At Smiles West in Panorama City, CA, we offer periodontal care to ensure your gums are as healthy as your smile. Our expert team is dedicated to providing top-tier periodontal care to help you maintain optimal oral health. Schedule a consultation today to take the first step towards healthier gums!
What Is Periodontics?
Periodontics focuses on the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of periodontal disease, which affects the gums and supporting structures of the teeth. This specialized field ensures your gums stay healthy, which is crucial for maintaining overall oral health. By addressing gum issues early, periodontics can help prevent more serious dental problems in the future.
The Link Between Periodontal Health & Overall Health
Your oral health is intricately linked to your overall health. Periodontal disease has been associated with systemic conditions such as heart disease, diabetes, and respiratory issues. Research indicates that the inflammation caused by periodontal disease can contribute to the development of these conditions.
Taking care of your gums is not just about a beautiful smile; it’s about maintaining your overall well-being. By ensuring your periodontal health, you can reduce the risk of developing these serious health issues.
What Is Periodontal Disease?
Periodontal disease, also known as gum disease, is an infection of the tissues that hold your teeth in place. It is typically caused by poor brushing and flossing habits that allow plaque—a sticky film of bacteria—to build up on the teeth and harden. If not removed, plaque can turn into tartar, leading to inflammation and infection of the gums. This disease progresses through various stages, each requiring specific treatment approaches to manage and reverse the damage.
Stages & Symptoms
Understanding the stages of periodontal disease is crucial for early detection and treatment:
- Gingivitis: The earliest stage, characterized by red, swollen gums that may bleed easily. At this stage, the damage is reversible with proper care.
- Periodontitis: More advanced, leading to the gums pulling away from the teeth, creating pockets that can become infected. Treatment is necessary to prevent further damage.
- Advanced periodontitis: The severe stage where the connective tissue and bone that support the teeth are destroyed, which may cause teeth to loosen or fall out. Aggressive treatment is required to manage this stage.
Preventative Care & Periodontal Maintenance
Maintaining good oral hygiene is key to preventing periodontal disease. Regular dental check-ups and cleanings, combined with proper brushing and flossing techniques, can help keep your gums healthy. Our team at Smiles West emphasizes the importance of routine care to catch potential issues early. We provide personalized advice and tools to help you maintain your periodontal health at home.
Our Periodontic Services
At Smiles West, we offer a range of periodontal services to cater to your needs:
- Scaling & Root Planing: A deep cleaning procedure to remove plaque and tartar from below the gum line. This treatment helps reduce inflammation and prevent further damage to the gums, effectively managing early-stage gum disease (gingivitis and periodontitis).
- Arestin®: Arestin® is a locally administered antibiotic placed directly into periodontal pockets after scaling and root planing. It eliminates bacteria at the source, reducing gum inflammation and improving healing for long-lasting periodontal health.
- Bone Grafting: When bone loss has occurred due to gum disease or tooth loss, bone grafting is performed to regenerate bone and provide a stable foundation for implants or natural teeth. This procedure helps restore facial structure and oral function.
- Gum Grafting: For patients experiencing gum recession, gum grafting helps restore lost tissue, covering exposed tooth roots and preventing further damage. This procedure enhances both aesthetics and sensitivity relief, improving overall gum health.
- Canine Exposure: If a canine tooth fails to erupt properly, a canine exposure procedure is performed to guide the tooth into its proper position. This service is often recommended before orthodontic treatment to ensure proper alignment.
- Cosmetic Periodontal Surgery: For those looking to enhance their smile, we offer cosmetic periodontal surgery to reshape and contour the gum line, improving the overall balance and symmetry of your smile. This is ideal for patients with a gummy smile or uneven gum tissue.
- Crown Lengthening: Crown lengthening adjusts the gum and bone levels to expose more of the tooth structure. This procedure is beneficial for restorative work (such as crowns or veneers) or to create a more proportionate smile.
- Occlusal Adjustment: If bite misalignment is causing excessive wear, pain, or jaw discomfort, an occlusal adjustment can reshape the biting surfaces of the teeth for better alignment, improving comfort and functionality.
- Frenectomy: A frenectomy is a minor surgical procedure that removes tight or restrictive frenum attachments in the mouth. It is commonly performed to treat tongue-tie (ankyloglossia) or to improve denture fit and comfort.
- Oral Biopsies: For suspicious oral lesions or abnormalities, an oral biopsy can be performed to diagnose potential conditions, including oral cancer or precancerous growths. Early detection is crucial for effective treatment.
Reclaim Your Oral Health With Premier Periodontal Care
Periodontal disease can significantly impact your oral and overall health, but with the right care, you can reclaim a healthy, vibrant smile. At Smiles West in Panorama City, CA, we specialize in advanced periodontal treatments tailored to your needs. Our comprehensive approach ensures that all aspects of your periodontal health are addressed, leading to lasting results. Don’t wait—contact us today to start your journey toward better gum health and a brighter smile!
By choosing Smiles West, you are opting for a trusted provider dedicated to your well-being. Our expertise and commitment to patient care make us the ideal choice for your periodontal needs. Schedule your consultation now and take the first step towards a healthier, happier you!
