Managing and Preventing Gum Disease With Expert Care
Healthy gums are the foundation of a strong, beautiful smile. Dr. Danos and his dedicated team are committed to providing comprehensive and compassionate periodontal care to our patients in Murfreesboro and beyond, addressing every concern, from the early stages of gum disease (gingivitis) to more advanced periodontitis. We utilize the latest techniques and technologies to diagnose, treat, and help you manage gum disease, ensuring the long-term health and stability of your teeth and gums.
What is Periodontal Disease?
Periodontal disease is a progressive condition that often begins with mild gum inflammation known as gingivitis. It is a leading cause of tooth loss in adults. While it can manifest as red, swollen, painful, or bleeding gums, it can sometimes progress without noticeable symptoms. The disease typically starts when bacteria in plaque infect the tissues surrounding the teeth, irritating. Over time, this infection can lead to jawbone recession and eventual tooth loosening.
Periodontal treatment may be necessary to treat gum disease at any stage, address gum recession, or restore gum health before dental implant placement. Our top periodontal treatments at Danos Dental include:
Periodontal Scaling & Root Planing
Scaling and root planing are the most common non-surgical procedures we perform when doing periodontal therapy in Murfreesboro, TN. We use them to remove the primary culprits behind gum inflammation and bone loss: dental plaque and tartar (calculus). This thorough cleansing of the tooth surfaces and below the gum line is highly effective in treating gingivitis (mild gum inflammation) and moderate to severe periodontal disease.
At Danos Dental, scaling and root planing are performed after a comprehensive oral examination, including X-rays and visual assessment. A local anesthetic may be used depending on the gum’s condition, tartar buildup, pocket depth, and disease progression.
Scaling involves removing calculus and plaque from the tooth’s crown and root surfaces. Ultrasonic scalers often include an irrigation system to deliver antimicrobial agents below the gum line, further reducing bacteria. Root planing is a specific treatment designed to remove cementum and surface dentin embedded with microorganisms, toxins, and tartar. We will then smooth the tooth root to promote healing and prevent future bacterial colonization.
Bone Grafting
Periodontal disease is a primary cause of bone loss in the oral cavity, although other factors like ill-fitting dentures and facial trauma can also contribute. Bone grafting is an effective way to replace lost bone tissue and encourage natural bone regeneration. This versatile procedure can create a stable foundation for dental implant placement, halt the progression of gum disease, or enhance the smile’s aesthetic appearance.
Bone grafting is typically performed under local anesthesia, though patients with larger grafting areas may need a general anesthetic. The grafting material is harvested or prepared. Dr. Danos will make a small incision in the gum tissue to gently separate it from the bone. Then, he will place the bone grafting material at the affected site.
Restore Your Healthy Gums with Danos Dental
At Danos Dental, our experienced team commits to providing comprehensive and compassionate periodontal treatment in Murfreesboro to help you achieve and maintain healthy gums and a stable foundation for your smile. Let us partner with you to achieve and maintain optimal periodontal health. Contact us today to learn more about our periodontal treatment options!
