Periodontist, Olivette, MO
When plaque and other bacteria cling to a person's teeth and harden, over time, it can spread to the gums and cause a severe gum infection known as periodontal disease.
Periodontal disease (Periodontitis) is a severe oral health condition, that, if untreated, can damage a patient's jaw bone, form deep pockets in a person's gums, cause chronic gum pain, and in its advanced stages, lead to the erosion of enamel and tooth loss.
If periodontal disease goes untreated, it won't clear up on its own. Periodontitis requires aggressive treatment from a periodontitis, specially formulated dental solutions, and at-home treatment to heal properly. The best way to limit the effects of periodontal disease is seeking immediate medical attention from an experienced Olivette Periodontist.
Martin Dental & Associates provides periodontal disease treatment, restoration of dental implants, and other types of surgical dentistry in Olivette. If you are experiencing swelling, bleeding, or receding gums, you need to call (314) 739-1222 (Maryland Heights) or (573) 764-2425 (Gerald) and book an appointment with a periodontist right away to protect your oral health.
When Should You See a Periodontist?
Brushing your teeth twice a day, flossing daily, and visiting a dentist twice a year can help prevent gum disease, but some patients are more susceptible to certain oral health conditions.
Periodontitis can be detected during a dental examination using a dental "probe" to search for deep pockets surrounding the sides of teeth, x-rays to see if any bone loss has occurred, and discussing a patient's family oral health history. Additionally, factors such as smoking and diabetes can significantly contribute to the development of gum disease.
If you have noticed any of the following symptoms, you could have periodontitis and require immediate treatment from a Olivette Periodontist:
- Swollen, tender, or bleeding gums - periodontal disease affects the gums and jaw bone - if your gums are bright red, sore, swollen, or painful, you could have gum disease
- Abnormal spaces between teeth - under the gum line can lead to gum recession and tooth loss, and destroy the jaw bone
- Severe tooth pain - gum inflammation can cause deep pockets surrounding the teeth, that fill with pus, and when food, air, or water touches it, can lead to extreme sensitivity and pain, and make it challenging to eat, drink, or talk
Oral bacterial infections, such as perodontitis, are preventable with biannual visits to the visit, brushing twice a day, and glossing, but if you do develop periodontitis, it's important to remember that it's entirely treatable and can be cured with aggressive periodontal disease treatment.
Periodontal Disease Treatment in Olivette
There are four stages of gum disease; gingivitis and slight, moderate, and advanced periodontitis. Each stage of gum disease has different challenges and therefore, requires specialized treatment.
If your Olivette Periodontist detects gingivitis or another form of gum disease during your visit, you could require one or more of the following types of periodontal disease treatment:
- Scaling, or, plaque and buildup removal, which is performed using a dental scaler to scratch buildup from the surface of each individual tooth and between the gums
- Root planing, or, the smoothing of a tooth's roots, to remove bacteria and other buildup in the area
- Applying topical antibiotics to remove harmful bacteria from between a patient's teeth, inside deep pockets, and under the gum line
- Flap surgery involves making a small incision in the gum, lifting it back, and performing deep scaling and root planing
- Soft tissue grafting repairs soft tissue damage caused by periodontitis using small pieces of healthy tissue from other parts of the mouth
- Bone grafting, which is used during advanced periodontal disease treatment, takes small samples of bone from non-infected areas to help aid natural regrowth of bone and prevent future bone damage
- Guided tissue regeneration, which involves placing a fabric between existing bone and tooth to prevent deeper infection and allows bone to grow back over time
- Tissue-stimulating proteins are carefully applied to the root of infected teeth to prevent further infection and generate natural bone and healthy tissue
After a Olivette Periodontist performs in-office treatment, at-home prevention of periodontal disease typically involves brushing twice daily, flossing every morning and night or after every snack and meal, using fluoride mouth rinses to protect against infection, and a dental pick to clean gums.
Olivette Periodontist
If you think that you could have periodontitis or some form of gum disease, you need to seek treatment from a Olivette periodontist right away. Early detection of gingivitis can prevent severe oral health damage such as tooth loss, gum decay, and bone destruction.
Dr. John Martin and Dr. Tyler Musto have more than 35 years of dental experience. Our periodontists' goal is to improve your oral health, prevent future tooth, gum, or other oral health conditions, and ensure that you are happy with our Olivette dental services every time you visit our office.
If you are looking for a periodontist in Olivette, call (314) 739-1222 (Maryland Heights), (573) 764-2425 (Gerald), or contact Martin Dental & Associates today to schedule an appointment.
Martin Dental & Associates serves residents in the following cities in the Greater St. Louis Area: