further bone loss and tooth loss
After your deep cleaning, we'll provide detailed instructions for at-home care and recommend a schedule for follow-up appointments to monitor your gum health and maintain the results.
Gingivectomy
In some cases of gum disease, or for cosmetic reasons, excess gum tissue can contribute to deep pockets or an uneven gum line. A gingivectomy is a procedure designed to carefully remove this excess gum tissue, helping to eliminate periodontal pockets and create a healthier gum contour. This allows for easier cleaning of the teeth and gums, reducing the risk of further infection, and can also improve the aesthetic appearance of your smile by exposing more of the natural tooth structure. Our team performs this procedure with precision and a special focus on your comfort.
Arestin
For persistent infections within periodontal pockets, we may recommend the use of Arestin, a localized antibiotic treatment. Arestin is a powder containing microspheres filled with minocycline (an antibiotic). After a deep cleaning with scaling and root planing, this antibiotic powder is directly applied to the infected gum pockets. It then slowly releases the antibiotic over several days, targeting and killing the bacteria that cause gum disease.
This targeted approach helps reduce the depth of periodontal pockets and promotes the healing of your gum tissue, working effectively in conjunction with your deep cleaning to fight the infection.
Healthier Gums for a Healthier Smile
Don't let gum disease compromise your smile or your overall health. At Acre Wood Dental, we're dedicated to providing effective, gentle periodontal care. Contact us today to schedule your periodontal exam and take the first step towards healthy gums and a vibrant smile!
