Approximately 64.7 million Americans suffer from periodontitis.
Scaling is a process that removes tartar and bacteria from the surfaces of your teeth and underneath your gums. Dr. Matthysse or Dr. Chelknowski will perform the scaling process using specialized periodontal tools, to ensure your comfort during treatment.
Root planing has a dual purpose. First, it smooths the surface of the roots, discouraging additional buildup of bacteria, plaque, and tartar. It also ensures that your gums are free of bacterial byproducts that delay healing by adding to inflammation or stopping the reattachment of the gums to the surface of the teeth.
Not always necessary, antibiotics can help to control bacterial infection in patients with periodontal disease. Antibiotics are either prescribed to be taken orally or topically, depending on the severity of the case and other oral health factors, and aim to completely rid the mouth of disease-causing bacteria.
Gingivitis is the first stage of gum disease. Once detected, it is reversible with a combination of specialized deep cleanings and proper at-home oral hygiene. To ensure that your teeth and gums stay healthy, it is crucial that you visit us at South Austin Dental Associates for regular checkups. This way, we can keep an eye on your oral health, and prevent the disease from returning.
Periodontitis is gum disease that has advanced beyond the stage of gingivitis. Symptoms include swollen, puffy gums that are red or even purple, bleed easily, and cause bad breath. Periodontitis damages the gum tissue, and, if left untreated, can destroy the bone that supports your teeth. Although its effects are not completely reversible once it has reached the stage of bone loss, it can be managed with deep cleanings 3 or 4 times a year.
There are 4 stages of periodontal disease, and gingivitis is the only one that is completely reversible
he only way to know for certain that you need periodontal treatment is to visit your dentist for a thorough examination of your teeth and gums. Dr. Matthysse and Dr. Chelkowski are experts at treating periodontal disease, so schedule a consultation if you’re in Austin, South Lamar or Sunset Valley and experiencing any of the following symptoms:
- Swollen or puffy gums
- Red or purplish gums
- Gums that are tender or bleed easily
- Pink-tinged toothbrush after brushing
- Spitting out blood when brushing or flossing your teeth
- Bad breath
- Receding gums
- Pus between your teeth and gums
- Loose teeth or loss of teeth
- Painful chewing
- New spaces between your teeth
- A change in your bite
Yes and no. The early stages of periodontal disease, called gingivitis, in which no damage has been done to the bone that surrounds and supports your teeth, are entirely reversible. With periodontal treatment, our team at South Austin Dental Associates can rid your mouth of the harmful bacteria that cause the disease.
However, once the disease has progressed to the stage of periodontitis and you’ve begun to lose some of the bone that supports your teeth, the damage has already been done. Fortunately, we can stop the bacteria in its tracks and halt the progression of periodontal disease.
If you think you might have periodontal problems, the best course of action is to give us a call at (512) 444-1133 to schedule a cleaning and exam today, to get your mouth on a path towards a lifetime of healthy smiles.
Periodontal disease places patients at a higher risk for other health issues, like heart disease, diabetes, and rheumatoid arthritis.
Office: (512) 444-1133
Hours: Monday-Thursday, 8am to 5pm
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