Periodontitis, commonly known as gum disease, is defined as inflammation around the tissue of the teeth.
This can result in shrinkage of the gums, which can lead to tooth loss. Because it is generally painless, most people don’t recognize there is an issue. With our highly trained Detroit Periodontist at Lakeshore Dental Specialists, we’re able to properly examine and diagnose this condition.
Our dental team is composed of experienced providers representing a broad range of subspecialties, ensuring the highest quality of care for every patient’s needs. Our Periodontist has extensive experience in diagnosing and treating conditions of the gums and has earned a reputation as a leader in periodontal care in Detroit. Our team members stay current with the latest research and technological advances, delivering state-of-the-art care to revitalize the health of your gums and help you maintain strong, healthy teeth at every age.
Bacteria can fall below the gum line. When this stays for an extended period of time without being removed, it will harden on the tooth. This hardened substance is known as tartar or dental calculus.
At this point, regular tooth brushing will not be enough and inflammation will result. Your body recognizes this and will then attempt to “separate” from the source - the bone or ligament of the tooth. You’ll see from this that you’re only a few steps away from tooth loss. Not only this, you are susceptible to contaminating your bloodstream with this infection, leading to other health conditions.
Common signs of gum disease include:
Red, puffy, or swollen gums: Healthy gums are firm and pink in color. If your gums are red, swollen, or puffy, they are likely inflamed.
Bleeding gums: Gums that tend to bleed, even when you brush or floss gently, are a sign of gum disease.
Receding gums: When your gums draw away from your teeth, it is called gum recession. This can make your teeth look longer and make them more sensitive to cold and heat.
Loose teeth: If your teeth are loose or wiggly, it is a sign that you have lost bone support around them. This can be a serious symptom of gum disease.
Bad breath: Bad breath that does not go away with brushing or flossing can be an indication of gum disease.
Pus between your teeth and gums: Pus between your teeth and gums is a sign of infection and a serious symptom of gum disease.
Pain when chewing: If you have pain when chewing, it could be a sign of gum disease. If you have any of these signs, it is important to see your dentist or periodontist as soon as possible. Early diagnosis and treatment of gum disease can help prevent tooth loss and other health problems.
Many people do not know they have gum disease because it does not cause pain in the early stages. However, gum disease is a serious health problem and has been linked to an increased risk of heart disease, stroke, and diabetes. Attending dental check-ups twice a year and seeking treatment at the first signs of gum problems can significantly improve the chances of addressing gum disease before it becomes serious. If you'd like to find out if you'd be a good candidate for periodontitis treatment Detroit periodontists at Lakeshore Dental can address that and answer any questions you have during your initial appointment. Call us today!
Our Periodontist will diagnose this through a specialized periodontal examination.
The first step is to measure the gap between the tooth and the gums to check for what is known as a “dental pocket” (the space between the tooth and gums). Your Periodontist is looking for is no more than 3 mm space between tooth and gum and no bleeding. Bleeding tends to indicate there is an infection. If gum disease is present, your Periodontist will determine the degree of severity and review your treatment options, collaborating with you to create a personalized treatment plan to restore your gums to health.
Find out why we offer some of the best periodontal treatment in Detroit, by calling our office today to inquire about our periodontal services.
Your diet is a contributing factor to your gum health. Poor nutrition and not consuming important vitamins and minerals can lead to a weakened immune system and make it harder for your body to fight off infections.
Cigarettes and other tobacco products are not only harmful to your overall health but also can cause tooth loss and slow healing of wounds. Other diseases can be a contributor to poor gum health. As an example, diabetes has been linked with a worsening condition of the gums. Whatever issue you may be having, consultation and proper education with our leading Periodontist in Detroit will get you on the path to a healthier mouth.
The first step in our treatment plan is deep teeth cleaning - which is just what it sounds like.
Our Periodontist will go below the gum surface to take away deposits of tartar and plaque. This procedure, known as scaling and root planing, is the first step to helping the gum properly fuse back to the tooth. There is little to no pain associated with this process. Depending on what your Periodontist finds, they may also do additional smoothing of the tooth to help the gum to attach to the root surface.
You’ll be given instructions from your Periodontist on proper hygiene habits to practice following this procedure. But we cannot emphasize enough how important it is to keep your mouth clean and follow all instructions you get to help your gums fully heal. You will also be scheduled for a follow-up appointment so we can ensure you are healing properly and keep you on the path to a fully healthy mouth.
We specialize in multiple precision methods for preventing, diagnosing, and treating gum disease. Depending on your specific needs, you may benefit from diagnostic exams, gum laser dentistry, non-surgical scaling and root planing, surgical treatment including osseous surgery or guided tissue regeneration surgery, gum recession treatment, gingivectomy, or crown lengthening.
We will carefully assess your case to create your customized Detroit periodontitis treatment plan designed to address existing symptoms, reverse the progress of gum disease, and preserve your teeth. Our periodontal team will outline each treatment step with you, ensuring you understand all preparation and aftercare requirements. Often, treating periodontitis involves an integrated approach with ongoing therapy supported by our attentive and experienced team.
Lakeshore is a trusted source for all your dental care, from routine cleanings to advanced treatments for gum disease. Many of our specialists have received awards for their work with patients or achieved recognition for their research. They are joined by a compassionate, knowledgeable, and efficient support team dedicated to providing a comfortable treatment experience that provides the gift of lasting oral health.
FIND OUT WHY WE OFFER ONE OF THE BEST PERIODONTISTS DETROIT HAS TO OFFER BY CALLING OUR OFFICE TODAY TO INQUIRE ABOUT OUR PERIODONTAL SERVICES.
Our periodontist specializes in gentle techniques to provide the most comfortable treatment experience possible. Most treatments begin with the administration of local anesthesia, sedation, or general anesthesia to ensure a painless experience. Some discomfort is to be expected following a periodontal surgery but is typically well managed with over-the-counter or prescribed medication.
The risks associated with leaving gum disease untreated are typically much more serious than any complications that might occur during treatment. The most common side effects following a periodontitis treatment are discomfort or light bleeding. If you experience prolonged bleeding or excessive pain that does not improve, contact us immediately, as these symptoms could be signs of an infection. Adhering to the aftercare instructions we provide and attending all follow-up appointments minimizes the risk of complications.
Most periodontitis treatments don’t require much downtime. You may need to take certain precautions, such as eating soft foods for a short period. Surgical treatments may require a little more downtime, but in general, you can return to most of your regular activities within a few days. Recovery times can vary depending on the type of treatment performed and individual factors like the patient’s age or the degree of gum disease present.
Your periodontist will provide you with thorough aftercare instructions, including dietary guidelines. After certain treatments, you may need to avoid foods and beverages that are crunchy or acidic for a little while.
The cost of periodontitis treatment can vary depending on the therapies required for your case. Seeking prompt treatment is essential to preventing tooth loss and will save you from the costs of more complicated dental treatments later on.
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18501 E 8 Mile Rd, Eastpointe, MI 48021
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