Seeking Periodontal Treatment in Houston

Periodontal health falls under the umbrella of oral health, but it’s something you might not think about often. Periodontal health refers to the wellbeing of your gum tissue. While your gums may be distinct from your teeth, the necessity to keep them clean, and the potential health issues that can befall them, remain the same. Bacteria build up around your gum line, just as they do on the surfaces of your teeth. Prolonged inflammation of the gums can eventually lead to periodontal disease, an irreversible problem that has long-term impact. That’s why you should seek periodontal treatment at the first sign of any gum-related issue.

Periodontal Cleaning Can Remove Bacteria

A periodontal cleaning, just like a teeth cleaning, seeks to remove harmful bacteria from your gum tissue and keep that tissue healthy. Bacteria produce harmful acid over time that causes inflammation and corrodes your tooth root structure, and eventually your jawbone. A periodontal cleaning involves gently removing that bacterial building — either mechanically, or with the use of sonic technology. When applied in a timely manner, a periodontal cleaning can allow your gum tissue and tooth structure to hea.

Advanced Gum Disease Causes Tooth Loss

The initial stage of gum disease is known as “gingivitis.” This stage is characterized by inflammation (redness, swelling, pain, bleeding). If your gingivitis goes untreated, it may advance to periodontitis. In this form of gum disease, it’s not just the connections between your teeth and jawbone that are being damaged, but the jawbone itself. Eventually, as your jawbone loses more and more mass, the socket for your tooth will become loose, and your tooth may fall out. This is why it’s so important to spot the signs of gum disease early.

Seeking Periodontal Treatment Leads to Better Outcomes

Periodontal cleaning, also known as “scaling and root planing,” can reverse the effects of gingivitis. If you have developed advanced gum disease, periodontal cleanings can still be used to manage your gum disease. With consistent cleanings, you can prevent your jawbone from losing significant mass. A healthy jawbone is vital for maintaining overall oral health and integrity. Additionally, you’ll need a healthy, stable jawbone if you should ever seek dental implants to replace missing teeth.

MMC Dental Provides Periodontal Care In Houston

MMC Dental comprises a team of specialists who can provide oral healthcare with the long view in mind. If you need periodontal care, we can provide professional treatment in a comfortable environment. If your gum disease has caused tooth loss, we have an experienced team that can walk you through each step of the prosthodontic process, all in one clinic. Schedule an appointment at MMC Dental in Houston, TX by contacting our office at 713-926-8896.