At Leavitt Dentistry, our number-one goal is to keep your teeth and gums healthy and your smile bright. We don’t just want to support your oral health now; we want to ensure dazzling smiles for a lifetime.
As part of this commitment, we’re proud to offer periodontal care to our patients. With our expert treatments, you can find relief from the pain and inflammation of gum disease, allowing you to once again enjoy a beautiful, happy, and healthy smile.
If you’re seeking expert periodontal care, contact Leavitt Dentistry today to schedule your appointment and take the first step towards a healthier version of yourself.
The Dangers of Gum Disease
Gum disease is incredibly common, affecting almost half of all adults in the U.S. It’s typically the result of poor oral hygiene; however, it can still occur even with proper brushing and flossing.
The symptoms of gum disease include:
- Reddish gums
- Soreness
- Bad breath and an unpleasant taste
- Bleeding, especially after brushing or flossing
- Pain when chewing
- Receding gums
- Loose teeth
Gingivitis vs. Periodontitis
The earliest stage of gum disease is known as gingivitis, which is characterized by red, swollen gums and mild bleeding. Fortunately, gingivitis is completely reversible with the right care, which is why it’s important to schedule an appointment at our office as soon as you notice any of these symptoms.
Without treatment, gingivitis can progress into periodontitis. When the bacteria spread beneath the gums, they pull away from the teeth, creating hard-to-clean pockets that trap plaque. This can lead to the erosion of soft tissue and bone around the teeth, along with bad breath and infection.
At its final stages, gum disease causes significant bone loss, which may lead to teeth becoming loose and eventually falling out. We aim to catch gum disease before it has the chance to progress to this point, protecting your smile from serious damage.
Find Relief from Gum Disease with Periodontal Care
At Leavitt Dentistry, we are up-to-date with the latest dental research. We only use the best treatments to manage and prevent the destruction of gum disease. During each examination, we will check for signs of gum disease and track any changes that occur. Based on our findings, we will tailor your dental care plan to ensure optimal oral health.
We understand that when it comes to periodontal care, there’s no one-size-fits-all approach. Each patient has unique needs and may require different treatments. That’s why we offer multiple options for patients with gum disease, whether it’s early-stage gingivitis or late-stage periodontitis.
Periodontal Care
Periodontal care can look different based on the severity of the condition. For early-stage gum disease, periodontal care involves deep cleanings. These are different from simply brushing your teeth — we get in all the little hard-to-reach nooks and crannies of your mouth to thoroughly remove plaque and bacteria, setting you on the path toward healing and health.
Scaling and Root Planing
For early to advanced gum disease, we perform scaling and root planing. Scaling involves using special dental tools to remove stubborn plaque and tartar from your teeth and under the gumline. Root planing is when we go under the gums to clean the teeth’s roots. Depending on your individual needs, we’ll tailor an aftercare plan to ensure pain-free healing and follow up with you to check up on your progress. Your overall health can improve by simply performing this type of cleaning as diabetes, heart problems and other illnesses have been linked to periodontal disease.
If you’re missing one or more teeth due to gum disease, consider cosmetic and restorative options such as dental implants, dentures, or bridges. Dr. Leavitt will assess your needs and recommend a restoration that not only functions seamlessly but looks completely natural, as well.
Take Care of Your Gums with Leavitt Dentistry
Dr. Leavitt and his team of highly trained hygienists are passionate about helping patients achieve optimal gum health. With years of experience, they will teach you proper dental hygiene habits and help tailor a periodontal care plan to fit your oral health needs.
Contact us today to learn more about periodontal care and schedule a convenient, hassle-free appointment. With our expertise, you can get your gum health back on track and live the comfortable, pain-free life you deserve.