Periodontal CarePeriodontitis is a serious gum infection that causes damage to the soft tissue in the mouth, destroying the bone that is used to support your teeth. When you are diagnosed with periodontitis, you can experience loose teeth or loss. Here at Edison C. Louie DDS, Inc., we can help by providing quality periodontal care. Common and Preventable ConditionPeriodontitis is a common condition that is preventable. In most cases, periodontitis is diagnosed due to poor oral hygiene. Patients who brush at least twice a day and floss daily as well as schedule regular dental exams will improve their chances of avoiding the condition or have an increased ability to treat the condition successfully. Symptoms of periodontitis include having swollen or puffy gums, bright red or purple color around the gums and tenderness when touched. The gums will bleed easily, and they will start to pull away from the teeth, making your teeth appear longer than they should. You may also experience pus between the teeth, bad breath or loose teeth. With proper periodontitis care, you can treat the condition without losing teeth in the future. Different Types of PeriodontitisThere are several types of periodontitis conditions that we treat. Chronic periodontitis is the most common condition and affects adults more than children. This condition is caused by the buildup of plaque on the teeth. Deterioration will slowly take place in the mouth, with the gums and bone destroyed, leading to tooth loss if treatment is not provided. Aggressive periodontitis is another type, one that begins in childhood or early adulthood. When this type is not treated, it can lead to rapid bone and tooth loss. Another type, necrotizing periodontal disease, affects the gum tissue. The tissue, ligaments of the teeth, and the bone that supports the teeth begin to die away due to lack of blood supply. This creates an infection that must be treated. Periodontic TreatmentOnce you have been diagnosed with a type of periodontitis, treatment will begin. We can provide a variety of treatment options based on your diagnosis. Scaling is one option, where the tartar and bacteria are removed from the surface of the teeth and from underneath the gums. Root planning is also a treatment option, where the root surfaces are smooth to discourage any buildup of tartar and bacteria in the future. Antibiotics may also be prescribed to help control any bacterial infection that is present. We can provide topical antibiotics, with mouth rinses as well as gels that can help reach in between the teeth and gums. Periodontitis PreventionWhen it comes to periodontitis, prevention is key. By learning more about what you can do to prevent the condition, you can help avoid it or be better prepared for treatment if diagnosed with the condition. Good oral hygiene is a must. Brush your teeth for two minutes a day, twice a day. Floss as well to remove any food particles. Be sure to schedule regular dental visits to have your teeth cleaned and examined. For more information about periodontitis care, call the experienced professionals here at Edison C. Louie DDS, Inc. at (714) 998-5710 today! |