What treatment may be used for patients in Brentwood who have gum disease?

Gum disease, sometimes referred to as periodontal disease, is a condition that can affect any smile. However, it is often more prevalent in patients who have not maintained proper oral hygiene. Patients who do not brush or floss their teeth after meals or visit their dentist twice a year may be putting their smile at risk for developing this infection. Gum disease is a problem that, once developed, can only be controlled and not cured. This is why dentists are adamant that their patients take care of the smile to avoid the condition.

Gum disease is characterized by persistent bad breath, red and swollen gums, loose teeth, loss of bone, and shrinking gums. When these issues occur, treatment is vital for keeping periodontal disease from taking over the smile and causing irreversible damage.

Treatment for gum disease varies, depending on the stage of the condition. The earlier stages of gum disease, including gingivitis, may be treated with a simple cleaning. Dr. Jamil Alkhoury uses special instruments to clean plaque, tartar, and bacteria from the surfaces of the teeth and gums. This eliminates the infection and allows patients to keep their smile in good health from this point onward.

However, avoiding treatment can result in the development of further issues – including the loss of natural teeth. Treatment in the later stages, known as periodontitis, may require more extensive services such as scaling and root planing. Scaling and root planing is done to remove bacteria from even underneath the gums on the roots of the teeth. It cannot cure periodontal disease, but it can keep infection and further problems under control. Patients are often told to visit the dentist more often, typically every three months to monitor the condition and ensure it does not progress.

If you reside in the community of Brentwood, California and want to speak to a quality dentist about diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of gum disease, contact Dr. Jamil Alkhoury today to schedule an appointment at Brentwood Family Dental.