Periodontal Therapy in Jacksonville, FL
Periodontal disease is one of the most common oral health conditions affecting US adults. In fact, as much as 50% of adults over the age of 25 have some form of gum disease, and this number increases dramatically to 80% over the age of 35.
JACKSONVILLE PERIODONTAL THERAPY
Periodontal (gum) disease is one of the most common oral health conditions affecting adults in the U.S. In fact, nearly 50% of adults over the age of 25 have some form of gum disease, and this number jumps to 80% for those over the age of 35. The most surprising part is that periodontal disease is completely preventable with proper care and regular visits to the dentist. Even if it’s caught in the earliest stages, gum disease is still reversible. Unfortunately, many patients don’t seek treatment until the disease has progressed to more advanced stages. At Parkway Prosthodontics, we are dedicated to helping patients maintain optimal oral health, including providing comprehensive treatments for those suffering from periodontal disease. If you’re concerned you may need periodontal therapy, contact our Jacksonville dentistry team right away. We’ll work with you to restore your oral health and prevent further issues.
What Is Periodontal Disease?
Periodontal disease, commonly known as gum disease, is an infection of the tissues that surround and support your teeth. It starts with the accumulation of plaque—a sticky film of bacteria—on your teeth and gums. When plaque is not removed through proper oral hygiene, it can harden into tartar, leading to irritation and inflammation of the gums. In its earliest stage, known as gingivitis, the gums become red, swollen, and may bleed during brushing or flossing. If left untreated, gingivitis can progress to periodontitis, a more severe form of gum disease where the gums pull away from the teeth, forming pockets that can become infected. This can result in bone and tooth loss, making it essential to treat periodontal disease early.
How Do I Know I Have Gum Disease?
Recognizing the signs of gum disease is key to preventing its progression. Some common symptoms of periodontal disease include:
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Red, swollen, or tender gums
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Bleeding gums during brushing or flossing
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Persistent bad breath or a bad taste in your mouth
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Receding gums, making your teeth appear longer
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Loose or shifting teeth
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Pus between your gums and teeth
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Painful chewing
If you notice any of these symptoms, it's important to seek dental care immediately. Early intervention can help reverse the damage and restore your gum health.
What Periodontal Therapies Are Available?
At Parkway Prosthodontics, we offer several periodontal therapies to treat gum disease based on its severity:
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Scaling and Root Planing: This deep cleaning procedure involves removing plaque and tartar from below the gumline and smoothing the tooth roots to help the gums reattach to the teeth.
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Antibiotic Therapy: In some cases, antibiotics may be used to reduce infection and inflammation in the gums.
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Gum Grafting: For more advanced cases of gum disease, where gums have receded, gum grafting may be necessary to cover exposed tooth roots and prevent further bone loss.
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Pocket Reduction Surgery: If pockets have formed around the teeth due to gum disease, surgery may be required to reduce the size of the pockets and allow for better cleaning and healing.
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Laser Therapy: In some cases, lasers may be used to remove diseased tissue and promote the regeneration of healthy gum tissue.
These therapies are designed to stop the progression of gum disease, prevent tooth loss, and improve your overall oral health.
Can I Prevent Periodontal Disease?
The good news is that periodontal disease is completely preventable with proper oral care. Here are some steps you can take to reduce your risk:
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Brush twice daily with fluoride toothpaste to remove plaque.
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Floss daily to clean between your teeth where a toothbrush can’t reach.
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Visit your dentist regularly for cleanings and checkups, typically every six months.
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Avoid tobacco products, as smoking is a major risk factor for gum disease.
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Maintain a healthy diet that supports your immune system and oral health.
By practicing good oral hygiene and maintaining regular dental visits, you can significantly lower your chances of developing gum disease.
Common FAQs
Can gum disease be cured?
In its early stage (gingivitis), gum disease is reversible with professional cleaning and improved oral hygiene. However, more advanced stages of periodontitis can be managed but may not be fully cured without intervention like scaling, root planing, or surgery.
Is gum disease painful?
Gum disease may not cause pain initially, but as it progresses, you may experience discomfort, especially when chewing. Tender or swollen gums and bleeding during brushing can also be signs of gum disease.
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Can gum disease affect my overall health?
Yes, untreated gum disease has been linked to other health conditions such as heart disease, diabetes, and respiratory problems. This makes it even more important to address gum disease early.
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How often should I see the dentist if I have gum disease?
If you’ve been diagnosed with gum disease, your dentist may recommend more frequent visits, such as every 3 to 4 months, to monitor your condition and perform deep cleanings as needed.
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Will my dental insurance cover periodontal treatments?
Many dental insurance plans provide coverage for periodontal treatments. It’s important to check with your provider to understand the extent of your coverage.