(501) 753-3100
11723 Maumelle Blvd.
North Little Rock, AR 72113
Periodontal (Gum) Care
According to the American Academy of Periodontology, gum disease is the number one cause of tooth loss in adults over the age of 35. If your gums feel tender, look red and swollen, or bleed every time you floss, you could be at risk for gum disease. Untreated gum disease has been linked to other serious health problems, so it’s important to keep up with your biannual dental checkups and cleanings.
Gum disease used to require surgery more often than not. While surgery is still sometimes the best option, we can now treat many cases with less invasive techniques, including local antibiotics, deep cleanings, and medicated rinses.
Periodontal Treatments
Diagnosis of Gum Disease
Our mouths are full of bacteria. These bacteria, along with mucus and other particles, constantly form a sticky, colorless “plaque” on teeth. Brushing and flossing help get rid of plaque. Periodontal (gum) disease is an infection of the tissues that hold your teeth in place. It's typically caused by poor brushing and flossing habits that allow plaque to build up on the teeth and harden. There are a number of risk factors for gum disease, but smoking is the most significant. Other risk factors include diabetes; hormonal changes in girls and women; diabetes; medications that lessen the flow of saliva; certain illnesses, such as AIDS, and their medications; and genetic susceptibility.
Symptoms of gum disease include:
- Bad breath that won’t go away
- Red or swollen gums
- Tender or bleeding gums
- Painful chewing
- Loose teeth
- Sensitive teeth
- Receding gums or longer appearing teeth
Scaling and Root Planing (Deep Cleaning)
A deep cleaning is a general term for a periodontal treatment known as scaling and root planing. While a general cleaning is performed preventively to help patients maintain good oral health, scaling and root planing therapy may be necessary to treat periodontal (gum) disease and arrest the disease process. Scaling and root planing is a nonsurgical gum disease treatment that removes plaque and tartar from the root surfaces below the gumline.
Long-Term Maintenance Plans
Composite or “tooth-colored” fillings are cured with a special light then shaped and polished to match your other healthy teeth. The resulting restoration feels natural in your mouth and is virtually undetectable to the eye. Composite fillings are strong and durable, and because they can be bonded directly to the surface of your teeth, they often leave behind more healthy tooth structure than silver fillings.