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Periodontal Disease services offered in Plantation, FL
About half of the adults in the United States have some level of periodontal disease, a common cause of permanent tooth loss. George Family Dental Care specializes in the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of periodontal disease in adults and children. Ronald George, DMD, uses evidence-based therapies to treat infected gums, restore lost tissue and bone, and lower your risk factors for progressive gum damage. Call the Plantation, Florida, office today to book a periodontal disease consultation or schedule an appointment online.
Periodontal Disease Q&A
What causes periodontal disease?
Periodontal disease is a serious infection that affects the soft tissues of the gums. The condition typically starts with the buildup of plaque, a sticky film of bacteria that can harden into tartar below the gumline.
Gingivitis, a mild form of periodontal disease, causes gum irritation and swelling. If left untreated, chronic gum inflammation causes pockets to form between the teeth and gums. The pockets fill with bacteria and can eventually lead to tissue and bone loss.
Poor dental hygiene is a primary cause of periodontal disease. You may also be at increased risk for the condition due to:
- Genetics
- Obesity
- Smoking
- Poor nutrition
- Hormone changes
- Use of certain medications
- Chronic diseases like diabetes, cancer, and Crohn’s disease
George Family Dental Care offers comprehensive care for periodontal disease in adults and children. Dr. George provides oral health exams to diagnose the condition early and uses the latest treatments to improve your gum health.
What are the symptoms of periodontal disease?
Warning signs of periodontal disease can vary from person to person. Typically, healthy gums are firm, fit snug against the teeth, and range in color from light pink to dark pink.
You should schedule a diagnostic evaluation at George Family Dental Care if you experience:
- Bleeding
- Swelling
- Bad breath
- Pus discharge
- Loose teeth
- Receding gumline
- Gum tissue discoloration
Dr. George examines your teeth and gums to identify signs of infection. He may also request dental X-rays to evaluate the extent of bone and tissue loss.
How is periodontal disease treated?
Dr. George focuses on the least invasive therapy to address your existing symptoms. He can prescribe antibiotics to clear the infection.
Nonsurgical therapies for periodontal disease include scaling, a procedure that removes plaque and tartar from the surfaces of your teeth and beneath the gumline. Dr. George may also recommend root planing, a treatment to reduce tartar buildup by smoothing the root surfaces.
Advanced cases of periodontal disease might require surgery to remove damaged tissue and reshape the gums. Dr. George can also discuss the need for a bone graft to stabilize damaged bone around the tooth root.
George Family Dental Care offers preventive services, including routine oral exams and professional cleanings, to reduce risk factors for recurrent gum infections.
Call George Family Dental Care today to schedule a diagnostic evaluation of periodontal disease symptoms. You can also use the online feature to book an appointment.