If you’re one of the more than 64 million Americans with gum disease, periodontal treatment can stop the condition from progressing and prevent it from causing more serious problems like gum recession or tooth loss. At his practice in Arcadia, California, cosmetic dentist Hanfu Lee, DDS, offers several types of periodontal treatment, including PerioProtect, to people of all ages. To schedule your appointment, call the office to speak with a friendly team member or book online today.
request an appointmentWhat is gum disease?
Gum disease is a serious oral health problem that occurs as a result of poor dental hygiene. If you don’t brush, floss, or rinse with a fluoride-based mouthwash, and you avoid visiting the dentist, then plaque, tartar, and harmful bacteria can build up on your teeth and beneath your gums. If the harmful bacteria continue to grow, it can irritate your gums, causing an infection.
There are several types of gum disease, but the two most common are gingivitis and periodontitis. Gingivitis is the earliest stage of gum disease and causes your gums to become swollen, red, and irritated. If you have gingivitis, your gums might bleed when you brush your teeth. Periodontitis is a more advanced type of gum disease and causes gum recession and tooth loss.
Regardless of the type of gum disease you have, periodontal treatment can prevent it from getting worse.
What is periodontal treatment?
Periodontal treatment is a branch of dentistry that involves Dr. Lee professionally cleaning the diseased or damaged pockets of gum tissue around your teeth. This process eradicates harmful bacteria and tartar while preserving your teeth and smile.
Periodontal treatment also lowers your risk of certain physical health problems. Clinical studies suggest that gum disease increases your risk of heart disease and diabetes. By taking action to protect the health of your gums, you can improve your general health as well.
Are there different types of periodontal treatment?
There are several types of periodontal treatment. Depending on your health history and individual needs, Dr. Lee might recommend:
Scaling and root planing
Scaling is a type of periodontal treatment that involves Dr. Lee carefully removing tartar and bacteria from your teeth. This eliminates infection and allows your gums to heal. Root planing is a preventive treatment that makes it difficult for harmful bacteria to reinfect your gums. Combined with good oral hygiene, these treatments can eliminate gum disease and restore health and vitality to your smile.
PerioProtect
PerioProtect is an advanced periodontal treatment that uses prescription mouth guards to reach harmful bacteria that brushing and flossing cannot. Each mouth guard gently delivers prescription medication below your gum line. PerioProtect is completely noninvasive and decreases the need for repetitive scaling procedures.
What type of periodontal treatment is right for me?
To determine the periodontal treatment that is right for you, make an appointment with Dr. Lee. Following a comprehensive oral exam, a discussion of your symptoms, and a review of your oral health history, Dr. Lee can develop a custom care plan that prevents harmful bacteria from infecting your gums.
Schedule your periodontal treatment appointment at the office of Hanfu Lee, DDS, by calling the office or booking online today.