Periodontal Care Lacey, WA

At Brian K. Rounds, DDS in Lacey, WA, we believe that a healthy smile starts with healthy gums. Periodontal care, which focuses on the health of your gums and the structures that support your teeth, is a critical component of maintaining good oral health. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore what periodontal care entails, why it’s essential, the signs and stages of gum disease, and the dental treatments available to ensure that your gums stay healthy and your smile bright.

What is Periodontal Care?

Periodontal care refers to the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of diseases affecting the gums and the structures that support your teeth, including the bone. The word "periodontal" comes from the Greek words "peri" (meaning around) and "odont" (meaning tooth), literally meaning "around the tooth." Periodontists specialize in diagnosing and treating gum disease, and general dentists, like Dr. Brian K. Rounds, also provide preventative and therapeutic care for patients with mild to moderate periodontal issues.

Why is Periodontal Care Important?

Gum health is critical for overall oral well-being. The gums and supporting structures, such as the bone, hold your teeth in place and protect them from bacteria. When these structures are compromised, you risk losing teeth, suffering from infections, and experiencing other health issues. In fact, untreated gum disease has been linked to systemic conditions such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and even certain types of cancer. This is why regular periodontal care, including professional cleanings and proper oral hygiene, is essential.

What Causes Gum Disease?

Gum disease, or periodontal disease, primarily results from the buildup of plaque and tartar. Plaque is a sticky film of bacteria that forms on your teeth and gums. If not removed through regular brushing and flossing, plaque hardens into tartar, which can only be removed by a dental professional. This accumulation of plaque and tartar irritates the gums and can lead to inflammation, infection, and, eventually, the destruction of the structures supporting the teeth.

Other factors contributing to gum disease include:

Poor oral hygiene: Inadequate brushing and flossing allow plaque to build up.

Smoking and tobacco use: Tobacco users are at a significantly higher risk for gum disease.

Hormonal changes: Pregnancy, menopause, and other hormonal changes can make gums more sensitive.

Genetics: Some people are genetically predisposed to developing gum disease.

Chronic conditions: Conditions like diabetes and heart disease can increase the risk of periodontal issues.

Medications: Certain medications, such as those for high blood pressure or seizures, can cause dry mouth or gum inflammation, contributing to gum disease.

Stress: Stress can impair the body’s immune system, making it harder to fight off infections, including gum infections.

Signs and Stages of Gum Disease

Periodontal disease progresses through several stages, each with distinct symptoms. It is crucial to recognize these symptoms early to prevent the progression of the disease.

1. Gingivitis
Gingivitis is the earliest stage of gum disease and is characterized by the inflammation of the gums. At this stage, the damage is reversible with proper care and treatment. Common signs of gingivitis include:

Red, swollen, or tender gums
Gums that bleed easily when brushing or flossing
Bad breath (halitosis)
Gingivitis is often caused by poor oral hygiene, but it can be treated with improved brushing and flossing habits, along with regular professional cleanings.

2. Periodontitis
If gingivitis is left untreated, it can progress to periodontitis. At this stage, the gum tissue starts to pull away from the teeth, forming pockets that harbor bacteria. The body’s immune response to this infection begins to break down the bone and connective tissues that hold the teeth in place. Symptoms of periodontitis include: Persistent bad breath, gums that have pulled away from the teeth (receding gums), deep pockets between the gums and teeth, loose or shifting teeth, and pain when chewing.

Periodontitis requires professional treatment to stop the progression of the disease and to prevent tooth loss.

3. Advanced Periodontitis
In advanced periodontitis, the supporting bone and fibers that hold the teeth in place are destroyed. This can cause teeth to become loose, and without treatment, they may need to be removed. At this stage, patients may experience: Severe pain, teeth that have shifted or no longer align properly, and significant tooth loss.

Advanced periodontitis requires aggressive treatment, and in some cases, surgery may be necessary to restore the damaged gum and bone tissue.

Diagnosis of Periodontal Disease

At Brian K. Rounds, DDS, we conduct a thorough examination to diagnose any stage of gum disease. During a periodontal exam, we assess the health of your gums by measuring the depth of the pockets between your teeth and gums. Healthy pockets are shallow, typically measuring 1-3 millimeters in depth. Pockets deeper than this may indicate gum disease. We may also take X-rays to check for bone loss around the teeth.

Periodontal Treatments

The treatment for gum disease depends on its severity. At Brian K. Rounds, DDS, we offer a range of treatments to address each stage of periodontal disease.

1. Professional Cleanings
For patients with mild gingivitis, a professional cleaning can often reverse the condition. During a cleaning, we remove plaque and tartar from above and below the gumline. Regular cleanings, along with improved oral hygiene habits, can prevent the progression of gingivitis to more advanced stages of gum disease.

2. Scaling and Root Planing
Scaling and root planing is a deep-cleaning procedure used to treat periodontitis. During scaling, plaque and tartar are removed from the surface of the teeth and below the gumline. Root planing smooths the tooth root, helping the gums reattach to the tooth. This procedure may require more than one visit, depending on the severity of the disease.

3. Antibiotics
In some cases, we may prescribe antibiotics to help control the bacterial infection. Antibiotics can be administered orally or placed directly into the gum pockets to reduce inflammation and prevent further damage.

4. Laser Therapy
Laser therapy is a minimally invasive option that uses targeted light to remove infected gum tissue and promote healing. It can be used in conjunction with scaling and root planing to improve treatment outcomes.

5. Gum Grafts
If gum recession has occurred, a gum graft may be necessary to restore lost tissue. During this procedure, tissue is taken from another part of your mouth or from a donor and grafted onto the affected area to protect the tooth root and reduce sensitivity.

6. Bone Grafting
For patients with advanced periodontitis who have experienced bone loss, a bone graft may be needed to regenerate lost bone and provide support for the teeth. Bone grafting involves placing bone material in the affected area to stimulate natural bone growth.

7. Pocket Reduction Surgery
In severe cases of gum disease, surgery may be necessary to reduce the depth of the pockets around the teeth. During this procedure, the gums are lifted back, and the bacteria are removed. The gums are then secured in place, allowing them to fit snugly around the teeth again.

Preventing Periodontal Disease

The best way to prevent periodontal disease is through regular dental visits and good oral hygiene practices at home. Here are some tips to help you keep your gums healthy:

Brush Twice a Day: Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste to brush your teeth at least twice a day. Pay special attention to the gumline.

Floss Daily: Flossing removes plaque and food particles from between your teeth and under the gumline, areas your toothbrush can’t reach.

Use Mouthwash: An antimicrobial mouthwash can help reduce plaque and prevent gum disease.

Quit Smoking: Smoking is a major risk factor for gum disease. Quitting can significantly improve your gum health.

Eat a Healthy Diet: A diet rich in vitamins and minerals, especially vitamin C, can help keep your gums healthy.

Visit Your Dentist Regularly: Regular checkups and cleanings allow us to monitor your gum health and catch any problems early before they progress.

Conclusion

Periodontal care is essential for maintaining not only the health of your gums but also your overall well-being. At Brian K. Rounds, DDS in Lacey, WA, we are dedicated to providing our patients with comprehensive periodontal care to prevent, diagnose, and treat gum disease. Whether you’re seeking routine care or treatment for more advanced periodontal issues, our team is here to help you achieve and maintain a healthy, beautiful smile.

If you have concerns about your gum health or suspect you may have gum disease, don’t hesitate to contact us today to schedule an appointment.