Periodontal Care in the Phoenix Area

Periodontitis, also known as gum disease, is a common problem. Most cases only go as far as tenderness and soft gums, but without the proper periodontal care, periodontitis can lead to loss of tissue and bone around the teeth and, ultimately, loss of the teeth themselves. Our dentists and staff at AZ Family Dental offer quality periodontal care that the greater Phoenix area residents have relied on for years.

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What are the Symptoms of Gum Disease?

Periodontitis can be caused by a number of factors, including poor oral hygiene, smoking and conditions that compromise the immune system, such as diabetes. Whatever the cause, the following symptoms indicate a need for additional periodontal care:

Swelling gums
Bleeding or pain after brushing or flossing
Receding gums
Persistent bad breath
Loose teeth

If you are suffering any of these symptoms, consult with one of our dentists right away to prevent further damage to your teeth and gums.

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What You Can Expect At Your Visit

During the first visit, one of our dentists performs an exam and takes X-rays to assess the severity of gum disease and to determine the right course of periodontal care. For mild cases, the treatment generally involves a teeth scaling to remove plaque, followed by a discussion about proper dental care and oral hygiene. We may also schedule a follow-up to make sure the treatments were successful.

If the disease is more advanced, or if the initial treatment wasn’t successful, our dentists move to more aggressive techniques, including open flap debridement to scrape under the gum line or grafting to replace worn-away bone. Following these treatments, follow-up visits are scheduled to manage the disease and prevent further damage.

Regular dental checkups, good oral hygiene, and healthy eating habits can prevent gum disease or slow the progression. When periodontal care is needed, AZ Family Dental is there to treat patients in the greater Phoenix area who require additional assistance in the fight against gum disease.

Frequently Asked Questions for Periodontal Care

What is included in periodontal care?

Our periodontal care focuses on treating gum disease. When caring for your gums, you can expect local anesthesia, the scaling of plaque, root planing (smoothing down your roots), and antibiotic treatment. This deep cleaning can remove bacteria that lead to gum disease and work as a preventative.

What are 3 conditions that a periodontist may treat?

A periodontist will treat 3 main conditions: gum recession, missing/loose teeth, and bone loss. Your doctor can perform gum graft surgery for recession, dental implants for missing teeth, and bone grafts for bone loss. Each of these treatments focuses on mending the damage to the gums and jawbone, which support the teeth.

What is the best routine for periodontal disease?

The best routine to prevent and treat periodontal disease is to attend routine cleanings, brush and floss daily, use mouthwash, stay hydrated, and replace your toothbrush every few months to avoid the spread of bacteria.

Can periodontitis be cured?

Periodontitis can’t be cured but is manageable with treatment. Proper care and attentive oral hygiene can reduce the risk of infection, decrease the prevalence of bacteria, and have the possibility of rebuilding surrounding tissues.

Can I live a healthy life with periodontitis?

Periodontitis isn’t life-threatening but is important to treat attentively. You can maintain a healthy life by preventing its progression and reducing oral bacteria. Oral health is connected to overall wellness across the entire body, so if not treated properly, it can lead to serious health problems later on.