Sarasota Periodontal Care

Protect Your Gums With Periodontal Care

Gum disease is a very common dental health issue in America. It is estimated that more than half of adults in the U.S. have gingivitis, which can easily progress into a more serious case of periodontitis if it is left untreated. Periodontal care will help you preserve the health of your teeth and gums, and give you peace of mind that your mouth is free of common dental health issues.

If you do have gum disease, Sarasota dentist Dr. Robert Miller is here to help. We offer a wide variety of treatments for gum disease, including scaling & root planing (deep cleaning) and antibiotic treatments. Don’t wait. The sooner you get care, the more likely it is that you will be able to reverse or halt the progression of your gum disease.

Understanding And Preventing Gum Disease

Gum disease is caused by an uncontrolled buildup of oral bacteria between the teeth and gums. This bacteria turns into plaque, which hardens into tartar, and attacks healthy gum, jaw, and tooth tissue of the mouth, causing inflammation, discomfort, and a number of other symptoms.
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The best way to prevent gum disease is with proper oral care. Brush at 2-3 times per day, and floss in between your teeth once per day. In addition, you should come in for regular 6-month oral exams and teeth cleanings with Dr. Miller.

You can also take steps to prevent gum disease like ceasing the use of tobacco and decreasing your alcohol intake. Other risk factors that can contribute to your risk of gum disease include diabetes, poor diet, and obesity. To learn more about how to prevent gum disease, contact Dr. Robert Miller at Sarasota Bay Dental.

Common Signs And Symptoms Of Gum Disease

The first stage of gum disease is called “gingivitis”, and symptoms include bleeding when flossing, dark or reddish gums, swelling and inflammation of the gums, and bad breath that won’t go away (halitosis).
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More advanced cases of gum disease are called “periodontitis.” This is when permanent damage begins to occur to the oral tissue. Periodontitis can be halted with proper care, and symptoms include a bad taste in the mouth, teeth appearing longer, increased sensitivity when chewing, shifting of the teeth or bite, gum recession, and increased sensitivity to hot and cold temperatures.
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In the most extreme cases of advanced periodontitis, your teeth may even loosen or fall out on their own. At this point, it’s usually no longer possible to save your teeth, and Dr. Miller may recommend extracting most or all of them, and replacing them with a denture or similar dental restoration.

The Stages of Periodontal Disease

Periodontal disease is commonly broken up into three major levels or “stages.” Each one is slightly different.
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The first and most minor stage of periodontal disease is gingivitis. Gingivitis refers to a stage of gum disease characterized by inflammation of the gums, but there has not been any permanent damage to the tissues of the gums and teeth. This means that gingivitis, unlike later stages of the disease, is reversible. With proper intervention from a dentist like Dr. Robert Miller, you can completely eliminate it from your mouth.
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However, if you do not get appropriate treatment immediately, your gum disease may progress into the second stage, often called “periodontitis.” In this stage, the bacteria will attack the gums and supporting tissues of your teeth, and cause irreversible damage. You may still be able to control the infection and prevent further damage, but you can never completely eliminate your gum disease. To keep it under control, you will need to have regular periodontal cleanings every 3-6 months for the rest of your life. This is why early intervention for periodontal disease is so critical.
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The final stage of periodontal disease is usually called “advanced periodontitis.” In this stage of the disease, many of your teeth have likely been permanently damaged and will require extraction and replacement. Your teeth may loosen in your mouth or even fall out entirely, and you’ll experience other serious symptoms like pus forming between your teeth and gums.
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It is absolutely critical that you get treatment for gum disease as soon as you can to prevent it from progressing. The sooner you get care for gum disease, the better your chances are of completely eliminating it and restoring your smile.

Periodontal Care For Gum Disease

The most common treatment for gum disease is called a “deep cleaning” or “scaling and root planing.” During this procedure, Dr. Miller will use special tools to clean between your teeth and gums, eliminating plaque and tartar. The roots of your teeth will also be cleaned and planed, which helps destroy the bacteria that causes the disease.
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Oral antibiotics and rinses are also usually used alongside scaling and root planing. Surgical intervention, such as gum flap surgery, may also be required for more advanced stages of gum disease.

Every case of periodontal disease is different, and Dr. Robert Miller specializes in providing customized care. Our team will work with you to determine the extent of your gum disease, develop a custom treatment plan, and restore your smile. Don’t wait. The sooner you get help for gum disease, the better.

Get Periodontal Treatment At Sarasota Bay Dental Now

If you think that you may have gum disease, it’s important to get help quickly. The sooner you treat gum disease, the more likely you are to be able to halt its progression, or even reverse it entirely. If you wait, your condition could continue to progress and cause permanent damage to your teeth and gums.
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With informative, patient-focused care, Dr. Miller will help you understand your treatment options and restore your oral health. To get started, contact the team at Sarasota Bay Dental now. You can give us a call at (941) 200-3723, or come to our office at 2809 University Parkway, Sarasota, FL 34243.