Arizona Periodontal Group

Minimally Invasive Gum Surgery Options to Treat Gum Disease

January 18th, 2022 by Arizona Periodontal Group | No Comments

Gum disease, or periodontitis, is a serious dental health concern. Untreated gum disease may cause damage to your bone and soft tissue or even tooth loss. Fortunately, there is minimally invasive surgery and non-surgical treatment options available to address any stage of gum disease and restore your health and smile. The purpose of this article is to provide and understanding of these treatment options. With this basic understanding you can make an informed decision about treatments.

Minimally Invasive Surgery for Gum Disease

A slight case of gingivitis is normally reversible with a good cleaning and attentive home care to remove the plaque buildup. However, you may require more advanced treatment, even surgery, once gum disease has progressed and pockets of infection begin to form around your teeth. You might notice pain, swelling, and redness of the gums from gum disease. Loose teeth and receding gum lines are other signs to watch for.

Before treatment, Dr. Trujillo, a leading periodontist in Phoenix, will give you an exam and consultation to discuss your dental health and treatment options. Dr. Trujillo will explain the benefits and advantages and help you choose a minimally invasive gum surgery or non-surgery procedure. These are generally the options to choose from.

LANAP Laser Gum Surgery

Laser-Assisted New Attachment Procedure is one of the newest developments in laser gum surgery. The FDA cleared this treatment for use in 2004 and is an excellent treatment for periodontitis.

LANAP uses a laser to direct ultraviolet light to the diseased areas of your gums. The laser can distinguish between healthy tissue and infected tissue, and will only target the bad bacteria that need to be eliminated. The laser then kills the gum disease present in the deep pockets surrounding your teeth. Next, it closes the gap and creates new connective tissue. This encourages normal growth and the reattachment of your gums to your teeth.

There are many benefits of choosing LANAP. This procedure is almost entirely painless and has a fast recovery period. Treatments are normally done in two sessions that last about two hours each. In most cases, the laser takes care of the problem without the need for any incisions or stitches. There is also a lower risk of developing an infection.

LANAP reverses the effects of gum disease so you can heal completely. You have a better chance of keeping your teeth and even regenerating any lost bone tissue. Another benefit of LANAP is that most patients are candidates for the produce. Some other treatments have restrictions for various health issues.

Scaling and Root Planing

When gum disease progresses, the inflammation causes the gum tissue to pull away from the tooth, forming a pocket. These pockets may get too deep for a routine professional cleaning to eliminate all traces of gum disease. In these cases, scaling and root planing are necessary to eliminate periodontitis.

Scaling is the deep-cleaning procedure that involves the removal of accumulated plaque and tartar from below the gumline. A special dental tool reaches the bottom of the pocket to clean all traces of bacteria.

After the scaling procedure comes root planing. This refers to the smoothing of the root of the tooth. Root planing helps to prevent future bacteria buildup and the return of gum disease. It’s also a useful procedure to help your gum tissue reattach to your teeth.

Depending upon the severity of your gum disease, it may take several appointments to treat all affected areas. You may be given a local anesthetic at the beginning of your appointment to reduce discomfort. After the treatment, it is normal to experience some swelling and minor bleeding for several days.

Pinhole Surgical Technique

Another minimally invasive gum surgery that can help you treat gum disease is the Pinhole Surgical Technique (PST) or pinhole gum surgery. Advanced gum disease often causes gum recession, which pulls the gums back and exposes more of the tooth. Past procedures to fix this problem involved invasive surgery to graft tissue from the mouth to cover the tooth. This took weeks to heal.

The pinhole gum surgery is a quick procedure to correct receding gums that requires no downtime afterward. A single, tiny hole is used to loosen the gum tissue with special tool. It is then repositioned to cover more of the tooth’s surface.

You can have the procedure performed on several teeth in one appointment. This less invasive technique reduces the risk of infection since there is no cutting and suturing. Most patients experience little discomfort. Additionally, the appearance of your smile improves immediately.

Talk to your dentist about your options and discuss the benefits of each type of minimally invasive gum surgery. Together, you can choose a treatment plan that is best for you.

Gum Disease Prevention Techniques and Tips

Gum disease has several main causes. These include poor lifestyle habits, illness, certain medications, or even genetics. The good news is that most cases are treatable and even preventable with good oral hygiene and lifestyle choices:

Brush and floss your teeth at least two times each day to remove plaque and bacteria. These are the culprits behind periodontitis.
Visit your dentist once every six months for a professional cleaning.
Eat a healthy diet. Limit your intake of sugary foods and carbohydrates. These can both feed the bacteria that cause gum disease.
Get enough vitamin C. Being deficient in Vitamin C increases your risk of developing gum disease. Eat more fruits, especially citrus, strawberries, and blueberries.
Stay hydrated. Adequate water intake is essential for a healthy body. It also helps to wash food particles away from your teeth to prevent plaque formation.
If you are a smoker, quit now. Smoking makes it more difficult for your gums to fight off an infection and heal from damage.

Minor inflammation of the gums can lead to periodontitis if left untreated. Make an appointment to see your dentist at the first signs of a problem so the situation doesn’t worsen.

Achieving Optimal Oral Health with Dr. Trijillo and the Arizona Periodontal Group

Dr. Trijillo has been a practicing periodontist since 1997 and currently practices in Phoenix, AZ. He has the knowledge and skills to diagnose and treat any dental health concern that you may have. You can get treatment for anything from minor gingivitis to advanced gum disease that requires minimally invasive gum surgery. Dr. Trijillo is one of the most trusted periodontists in Arizona. He is dedicated to the best results and continues to learn the latest advances in oral care techniques and treatments.

The entire team at the Arizona Periodontal Group in Phoenix focuses on providing you with personalized care in a relaxed setting. Get access to a full range of dental services, from routine cleanings to specialized care. At every appointment, you can expect gentle treatment. Receive the kindness and compassion of a knowledgeable team dedicated to your health and comfort.

Contact the Arizona Periodontal Group today to learn more about periodontitis treatment, and schedule your appointment with our caring team.

Everything You Need to Know About Implant-Supported Dentures

December 17th, 2021 by Arizona Periodontal Group | No Comments

Senior man giving wife a piggy back ride

If you are missing many or all of your teeth you most likely want to find the best dentures to replace them. Advances in dental technology have led to the creation of new types of dentures that are more natural-looking, comfortable, and stable than traditional dentures.

Find out more about implant-supported dentures and how they can restore your speech, ability to chew, and smile.

What Are Implant Support Dentures?

Oral care options have become much more diverse in recent years. Patients have a variety of options to find the best solution for their needs and preferences.

Conventional dentures consist of two full arches of prosthetic teeth with a gum-colored acrylic base. The dentures are held in place with an adhesive and removed nightly for cleaning.

Implant-support dentures involve four to six titanium posts placed into the jawbone and then topped with a prosthetic arch. Implant dentures are an affordable option that offers comfort and stability. Because the denture is anchored into the jar, it cannot slip.

Implant dentures can be temporary or permanent. The temporary option is removable (not the posts, but the dentures that attach to them). The patient can take out the denture nightly to clean them. However, this version wears out more quickly than the permanent type.

Permanent implant dentures stay fixed in place. Only Dr. Trujillo or a dentist can remove them for repairs if needed. They can be an excellent solution for anyone that wants a comfortable denture that requires minimal fuss to maintain.

Qualities of a Good Candidate for Implant Dentures

Implant-supported dentures are not for everyone. Dr. Trujillo will conduct a thorough exam and evaluation before discussing your options with you. Good candidates must have:

Sufficient healthy jawbone tissue to support the implants
Missing most or all of your teeth
No severe periodontal disease
Healthy gums
Healthy immune system

If you are a candidate, Dr. Trujillo will discuss the procedure and schedule an appointment.

Placement Procedure

The placement of implant-supported dentures takes several months to complete.

First, Dr. Trujillo will surgically attach the implant screws into your jawbone. There are normally four to six of these. Then, there is time to heal. It generally takes from three to six months for the implants to fuse with the natural jawbone. This process is called osseointegration. After this time of healing, Dr. Trujillo places a pre-molded dental arch onto the implants.

Why Select Implant Dentures over Other Types

3D rendering of All-on-4 dental implant dentures

The type of denture that is best for you will depend on your oral care needs and your own preferences and wishes. Here is a breakdown of the various types of dentures and prosthetics aside from implant dentures:

Full dentures consist of removable upper and lower arches meant to replace total tooth loss. They consist of porcelain and acrylic and last from five to ten years.
Partial dentures fill in the gaps when you are missing only a few teeth. They can unclip from the other teeth and remove when desired or for cleaning.
Temporary dentures are a short-term option for immediately after tooth removal until the permanent solution is ready. Wearing temporary dentures reduces sensitivity and prevents excessive strain on remaining teeth.
A fixed bridge involved cementing a crown into place using surgery. It is attached to the natural teeth on both sides.
A cantilever bridge uses one or more teeth on one side as an anchor when a molar needs replaced. A different solution is needed when there is no tooth on one side of the gap.
Dental implants are normally an option when only one or several teeth need replacement.
Snap-on dentures are a type of implant denture that consists of a removable crown that is removable by the wearer for cleaning.
Flexible dentures are another option for partial tooth replacement. They are more comfortable because they consist of thin thermoplastic material.

Permanent implant-supported dentures are a superior choice for anyone who needs to replace all of their teeth. They look like natural teeth, feel very secure, and are long-lasting. Implant dentures don’t have as many inconveniences as removable options. They allow you to continue your life without making drastic adjustments to your daily routine or oral healthcare practices.

Health Benefits

There are a lot of reasons why you should consider implant-supported dentures. Some of the most compelling include:

Natural look and feel
Restore full function of speech and chewing ability
Sturdy
Enjoy a brilliant and natural-looking smile
Require no special care beyond the typically recommended daily oral hygiene routine
Do not require adhesive
Function like your natural teeth
Preserves the tissues of your gums and jawbone
Greater comfort due to no slipping and irritation
No adjustment period after being placed
More affordable than total implants

As you can see, there are a host of benefits that come with implant dentures. Speak with Dr. Trujillo for personalized recommendations and to address any questions and concerns you may have.

Diet Recommendations and Restrictions

Another wonderful benefit of implant-supported dentures is that they don’t interfere with your eating habits. You can continue to enjoy all of your favorite foods, including juicy steaks and even corn on the cob! They are sturdy enough to let you resume your usual diet.

Implant dentures also give you the freedom to taste your food fully so you can savor every bite. They aren’t bulky are therefore leave your palate open and your tongue unhindered.

About Dr. Trujillo and the Arizona Periodontal Group

Dr. Trujillo and his dedicated team at the Arizona Periodontal Group are a fantastic choice for all of your oral health needs. They offer full-service dentistry that includes routine exams and cleanings, diagnosis and treatment of periodontal disease, as well as more advanced care.

You will enjoy a positive and comfortable experience with each visit. If you have any concerns, the Arizona Periodontal Group will make accommodations to reduce your anxiety and lower your discomfort.

Dr. Trujillo has years of expertise and employs the latest technologies, techniques, and dental equipment. His whole team will focus on giving you the education you need to prevent most dental problems while offering gentle treatment for a wide array of common concerns.

Contact the Arizona Periodontal Group today and schedule an appointment to get a healthier and more brilliant smile than ever before!

What Damage Can Periodontal Disease Cause?

December 15th, 2021 by Arizona Periodontal Group | No Comments

Periodontal disease can be quite a serious oral health condition, but the good news is that it can be both prevented and treated. This condition occurs when bacteria infect the gum tissues, causing inflammation, pain, and even bleeding. Treatments involve getting the infection under control before it causes serious and permanent damage.

Stages of Gum Disease

The stages of periodontitis disease vector illustration

Periodontal or gum disease has four phases. Your treatment options depend on which stage your condition has reached.

Gingivitis

Gingivitis is the earliest stage of gum disease and involves plaque build-up leading to inflammation. The symptoms of gingivitis are typically mild, such as bad breath, swollen gums, and bleeding when you brush or floss your teeth.

You can reverse gingivitis by boosting your oral hygiene routine to tackle the bacteria that are causing your symptoms. Brush, floss, and get regular professional cleanings to get rid of plaque. Your dentist may also recommend using a medicated mouth rinse to kill bacteria.

Early Periodontal Disease

If you do not tackle gingivitis head-on, it is likely to progress into gum disease. During this stage, it is likely that you will feel some tenderness and inflammation in your gums as bacteria settle in. Signs such as bad breath and bleeding are likely to still be present. By now, the plaque on your teeth has hardened into calculus, which you cannot remove yourself at home, so you will need professional cleaning. In this stage, the infection begins to affect the bone structures under the gums, which means you need treatment urgently to prevent bone loss.

Treatments for early periodontitis include scaling, in which a periodontist, like Dr. Trujillo in Phoenix, AZ, uses special tools to remove tartar and bacteria from below the gum line. You might also need root planing, in which the dentist smooths the surface of the tooth root, removing bacteria and making it more difficult for tartar to build up there. In addition, they might prescribe antibiotics, either in the form of a mouth rinse, gel, or pills.

Moderate Periodontal Disease

By the time you reach moderate periodontal disease, bacteria have found a firm foothold in your mouth. You may have noticed that your gums are receding, causing your teeth to look longer than they used to. The newly exposed parts of the teeth can be very sensitive. You might even find that your teeth are slightly loose, shifting position, or feeling wobbly as the disease attacks the bones that support them. There is likely to be a bad taste in your mouth and perhaps even an unpleasant discharge.

In this stage, you urgently need scaling and root planing to bring the infection under control.

Advanced Periodontal Disease

The final stage of gum disease occurs when the infection spreads deeper into the bones. You are now at high risk of bone loss, which can lead to your teeth falling out and even the shape of your face changing. In addition, your gums are likely to hurt, ooze pus, and look red and swollen. Chewing hurts and your teeth feel loose. Before long, they will start to fall out, if they haven’t already.

Advanced periodontal disease requires immediate treatment: a course of oral antibiotics and thorough cleaning to remove as much infected tissue as possible. You might even need surgery.

Treatment Options

Flap surgery is a technique that many periodontists use to expose roots so that they can carry out a thorough scaling and root planing. It involves cutting flaps in your gums to expose the lower parts of the teeth and then sewing them back up after cleaning. However, Dr. Trujillo prefers LANAP laser gum treatment as a less invasive and quicker recovery treatment.

Soft tissue grafts can help to treat receding gums. Dr. Trujillo grafts tissue from your palate or another site onto your gums to restore the tissue that has been lost.

Bone grafts are necessary when periodontal disease has destroyed the bone that holds the root of a tooth in place. Dentists can use bone taken from another site or synthetic material.

Guided tissue regeneration is a technique that encourages the growth of new bone, using biocompatible fabric to guide its growth around the tooth.

The sooner you see periodontist, Dr. Trujillo, in Phoenix, AZ, for treatment for advanced periodontal disease, the more chance you have of saving your teeth and protecting your jaw bone.

How to Prevent Gum Disease

Man brushing his teeth to prevent gum disease.

Perhaps you do not yet have any serious signs of gum disease. You still need to take action to protect your gums, teeth, and bones. The best way to keep gingivitis and periodontal disease at bay is to have a very strong oral hygiene routine. It should consist of daily brushing and flossing, along with a tooth-healthy diet. Regular dental checkups are equally important as they allow Dr. Trujillo to clean away plaque and look out for any early signs of gum inflammation.

If you are prone to gum disease, then it might be possible to reduce your risk through a procedure such as pocket reduction surgery, which reduces the space that bacteria can infect around each tooth. Pocket irrigation can also help to clean out these pockets to keep them free from bacteria.

Dr. Trujillo’s Treatment for Gum Disease at Arizona Periodontal Group

Dr. Trujillo - Periodontist in Phoenix, AZ — Dr. Trujillo, Periodontist in Phoenix, AZ

Dr. Trujillo can treat both mild and advanced cases of gum disease. The first step is for Dr. Trujillo to examine your mouth and determine the stage of your gum disease. He can then recommend the best treatment for your individual situation. Whether you have advanced periodontal disease or simply a mild case of gingivitis, Dr. Trujillo can minimize your risk of tooth loss and bone damage. The goal is to both save your teeth and restore their appearance and functionality as much as possible.

Dr. Trujillo has been a practicing periodontist since 1997. He earned his Doctorate of Dental Medicine at the Boston University School and has received an Excellence in Periodontology Award. He’s been a part of the team at Arizona Periodontal Group since 2004 and has extensive experience in treating patients at all stages of periodontal disease.

Contact Arizona Periodontal Group to find out more about our periodontal disease treatment options and schedule your appointment today.

Common Dental Implant Side Effects

December 8th, 2021 by Arizona Periodontal Group | No Comments

Consultation before dental implant surgery.

Dental implants are a fantastic way to restore broken, damaged, or missing teeth into a beautiful, and aesthetically pleasing smile. Just as with any surgical procedure, however, the post-surgery healing process will vary from patient to patient. You’ve worked with your dental implant surgeon to assess and plan your treatment approach. Likewise, remember to keep the lines of communication open afterward, too! Whether you’re educating yourself before your surgery date or simply staying cautious and informed as you heal, here are a few important things to be aware of.

Professional Periodontal Team and Good Hygiene Post Surgery

In general, it’s perfectly natural to have concerns about the sensations and observations as you adjust to your new smile. That’s why it’s important to have a professional, trustworthy team on your side to answer questions and offer guidance. (The good news is, if you’re here reading this, you’ve already found an excellent Phoenix dental implant surgeon to meet your needs!)

Above all, excellent hygiene is a must after your procedure, as is following the aftercare instructions of your surgical team. Make sure that you’re brushing and flossing your existing teeth (if applicable) or keeping your dentures clean every day. If you need recommendations for appropriate brushes, rinses, or mouthwash, our dental implant office is happy to offer guidance.

Visible Side Effects

Man checking his dental implant after surgery.

These are the signs and symptoms that might suggest the need for an additional appointment or a brief chat with your dental implant surgeon after your dental implant surgery. It’s important to check your implant site(s) regularly, preferably several times a day for the first few days after surgery.

Use a bright light, such as a smartphone’s flashlight, and take clear pictures of any areas of concern, if possible. You can send those pictures to your periodontist’s office through email or an office portal if you’re unable to visit in person right away. The pictures help to establish if the visual symptoms are getting better or worse.

Here are some things to look for:

Bleeding

While some bleeding is expected, excessive is not okay. If you experience fresh bleeding without bite pressure to trigger it, there could be a problem. Your dental implant team will inform you of what to look for. They will inform you of what type of bleeding is concerning, and how to stop it if it occurs. While bleeding can look and feel like an emergency, remember, in moderation, it’s actually a completely normal bodily process to help keep your dental implant(s) clean and to fight off infections and bacteria.

Micro-Movement

This type of movement in a dental implant is a precursor to a loose, moving, or disconnected implant. If you feel like your implants are just a little loose after your procedure and still feel that way after a few days, call your surgeon’s office to determine the best next steps.

Loose/Moving Implant

If you notice significant movement in your implant(s), such as wiggling back and forth like a loose natural tooth, an adjustment or correction is necessary to ensure the best results of your implant surgery. If you see or notice this significant type of movement, you should speak to your surgeon immediately.

Allergic/Infectious Swelling

If your gums swell around your implants and do not heal naturally over time, there’s a chance you may be allergic to your implant or an infection may have set in. Prior to implant surgery, your periodontist should run tests to make sure you are not allergic to the implant. However, in very rare cases, the implant procedure can cause material sensitivities in individuals that otherwise “pass” material allergy tests.

Internal (Less Visible) Side Effects

Senior man getting post dental implant surgery checkup.

Numbness or Tingling

The nature of dental implants involves creating a secure base for your new teeth. This in turn means a surgical procedure. While dental implant surgery is advanced and has both patient comfort and great results in mind, symptoms such as numbness or tingling can occur as your body heals. In the rare case this happens, it is sometimes connected to the implant(s). However, the anesthetics and numbing agents the surgeon uses during the procedure can also cause numbing or tingling. In these cases, any lingering effects should disappear over a relatively short period of time. There is likely no need for additional dental intervention.

Itching or Pain

When itching or pain occurs after a surgical procedure, it may be a part of the natural healing process (e.g. “itchy” skin knitting itself back together) or it may point to an issue your dental implant surgeon should review. Once again, frequent self-examinations, clear pictures, or even a short video, can help determine if swelling is getting better or worse. Checking by “feel” alone, particularly using one’s tongue, isn’t a reliable method of ruling out causes of itching or pain.

Sensitivity or Discomfort when Biting

It’s important to read and follow your post-surgery directions closely. It will tell you what to do and what to avoid. Attempting to eat harder foods or chewing gum too soon after your procedure can interfere with healing. You may want to celebrate your new smile by enjoying a meal you may have previously avoided, we understand completely! That said, in this case, patience is a virtue. Follow the timeline(s) and aftercare tips given by your implant surgical team and you’ll be digging into your favorite steak, or a juicy apple, in no time.

Finally, Your smile is as much about your quality of life as it is about aesthetics. If you have questions, don’t be afraid to ask them! Getting your new dental implants is a team effort, and that means you should always feel comfortable reaching out to get information.

If you’ve been hesitating about getting your dental implants, or need reassurance, the Arizona Periodontal Group is here to help. Contact us with any questions or for a consultation.

Periodontal Cleaning: Simple Tips to Keep Your Gums Healthy

November 23rd, 2021 by Arizona Periodontal Group | No Comments

Periodontal cleaning: Young woman with healty teeth and gums smiling.

Gum disease is one of the leading dental problems in the US today. Other than keeping your smile bright, looking out for your gums is also essential. Even a person that has healthy, radiant teeth can have gum disease. That’s what makes it so insidious. Even though you’re suffering from it, you may not even experience any pain.

Even though it is less common than it once was, gum disease still affects 10 percent of all American adults. That is 25 million people at any one time. Flossing every day, brushing regularly, and other simple practices can keep you from joining this number. Here are some tips and tricks for keeping your gums healthy.

Brush Two Times a Day

Brushing your teeth after every meal will help remove the plaque and food trapped in the space between your teeth and gums. Scrubbing the tongue is also important because the surface can harbor bacteria. Choose a brush with soft bristles to avoid hurting your gums.

Floss Daily

Flossing also helps with removing trapped plaque and food that your brush can’t reach. This will keep your gums squeaky clean.

Regular Cleaning

Getting regular periodontal cleaning can help you prevent gum disease. It can also help with early detection if you have already developed a mild case without realizing it. Choose a clinic that offers examinations and deep dental cleaning so that you can get the most out of your visit. In Arizona, one of the best options is the AZ periodontics clinic.

Use Fluoride Toothpaste

There are many kinds of toothpaste out there. But the best choice for healthy gums is those that contain fluoride. Also, try to make sure that the American Dentist Association has accepted the brand you choose. The ADA tests and approves only the best kinds of toothpaste on the market.

What If I Think I Have a Gum Infection?

If you suspect that you have a gum infection, it’s best to schedule an appointment with our Phoenix periodontist so that you can get a diagnosis. If you have developed gum disease, we can help. Whether your case is mild or severe, there are a few procedures to treat it including the following.

Periodontal Cleaning

Cleaning is the first line of defense when it comes to gum infection. Prevention is always the best medicine. Regular cleaning appointments can reverse the effects of plaque buildup and improve your gum health. If you have a mild case, these cleaning sessions can help manage the infection.

LANAP

Laser-Assisted New Attachment Procedure (LANAP) is surgical laser treatment. This surgery is available at our AZ Periodontics Clinic. It forms new connective tissue attachments between the teeth and the gums. Unlike the old method of periodontics treatment, LANAP is faster and less painful for patients. Recovery is shorter because the procedure provides less physical trauma to the gum tissue.

If you have health concerns that prevent you from surgery, LANAP is the best option. The nature of laser treatment is different from traditional surgery, and it can save your gums from deteriorating further. It helps the gums to reattach to the teeth and protects the tooth root.

Pocket Reduction Surgery

Every tooth is supposed to have gum tissue fitting tightly around it in a healthy mouth. The bone should fit around it as well. However, as periodontal disease progresses, the fit loosens. Eventually, the bones and tissues that provide support to the teeth weaken, creating pockets around them. To avoid loss of teeth, it is vital to keep these pockets from growing.

Pocket reduction surgery aims at eliminating these spaces. When they are allowed to grow, they become a breeding ground for bacteria to take hold. This can only make the spread and severity of the disease faster. With enough bacteria in the gums, not only can you experience tissue loss, but you can also start experiencing bone loss. Although professional cleanings can help reduce the number of bacteria, some pockets are too deep to access externally.

With the pocket reduction surgery, Dr. Trujillo can fold back the affected tissue, clean these pockets, and suture the gum tissue back into place correctly. This not only eliminates bacteria but also returns the tight fit of the gum tissue.

Pocket Irritation Surgery

Pocket irrigation – or oral irrigation – is a treatment that helps with preventative care. However, it can also help with managing a current infection. With the help of a tool, an antimicrobial agent, water, or a mixture of both, is used for flushing out bacterial buildup in periodontal pockets. In some cases, pocket irrigation surgery is a part of your deep cleaning session.

This procedure is the right choice for you if you are at risk for periodontal disease. If your periodontist notes this risk during your consultation, they may recommend it as a preventative measure. If you feel that the spaces between your teeth have buildup and you need interdental cleaning, this is a great option. It also benefits people with halitosis by removing the food debris stuck between the teeth.

What Happens If I Don’t Take Care of My Gums?

There are some long-term costs to neglecting your gums. Without the occasional periodontal cleaning, you may be at risk for a number of conditions. Research shows that gum health impacts a few chronic diseases.

Heart Disease

Moderate to severe gum infection or disease increases your inflammation levels all over the body. Some studies suggest a connection between severe gum disease and heart disease. One Harvard Medical School study showed that people with gum infection are three times more likely to get a heart attack than those without one.

Lung Disease

Doctors have also found a connection between lung health and gum disease. People with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) are more likely to have their symptoms get better if they improve their periodontal health. Poor periodontal health is also associated with a higher risk of pneumonia. In general, constantly inhaling bacteria from the gums into the lungs can cause disease and damage to the body.

Poor Nutrition

Severe cases of gum disease can result in losing your teeth. With missing teeth, it is often harder to eat adequate and healthy food. This can mean eating fewer fruits and veggies.

Emotional Impact

Smiles are a source of confidence for most people. With damaged gums and teeth, your smile can suffer, damaging your self-esteem. 86% of dentists claim that social embarrassment is the biggest problem people face after losing teeth. Without dental implants or other prosthetics, the long-term effects of gum disease can hurt your emotional health.

Find out more about gum disease, its prevention, and treatment by contacting us or calling 602-459-9459.

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