Periodontal Care

Periodontal Therapy in Huntington Beach, CA

This is the service of treating gum disease and periodontal disease. At Dental Oasis of Orange County, when it comes to periodontal therapy we believe in preventative care in order to identify and treat various gum conditions.

What is Periodontal Disease?

Periodontal is a gum and bone infection resulting in the swelling of the gums and bone loss. It is the result of a build up plaque, tartar, and calculus caused by several bacteria. This culprits of this sticky film are:

• P. Gingivalis
• T. Forsythia
• A. Actinomycetemcomitans
• F. Nucleatum

All are commonly found in the mouth, but improper oral hygiene and excessive build up of these bacteria causes excessive damage the surrounding tissues and bones of a tooth. The bacteria infiltrate deep into the pockets of the gums and tight spaces. As they populate the area, they can cause irreversible damage to the bone and ultimately cause premature teeth loss.

Signs of Periodontal Disease?

• Pain / Sensitive Gums : if you ever notice pain or sensitivity of the gums when brushing, it is very important to understand that this can be an early sign/stages of periodontal disease
• Swollen / Red Gums : puffy, bulbous red gums is a sign that there is an active infection going on
• Bleeding Gums : ever notice when you’re flossing that there are areas that bleed more than others, it could be a sign of a bacterial infection deep in the pockets of the gums
• Mobile / Loose Teeth : teeth generally have some mobility to prevent fracture / breakage when biting and chewing, but if you notice that your teeth are more mobile then others, it can be a sign that there is something going on underneath the gums and bones causing this to happen. Consult with us today to better understand what is going on and how to treat this!
• Plaque / Tartar / Calculus : teeth generally have spaces in between them, but sometimes you’ll notice a layer of yellow/brown build up on the teeth that are stuck and can’t be removed, this is hard deposits of bacteria that have built up over time that actually is preventing you from properly cleaning your teeth

How do I treat Periodontal Disease?

At Dental Oasis of Orange County we take a very whole approach to treatment:

1. Scaling and Root Planing – a deep thorough cleaning used to remove the build up of plaque, tartar, calculus, and the bacteria that is causing this sticky film to build up. In order to accomplish this, you are thoroughly numbed with anesthesia so that we can use an electric cleaning tool (Piezo or Cavitron) that vibrates at high frequencies and helps dislodge all this thick build up on the teeth.
2. Bacterial Laser Reduction Therapy – the application of heat and light is a powerful tool to actually help denature and destroy the bacteria that is causing this happen. Using a very focused laser, the sulcus (or pockets) of the gums surrounding the tissues are cleaned by essentially walking a light around the entire area to kill bacteria.
3. Antibacterial Irrigation – a medicament that is placed into the sulcus of the gums to help with the final flush of “bad” bacteria and help promote healing of the gums.

How Often Should I be Coming Back for Cleanings?

Initially, every 3 months – this is important to monitor and ensure that there is improvement or cessation of the activity of the disease.

As improvement occurs over time, it is possible to be pushed from 3 months to 4 months, and the hope is to eventually get you to 6mo routine regular visits with good and proper at-home oral hygiene.

The “Process”

1. Correctly Diagnosing and Identifying Periodontal Disease (Clinically and Radiographically)
2. Scaling and Root Planing (AKA Deep Cleaning)
3. Laser Bacterial Reduction Therapy
4. Antimicrobial Irrigation
5. 3/4/6 Mo Maintenance Visits

FAQs

• I have only ever got a Regular Cleaning, why should I get a Deep Cleaning Now?
  • Periodontal Disease is one of the most underdiagnosed conditions present in the oral cavity. Often times, it is midiagnosed because the gums appear “healthy.” It is important to understand that a majority of the bacterial infection happens underneath the gum. Consistent infection and subsequent bone loss will cause early loss of teeth.
• Does Deep Cleaning hurt?
  • No! Our hygienist will typically provide anesthesia to numb the areas of the mouth that are to be cleaned. Typically done in 2 sessions (right and left sides). Each side is thoroughly numbed in order to make sure you are comfortable during the procedure. Typically, after deep cleanings, the gums are tender and sore. Proper OHI and post-op instructions are given and should be strictly followed to aid the healing process.
• Why do I need to come in more often for my cleanings?
  • Maintenance appointments are important to track the health and condition of the gums and bones. These routine visits are used to aid with additional cleaning but also to diagnose and check that the disease is not continuing to spread.
  • If the condition does not cease and the health of the gums and bones continues to worsens, a referral to a specialist (periodontist – gum and bone specialist) is recommended for further evaluation and treatment options.
• Can bone grow back?
  • No. Unfortunately bone does not naturally grow back after it has been loss in the jaw. This prevalent disease is best taken care of by prevention!