Periodontal Therapy in Midlothian, VA
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Contact UsWhat Is Periodontal Therapy?
Otherwise known as periodontal disease, gum disease is made up of three stages: gingivitis, periodontitis, and advanced periodontitis. It is a chronic infection caused by harmful bacteria that live within tartar deposits built up on the teeth, which ultimately start to damage the gums and jawbone that hold every tooth in its correct place. Detecting and managing gum disease early may prevent further complications, like tooth loss. Dr. Jacob Sheppard and Dr. Ronald Jessup at Sycamore Family Dentistry perform many advanced procedures to address periodontal disease at any phase. Contact our office in Midlothian, VA to schedule an appointment and learn more.
What Are the Benefits of Periodontal Therapy?
Periodontal therapy performed at Sycamore Family Dentistry in Midlothian, VA is an extremely valuable class of treatments for treating multiple levels of gum disease. Benefits of periodontal therapy include:
- Improving oral health
- Preventing tooth loss, bone loss, and other serious complications from periodontal disease
- A more aesthetically pleasing smile
- Cost-effective versus more severe dental remedies and treatments
- Reducing the bacteria that cause periodontal issues
- Better breath
- Alleviating pain and discomfort
Who Is A Good Candidate for Periodontal Therapy?
Individuals who might require treatment for gum disease include those who notice even minimal gum puffiness and bleeding, as well as anyone with loose teeth and prominent deterioration to the adjacent oral tissues. In situations where gum disease is spotted and addressed quickly, people have better chances to reduce the disorder's harmful impact. Numerous people have bleeding gums and puffiness, which can be mistaken for ordinary. Nevertheless, bleeding and many other symptoms of gum disease are never normal and need to be evaluated immediately by Dr. Jessup, Dr. Sheppard, or another professional on his team.
We encourage individuals to arrange a visit to Sycamore Family Dentistry if they experience any possible indications of the condition. These symptoms might consist of puffy, red, or sensitive gums, as well as bleeding during toothbrushing and flossing. Persistent foul breath or an unpleasant taste in someone's mouth could be a sign too. People with later-stage periodontal disease may have loose teeth, extreme sensitivity, a receding gumline, or discharge coming from the gums.
How Does Periodontal Therapy Work?
To learn if gum disease is harming your oral health, we will use a small tool to measure the gaps between your gums and teeth. If these gaps are greater than three millimeters deep, it is often a cause for concern. Digital x-rays will also allow us to see the jawbone to determine whether a more advanced stage of gum disease is present. The primary stage of periodontal disease (gingivitis) is generally treated through an in-office cleaning and proper daily oral hygiene. To address periodontitis, SRP (often called scaling and root planing) treatments are done and can be paired with locally administered antibiotics. The final stage of gum disease can be addressed with a surgical method, including flap surgery or bone grafting treatments.
What to Expect After Periodontal Therapy
Committing to a consistent dental care regimen is necessary after your gum disease has been addressed. During your treatment, Dr. Sheppard and his team will provide you with helpful information to improve your regular brushing habits and improve your oral structures. Our team will then give you personalized after-care tips to help you bounce back from your procedure smoothly. Periodontal maintenance treatments, which are crucial in allowing you to elevate your gum wellness and in hindering active periodontal disease from recurring, are usually advised every 3 – 4 months. These visits at Sycamore Family Dentistry take the place of twice-yearly dental cleanings.
Sycamore Family Dentistry Reviews
Love this place
What a wonderful surprise my visit was ! I had xrays and my first impressions made on my first visit. Everyone was so nice and the cost of my dentures was extremely affordable ! I am very happy that I chose Sycamore Family Denistry.
So glad to go to Sycamore Family Denistry. Today, they made time for a new patient, my 88 year old mother. Loved the care they took with her and so did she.
A lot of stuff going on in my mouth! And the staff has been amazing. Denise taking time in her off hours to talk, Rhonda and Julie out front helping with prescriptions and scheduling, and of course Dr. Sheppard taking time to thoroughly explain things and options. This team is amazing!!!
Great support staff and the dentists and hygienists are top notch. This complement is a consistent reality of this practice. Knowledgable, helpful, caring and on time appointments too!
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Halt Gum Disease
Thanks to state-of-the-art dental care techniques, Sycamore Family Dentistry in Midlothian, VA can help individuals stop the progression of their periodontal disease. If you are affected by one or more symptoms related to gum disease, we encourage you to schedule an appointment with Dr. Sheppard or Dr. Jessup right away.
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About UsPeriodontal Therapy FAQs
Can periodontal disease be reversed?
Improved dental care and diligent attention to gum health can reverse the early stage of gum disease, known as gingivitis. However, once gingivitis progresses into periodontitis, it becomes irreversible despite any efforts.
Can periodontal disease affect overall health?
Yes, research suggests that periodontal disease may be linked to other health conditions. It has been associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease, diabetes, respiratory diseases, and adverse pregnancy outcomes. Maintaining good gum health plays a role in overall well-being.
How long does periodontal disease treatment take?
The duration of treatment depends on the severity and extent of the condition. Mild cases may require a few visits for scaling and root planing, while advanced cases may necessitate multiple appointments for surgical procedures. Dr. Sheppard or Dr. Jessup can provide a more accurate estimate after evaluating the individual case.
Can periodontal therapy improve the appearance of my gums and teeth?
Periodontal treatment at Sycamore Family Dentistry can produce healthier-looking gums by reducing redness, swelling, and receding gum lines. In many cases, as the health of the gums improves, patients notice their teeth looking better, feeling stronger, and becoming less sensitive.
What can I do to prevent gum disease?
Preventing gum disease involves a combination of professional dental care and good oral hygiene practices. At Sycamore Family Dentistry, we recommend regular dental check-ups and cleanings to remove plaque and tartar, which play a significant role in the development of gum disease. Maintaining a consistent oral hygiene routine at home, including brushing twice a day, flossing daily, and using an antiseptic mouthwash, can also reduce your risk. Lifestyle choices like a balanced diet and avoiding tobacco also play a crucial role in preventing periodontal disease.
What follow-up care is recommended after my periodontal treatment?
After periodontal therapy, we recommend regular dental check-ups and cleanings (which you may need to do more frequently to protect your teeth and gums from plaque and tartar buildup). We also advise patients on specific home care routines tailored to their needs, including recommended toothbrushes, flossing techniques, and other oral hygiene products. Monitoring and maintenance are key to preventing gum disease from developing again.