If you have painful, bleeding, or sensitive gums, you may have a gum infection, also known as periodontitis. Periodontal therapies can help reduce the pain and infection before it causes tooth loss or other health issues.
Our philosophy at High Country Family Dentistry in Flagstaff, Arizona, is to save your teeth and prevent future oral problems. We can treat your gum disease before it advances further.
What is Periodontitis?
Periodontitis is a common gum disease that can result in tooth loss if left untreated. The disease causes inflammation of the gums and affects the teeth and the surrounding areas of the mouth. Once the disease spreads, it can lead to more severe problems like tooth loss and surgery to repair damaged areas of the gumline.
Periodontitis can stem from bacterial plaque, a sticky membrane that can harden to form tartar. Tartar deposits can trap harmful bacteria, causing damage to the tooth's enamel. As the infection spreads to the neighboring areas, the gums may become infected, and the disease may spread to the other body parts.
Symptoms of Periodontitis
- Tooth loss
- Bad breath
- Receding gums
- Sour taste in the mouth
- Gums that bleed easily
- Plaque buildup on the teeth
- Tooth and gum pain
- Teeth may become loose and wobbly
Periodontal Treatments
Scaling
Scaling is a non-invasive periodontal therapy for gum disease. During this process, Dr. Ryan Tuinstra will remove dental plaque and tartar using dental tools.
Root Planing
Root planing involves cleaning the underlying areas of gums, including the roots of your teeth. Local anesthesia is used for this periodontal treatment to numb your gums.
Bone Grafting
Bone grafting is a surgical procedure in which a bone is taken from a different area of your body and grafted onto the affected bone. This is undertaken to strengthen both the jawbone and any teeth that have been severely impacted by periodontal gum disease.
Soft Tissue Graft
If your gums have receded extensively, we may recommend a soft tissue graft that will strengthen your gums. This involves taking donor tissue from the roof of the mouth and placing it on the affected mouth part.
Gum Contouring
Gum recession happens when the gumline becomes uneven and stores bacteria inside them. A gum contouring treatment is performed to even out the gum line, ensuring your teeth are fully protected. Dr. Ryan Tuinstra will use a local anesthetic to numb your gums before removing any excess gum tissues using a soft tissue laser.
Laser Therapy
Laser therapy addresses inflamed gums and reduces the size of gum pockets. No incisions or stitches are required for this treatment.
We provide dental solutions to improve your oral health and transform your smiles. Visit our office, High Country Family Dentistry, at 504 N Humphreys St, Flagstaff, AZ 86001. You can also reach Dentist Flagstaff, AZ at (928) 779-3666.