Our Approach To Periodontics

kansas city periodontal care

Your teeth are not the only part of your smile that needs attention. Good gum health could keep your teeth in place and help you enjoy an attractive smile too. In today’s blog, your Kansas City, MO, dentist talks about our approach to periodontics and how we keep your smile healthy and whole.

The Causes and Dangers of Periodontal Disease

The disease begins as gum inflammation, also known as gingivitis. This could be brought on by a family history of periodontal issues, smoking or tobacco use, or poor oral hygiene habits that allow plaque to develop, a buildup that irritates and inflames gingival tissues. Without treatment, the inflammation could cause the tissues to pull away from the teeth and form pockets for harmful bacteria to enter, leading to periodontal disease. Gingivitis can be reversed but periodontal disease cannot, so treatment is needed to manage it and safeguard your smile against worsening symptoms and tooth loss. Common warning signs include sore, red gums that bleed easily.

Scaling and Root Planing

To reverse gingivitis and help begin the process of managing the disease, we may recommend a deep cleaning. Also known as a scaling and root planing, the procedure involves gently and thoroughly removing all plaque and tartar from the outside of the teeth and the roots. We then polish the teeth. The process could take between one and four visits, depending on the severity of the buildup. We will also administer a numbing agent to ensure you’re comfortable as we remove all plaque and tartar. Afterward, routine dental cleanings every three to four months can help manage the disease and protect your smile.

Oral Surgery

If you have a more severe case of periodontal disease, then you may need more than a deep cleaning to address the issue and prevent tooth loss. Our team could discuss an array of treatment options, such as bone grafting and soft tissue grafts to address gum recession. We could also provide flap surgery and guided tissue regeneration. These help address the diseased tissues to keep your teeth stable and firmly in place. We then discuss routine care to help manage the disease and keep it from reaching an advanced state again.

If you have any questions about how we treat or manage issues like gingivitis and periodontal disease, then contact our team today to learn more. We want to ensure you can smile with confidence for years to come.

Contact Us To Learn More About Periodontal Care

We want to offer care to help your smile stay healthy and strong. If you want to learn more about keeping your gums healthy and strong, or if you want to schedule an appointment, then contact your Kansas City, MO, dentist, Dr. Murphy, by calling (816) 531-8000.