Periodontal Treatment in Temple, TX

You may not hear much about it, but one out of every two American adults has periodontal disease. Periodontal (gum) disease is a bacterial infection that damages gum tissue and the bone supporting your teeth. If it’s not caught and treated in its early stages, periodontal disease can eventually lead to tooth loss and other serious health issues.

At Temple Dental Trails, we understand the serious risk that gum disease poses to both your dental and general health. Fortunately, in most cases, gum disease can be prevented and treated with professional dental cleanings and proper oral hygiene. We have always been strong advocates of prevention as the most effective way to reduce the possibility of developing gum disease.

Gum Disease – A Hidden Threat

Gum disease may start in your mouth, but it is not just an oral health problem. Numerous studies exist that indicate a connection between what happens in your mouth and in your body. Research indicates that severe periodontal disease can enter the bloodstream and lead to serious health complications like heart disease, respiratory disease, diabetes, and stroke.

The Dangers of Periodontal Disease

As gum disease progresses, spaces open up between the tooth and gums; these are called periodontal pockets. These spaces provide the perfect environment for bacteria to continue to grow and, without treatment, gum disease continues to do its damage.

When gum disease reaches this point, it will begin to destroy the gum tissue and bone that supports your teeth. Unfortunately, in cases of severe gum disease, tooth loss becomes a real possibility. Our goal is to provide you with the treatments and education you need so you never have to worry about compromising your smile with gum disease. 

The earliest stage of periodontal disease is referred to as gingivitis and, in most cases, it can be treated with a routine dental cleaning. Without treatment, gingivitis advances to the most serious stage of gum disease, which is periodontitis.

If we find evidence of periodontitis, we will recommend a deep cleaning procedure that will eliminate bacteria and infected tissue. Depending on the extent of infection, we may also need to prescribe antibiotics as well as a follow-up deep cleaning. In severe cases, we will refer you to a periodontist for treatment that will prevent tooth loss.

During a deep cleaning, your hygienist gently scrapes away plaque, tartar, and harmful bacteria above and below the gum line. This is a process where the surface of the tooth is smoothed (planed) to allow affected gum tissue to heal and reattach to the tooth. In certain cases, we will prescribe antibiotics to ensure that the infection is completely eliminated.

Your Partner in Oral Health Care

Our team at Temple Dental Trails is here to provide the treatments you need to protect your oral health. We are pleased to provide you with the most updated, state-of-the-art care available and will do everything possible to make you feel like part of our extended family and ensure that you feel welcome whenever you visit our office.

Quality dental care should not be complicated, and we offer convenient office hours to accommodate your schedule. We respect that you are busy, and we book your appointments efficiently so you don’t have to spend valuable time waiting for treatment.

Please call our Temple dental office to arrange your next exam and cleaning. Together we will work toward your goal of excellent oral health.