23
Aug
How to Get Rid of Periodontal Disease
Your tooth and gum health are essential to maintain a beautiful smile. Good oral care can help prevent dental gum problems that can lead to premature tooth loss. If your gums are tender, swollen, or bleeding, you may have a gum infection called periodontal disease. Drs. Fitzpatrick and Trudeau from Del Mar Family Dentistry in Solana Beach, California, can diagnose your condition so you can get treatment without delay. If caught early enough, gum disease can be successfully treated and your oral health restored. Here are some critical facts about the causes and treatment of periodontal disease.
What is periodontal disease?
Periodontal disease is a gum infection caused by plaque and tartar buildup under the gumline of your teeth. Left untreated, periodontal disease can cause severe damage to your gum tissues, causing them to swell, become painful and bleed. Over time, pockets of bacteria will develop around your gums and teeth, causing your gums to recede. As the gums detach from your teeth, your teeth can become loose and fall out.
What are the stages of periodontal disease?
There are three stages of gum disease: gingivitis (early gum disease), moderate periodontitis, and advanced periodontal disease. Gum disease can be reversed in the early stage. By improving your oral hygiene routine and getting routine dental cleanings, your gums can be restored to full health. By the time gum disease reaches the moderate and advanced stage, irreversible damage has been caused to your gums or teeth. Drs. Fitzpatrick and Trudeau can manage your symptoms through gum disease treatment to prevent further damage and save your teeth.
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What are the symptoms of periodontal disease?
Periodontal disease symptoms include:
- Red, tender, inflamed gums that bleed when you brush or floss your teeth
- Chronic bad breath
- Painful chewing
- Receding gums
- Loose teeth/separating teeth
- Tooth loss
Early gum disease symptoms may be so mild you hardly notice them. Once symptoms become severe, you are already in the advanced stage of the infection. That’s why it’s essential to see your dentist regularly.
What is the treatment for periodontal disease?
There’s no quick fix-it for getting rid of periodontal disease. Treatments start by eliminating the cause of your infection, plaque, and tartar buildup below the gumline of your teeth. This can be done through deep cleaning (scaling and root planing), LANAP laser therapy, or gum surgery, depending on the severity of your condition. Antibiotics may also be used to control the infection. We can manage your symptoms through deep cleaning to keep the infection from returning. This allows your gums time to heal. We will also discuss ways to repair damage or restore missing teeth in case of tooth loss.
Where can I go for periodontal therapy near me?
If you live in or near Solana Beach, CA, you can entrust your gum health to Del Mar Family Dentistry. Contact Drs. Fitzpatrick and Trudeau at (858) 360-3102 to schedule a consultation for gum disease treatment.
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Dr. Dale Trudeau
Dr. Thomas Fitzpatrick
Dr. Nikko Johnson
Dr. Erik Balinghasay
Del Mar Family Dentistry is served by four experienced and talented physicians: Drs. Dale Trudeau, Thomas Fitzpatrick, Nikko Johnson, and Erik Balinghasay.
Dr. Dale Trudeau has served the community of Del Mar and Solana Beach since 1984. He is a graduate and former instructor at USC School of Dentistry and has completed many hours of advanced training in restorative, cosmetic, implant dentistry, and Invisalign. He is a member of the American Dental Association (ADA), California Dental Association (CDA), San Diego County Dental Society (SDCDS), and American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry. Dr. Trudeau is active in the community and volunteers at many local charities and youth organizations.
Dr. Thomas Fitzpatrick is a graduate of Point Loma Nazarene University (PLNU) in San Diego and Loma Linda University, School of Dentistry. He is a Research Associate at PLNU, YMCA, and Foundation for Worldwide Health, along with being a member of the ADA, CDA, Academy of General Dentistry (AGD), and SDCDS. Dr. Fitzpatrick has a passion to provide sustainable dental services to underserved communities both locally and globally. In 2013 he founded Cura Coffee Company to help fund the non-profit work of Cura Smiles. This non-profit has been able to build a dental clinic in the diverse community of City Heights, San Diego to help serve the underserved in their dental needs.
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Dr. Nikko Johnson is a graduate of the University of Central Oklahoma and Oklahoma University College of Dentistry. After completing her dental residency, she practiced as a general dentist in Oklahoma and North Carolina before obtaining her Master of Science in Periodontology from the University Of Detroit Mercy School Of Dentistry. Among her competencies are prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of periodontal diseases and treatment modalities with advanced oral plastic surgeries. She has had the honor of providing dental care to veterans for many years.
Dr. Erik Balinghasay is a graduate of the University of California San Diego(UCSD) and University of California Los Angeles(UCLA), School of Dentistry. Upon graduating from UCLA, he pursued advanced speciality training in Endodontics, the dental specialty related to root canals, at the University of Washington in Seattle. He is a Board-Certified Endodontist and a Diplomate of the American Board of Endodontics.