What is Periodontics?
When bacteria build in the crevices of your teeth, you develop cavities. On the other hand, when bacteria build up in your gums, you develop gum disease. This inflammatory disease destroys your gums, and, therefore can make your teeth fall out as well.
During the process of gum disease, bacteria find their way into the small openings between your teeth and gums. Once bacteria lodges itself into those areas, it grows and grows until you get proper treatment. Periodontics is the treatment of gum disease.
While the bacteria grows, it will first cause inflammation, giving the appearance of puffy, swollen, or red gums. Next, the disease takes a turn and your gums will begin to deteriorate and recede. During these stages, you’ll see a thin gum line, roots of your teeth, and, possibly, loose teeth.
Your periodontist is your resource for healthy gums. A periodontist is a dentist with extensive training in preventing, diagnosing, and treating gum disease, from mild gingivitis to severe periodontitis. When you visit Dr. Crosby for regular dental cleanings, he will examine your mouth for periodontitis and treat any gum disease he finds.
Symptoms of Gum Disease
Gum disease has a range of symptoms that affect your gums, teeth, and mouth structure. Overall, if you experience any signs of your gums receding, rotting, or causing pain, you should see a specialist. Additionally, be aware of the following symptoms.
- Red, purple, or bloody gums
- Swollen or inflamed gums
- Receding or thin gum lines, sometimes revealing the roots of your teeth
- Loose or missing teeth
- Constant bad breath
- Space between your gums and your teeth
- Gums that feel tender to the touch or bleed easily
- Pain while eating or chewing
If you experience any of the symptoms mentioned above, seek help from your periodontist immediately.
Gum Disease Treatment with Perio Protect
When you visit us for periodontal treatment, we want to rid your pain, without causing more discomfort. Therefore, we use a minimally-invasive oral appliance to treat periodontics safely and comfortably.
First, you’ll come in for a dental cleaning. During this appointment, we’ll determine if you have gum disease and if you need treatment. We’ll also clean your gums to the best of our ability without causing additional pain.
Then, we’ll take scans of your teeth using our advanced technology. In just a few weeks, we’ll fit your prescription, custom-molded Perio Protect trays to your smile. We’ll ask you to come back into our office to ensure that your trays fit perfectly in order to deliver the medication you need. At home, you just have to wear your Perio Protect trays for 15 minutes a day so that you can get your healthy, beautiful smile back.
Your Periodontist in Anchorage, Alaska
If you have swollen, bloody, or uncomfortable gums, don’t hesitate to call your periodontist. If you neglect your symptoms of gum disease, bacteria will only grow and cause more discomfort.
Dr. Crosby in Anchorage is here to help. To schedule an appointment with your premier dental team, give us a call at (907) 277-1098.
