Periodontal Treatment

When you think about visiting your dentist for a regular dental exam and cleaning, you probably think they will look at your teeth for signs of tooth decay or other dental issues, right? Although it’s true they examine your teeth, did you know they also look at your gums for any signs of gum disease?

Gum disease, also known as periodontal disease, is an extremely common dental issue that can cause numerous health issues and eventually lead to tooth loss. At Smiles by Dr. Josh, we take gum disease very seriously; ideally, we can help you prevent gum disease in the first place, but if you need periodontal treatment, we’re here for you.

What Is Gum Disease?

Gum disease is an infection of the gum tissue around your teeth that is caused when plaque builds up along the gumline. Plaque contains bacteria, and bacteria feed on the sugars we consume when we eat and drink. So, when plaque isn’t removed from your gumline, it causes an infection known as gum disease.

Gum disease is preventable with proper oral hygiene and good eating habits, so to combat it, be sure to brush your teeth twice a day with a soft toothbrush, floss every day, avoid too many sugary foods and drinks, drink plenty of water to keep your mouth clean between brushings, and visit our dental office twice a year for a regular dental exam and cleaning.

Unfortunately, many people who suffer from gum disease don’t even realize they have it because it occurs slowly over a long period. However, there are some signs and symptoms you should watch for, including the following:

• Swollen or irritated gums
• Bleeding gums
• Receding gums
• Loose teeth
• Consistently bad breath

Health Risks from Periodontal Disease

If you have gum disease, you could be more likely to contract other systemic conditions such as heart disease, diabetes, Alzheimer’s disease, certain cancers, and certain respiratory conditions, so periodontal treatment from Smiles by Dr. Josh is critical in maintaining oral and overall health.

LANAP Periodontal Disease Treatment

At Smiles by Dr. Josh, we offer the latest periodontal treatment, LANAP laser gum surgery. LANAP, or Laser-Assisted New Attachment Procedure, uses a small laser instead of a scalpel to treat your gum disease more quickly and comfortably.

The most significant benefits of LANAP laser gum surgery over traditional methods are as follows:

• Reduced Discomfort—Our dental laser is much more precise than other dental tools, so your periodontal treatment will be more comfortable than traditional methods.
• Faster Healing—Because LANAP eliminates the need for incisions and stitches, your gums will heal much more quickly.
• Reduced Gum Recession—Our dental laser can easily fit between your teeth and gums, so we can provide expert periodontal treatment without reducing your gum size.
• Tissue Regeneration—Laser dentistry stimulates and encourages tissue regeneration, so your gums can more easily reattach to your teeth.
• Fewer Infections—Without incisions and stitches, you can heal more quickly without fearing infection.

If you want to talk to a dental team member about gum disease or our LANAP laser gum treatments, we are ready to take your call! At Smiles by Dr. Josh, we want you to have a happy, healthy smile. You can contact us at (954) 522-4900 for more information or to schedule an appointment.