Periodontal Therapy in Arlington
Studies suggest that the presence of periodontal disease (more commonly known as gum disease) doesn’t only affect your oral health – it can have lasting consequences for your overall wellbeing, even contributing to cases of heart disease, diabetes, arthritis, and premature births. That’s not good news, considering how nearly 80% of the population is suspected to suffer from a mild stage of gum disease (also known as gingivitis) all the way up to severe stages (periodontitis). Here in Arlington, our dental team takes this threat very seriously, and Dr. Stephen Wardlaw wants to protect you from it. Routine check-ups will allow us to monitor your condition and locate tell-tale symptoms at the earliest possible stages, which can simplify your treatment and keep your oral health at the great level you deserve.
What is gum disease?
Simply put, gum disease negatively affects the tissue and bone that have the important job of supporting your natural teeth. Over time, plaque is forming in your mouth, turning into hard deposits known as tartar that exist below your gum line. Combined with trapped food particles, this can quickly lead to irritating symptoms (oral bleeding that occurs when you’re brushing or flossing, gums that seem overly swollen and red, etc.) and the threat of more severe infection.
If there’s no intervention, the patient’s condition will progress, eventually causing the recession of their gum line and the formation of bacteria-filled pockets. These will start to cause damage, which will eventually lead to tooth loss and jawbone deterioration.
Why should I be worried about gum disease?
Your mouth is the opening to the entire body – it makes sense that bacteria that enter there are able to wreak havoc on other important areas. In addition to what’s listed above, the presence of gum disease has also been linked to respiratory issues, dementia, osteoporosis, strokes, and even more. Hopefully, research will continue to shed light on these problems and what can be done to more effectively combat them. In the meantime, this is one of the reasons why attending routine check-ups with an experienced dentist like Dr. Wardlaw is crucial for your wellbeing.
How can you treat my gum disease?
In the early stages, more frequent cleanings may be enough to combat any ill effects, as well as an improved brushing and flossing routine. However, once gum disease has reached a certain level, it’s sadly no longer curable. Routine maintenance will be needed for our team to combat the symptoms and restore health to your smile. Possible therapy options include:
- Scaling and Root Planing – This in-depth cleaning focused on removing tricky plaque and tartar from beneath the gum line, as well as smoothing away rough areas from the tooth roots.
Learn More About Scaling and Root Planing
- Laser Treatment – Our state-of-the-art diode laser can remove diseased tissue and treat areas of decay with an exceptional amount of preciseness, eliminating the need for sutures and even promoting the reattachment of healthy gum tissue. Any bleeding is minimized, and the procedure is often so comfortable that patients don’t need anesthesia.
- Periodontal Surgery – In very advanced cases, Dr. Wardlaw might have to recommend you to a trusted specialist in the area.
Do you suspect that you might be suffering from gum disease? Don’t wait – contact our team at I-20 Family Dental right away for the guidance and professional assistance you need. Our Arlington, TX practice is open to patients from Fort Worth, Kennedale, Mansfield, Grand Prairie, and other surrounding areas.