Periodontal Disease Treatment in Laurel, MD
We Provide Expert Periodontal Treatment
The benefits of a thorough teeth cleaning are what come to mind for most people when scheduling a dentist appointment. But there is much more to oral healthcare than merely clean, healthy teeth. Dr. Batz & Weiner Family Dentistry specializes in periodontics so that we can provide a comprehensive oral health experience. We have been treating patients with gum disease in Laurel, MD for years. It is critical to address gum problems before they worsen because they can often lead to severe overall health concerns. Our doctors are highly trained to identify, diagnose, and treat gum-related issues. We operate in a state-of-the-art, welcoming clinic to ensure your treatment is comfortable and complete. Call us today to learn more.
What Is a Periodontist?
Periodontists are dental professionals who specialize in preventing, diagnosing, and treating gum disease. To become a periodontist, one must complete three years of additional training and education beyond dental school. This extra learning allows periodontists to effectively perform cosmetic and restorative periodontal procedures that improve patients’ aesthetics and function. Additionally, periodontists are adept at placing dental implants. While dentists can treat some minor gum issues, periodontists handle severe gum problems.
Signs You May Need to Visit a Periodontist
Research shows that nearly half of all adults in the U.S. over the age of 30 have some form of gum disease. But that does not necessarily mean that they all must see a periodontist for treatment. When you visit Dr. Batz & Weiner Family Dentistry for general dentistry services, we can treat many minor gum-related issues. But if these problems are severe, our periodontists may need to offer further assistance. Periodontal treatment may be necessary if you notice:
- A change in your bite
- Red, swollen, or bleeding gums
- Loose teeth
- Receding gums
- Significant pain or discomfort in or around your gums
The Causes of Periodontitis
There are hundreds of different types of bacteria in your mouth, many of which are entirely harmless. However, if you do not brush and floss your teeth daily, bacteria can accumulate on your teeth and lead to periodontitis. By not cleaning your teeth, the following happens:
- Bacteria multiplies and forms dental plaque
- The bacteria deposit minerals known as tartar within the plaque on your teeth
- Tartar will facilitate further bacterial growth toward the tooth root
- Your body’s natural response causes gum inflammation
- A periodontal pocket, or gap, may form between the gum and tooth root
- Bacteria release toxins that damage gums, teeth, and supporting bone structures
In addition to poor hygiene, risk factors for periodontitis include smoking, obesity, type 2 diabetes, and conditions that affect your immune system, among others.
Understanding the Stages of Periodontal Disease
As with anything, early detection of periodontal disease is essential to effective treatment. That is among the many reasons why regular dental checkups at Dr. Batz & Weiner Family Dentistry are critical. We will identify gum problems before they worsen. The stages of periodontal disease include:
- Inflammation – Also known as gingivitis, inflammation is one of the first signs of periodontal disease. If you suffer from gingivitis, you may notice bleeding gums when you brush or floss your teeth.
- Early periodontal disease – In the initial stages of periodontal disease, your gums may recede or pull away from your teeth, resulting in small pockets or gaps that harbor bacteria.
- Moderate periodontal disease – This stage includes bleeding and pain around your teeth and gum recession. Your teeth may also begin to loosen.
- Advanced periodontal disease – At this stage, the connective tissue that holds your teeth in place will begin to deteriorate. You may experience severe pain and bad breath. Tooth loss is likely.
We Can Effectively Diagnose Severe Gum Problems
Your periodontist can identify periodontal disease during a routine exam. He or she can then monitor its status to ensure it does not get worse over time. We do this by using a tiny ruler called a probe to measure any pockets in your gums. Our team will also remove plaque and tartar buildup during cleanings to prevent further issues. If you come to us experiencing moderate or advanced periodontal disease, we may need to take dental x-rays to determine the extent of your gum problems.
We Treat Severe Gum Disease in Laurel, MD
Removing plaque and bacteria deposits from your teeth and gums is a major focus of today’s gum disease treatments. Our periodontists will clean your teeth using proper oral hygiene practices and explain ways you can care for your mouth at home. But professional cleanings may not be enough to alleviate your concerns. Therefore, we may offer antibiotics to assist with persistent gum infections. In severe instances, surgery may be necessary. We can perform flap surgery to clean bacterial deposits beneath your gums before suturing them back into place.
Contact Dr. Batz & Weiner Family Dentistry Today
If you notice recurring gum pain, you may be suffering from periodontitis. This condition will worsen if left untreated, so it is critical to visit the periodontists at Dr. Batz & Weiner Family Dentistry in Laurel, MD. Our specialists can help reverse the effects of periodontal disease. Contact us today to improve your oral health.