Periodontic dentistry describes the study and treatment of issues that involve your gums and other supportive dental tissues. For instance, gum disease (or periodontal disease), which is the leading cause of adult tooth loss, can often be prevented or treated with the expertise of a periodontist. If you have developed serious gum disease, or if a dental examination reveals the presence of gingivitis, then we may recommend an appropriate level of periodontal treatment to help prevent more serious consequences.

What Causes Gum Disease?

Periodontal disease often develops because of inflammation in the gingival tissue. The inflammation causes the gums to pull away from the teeth, leading to pockets at the gum line. Once bacteria enter the pockets, patients can develop gum disease symptoms. Gums can become inflamed as a result of a myriad of factors, including poor oral hygiene, medication, illness, genetic factors, and smoking. Understanding the cause of your gum issues is the first step in choosing the most appropriate treatment option.

The Signs of Gum Disease

If you exhibit any of the following symptoms, then schedule an appointment as soon as possible to determine if periodontal disease is to blame:

  • Swollen, tender gum tissues
  • Bleeding in your gums when you brush or floss your teeth
  • Persistent bad breath, even after you’ve brushed your teeth
  • Dark-colored areas along your gums

Do I Need Periodontal Therapy?

As a preventive measure, we recommend all patients have their teeth thoroughly cleaned once every six months. The cleaning removes plaque from the surface of the teeth, reducing the risk of inflammation. For patients with the early stages of the disease, we can recommend periodontal therapy. A deep cleaning will be performed to remove plaque and tartar from the teeth and the surface of the exposed roots. Doing so allows healthy gum tissue to adhere to the teeth and reduces symptoms.

Schedule a Periodontic Dentistry Treatment With Us

If you’re experiencing issues related to gum disease, our periodontic dentistry treatments may help improve your oral health. For more information, please contact one of our Riverside Dental Group offices. We have locations in Corona, Moreno Valley, Riverside, and Temecula.