As “periodontal” means “around the tooth,” periodontal disease attacks the gums and bone that support the teeth. If not removed, daily plaque turns into calculus or tartar, and this destroys gums and bone. At Carolina Dental Arts, we help our patients diagnose, treat and maintain their periodontal disease in North Carolina at our locations across the state.
This common dental problem is the primary reason for tooth loss, and research shows that there may be links between periodontal disease and strokes, diabetes bacterial pneumonia, cardiovascular disease, and increased risk during pregnancy. Smoking also increases your risk for periodontal disease.
It’s easy for periodontal disease to go unnoticed in the early stages since it is initially painless. However, our dentists in Charlotte, Raleigh and beyond firmly believe it is best to catch early so that you can avoid the painful, unhealthy effects and treat the issues before they advance. Look out for these signs and symptoms of periodontal disease:
Our NC dentists and dental hygienists perform periodontal exams during regular dental check-ups to diagnose periodontal disease before it worsens. We use a small instrument to gently measure the pocket or space between your teeth and gums. If these pockets are more than three millimeters and bleed, it is possible that you are in one of the stages of periodontal disease:
As the first stage of periodontal disease, gingivitis occurs when plaque and its by-products irritate the gums, making them tender and inflamed and causing them to bleed.
With periodontitis, plaque hardens into calculus or tartar, and as it builds up, gums begin to recede from the teeth. Deeper pockets form between gums and teeth, and these spaces are filled with bacteria and pus. The gums become very irritated and inflamed and bleed easily. This may cause slight to moderate bone loss.
The teeth lose more support as the gums, bones and periodontal ligament continue to wear away. Unless treated, the affected teeth will loosen and may be lost. Generally, moderate to severe bone loss is present.
Our NC dentists base our periodontal disease treatments on the severity of the disease. In this case, it’s likely we will recommend two regular cleanings. And give instructions on improving your daily oral hygiene habits. It’s recommended that you schedule regular dental cleanings.
If the condition of the periodontal disease is advanced, we will perform a special periodontal deep cleaning and disinfection called scaling and root planing. This procedure is completed one half of the mouth at a time. The section is numbed, and tartar, plaque, and toxins are removed from above and below the gum line, and rough spots on root surfaces are smoothed.
If the pockets do not heal after scaling and root planing, our dentists may suggest periodontal surgery.
Did you know it only takes 24 hours for plaque to turn into calculus or tartar? If you are prone to this disease, regular cleanings at home are especially important for your dental health. After scaling and root planing treatment, our dentists recommend that you come in four times a year to one of our North Carolina locations for optimal periodontal disease maintenance to keep your gum disease at bay. Also having white teeth does not mean you don’t have cavities.
At these appointments, our team will carefully check your teeth and remove plaque and calculus from above and below your gum line. We also will take X-rays, examine existing restorations and tooth decay, and provide an oral cancer screening and teeth polishing.
Dedication to the dental health of our patients is our mission. Our goal is to keep your gums and teeth free of periodontal disease. If you are spotting signs of periodontal disease, don’t hesitate to contact us and schedule an appointment at your nearest location today. Want more information about treating periodontal disease? Our staff members would be happy to answer any questions you may have.
Carolina Dental Arts offers exceptional dental procedures in North Carolina at our locations across the state, including Glenwood South, Goldsboro, and New Bern Ave.
Carolina Dental Arts have locations in the following areas of NC. Find specific information on how to contact them by selecting the city most convenient to you.
Mon and Fri: 9 am-7 pm Tue: 9 am-2 pm
Wed: 9 am-5 pm Sat: 9 am-1 pm Thu/Sun: Closed