At Pocock Family Dental, we believe that the foundation of a healthy smile is healthy gums! Our dedicated approach to periodontal care focuses on the critical aspects of prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of gum disease, also known as periodontal disease.
What is Periodontal Disease?
Gum disease is a progressive bacterial infection that affects the gums and the supporting bone structures around your teeth. In its early stages, it may present with subtle signs, but if left unaddressed, it can escalate into serious complications, including tooth loss and bone loss, significantly impacting your ability to eat and speak comfortably. Untreated periodontal disease has also been linked to various systemic health issues, potentially affecting your total-body health.
Periodontal Treatment at Pocock Family Dental
Under the expert guidance of Dr. Andy Pocock and his compassionate dental team in Twin Falls, Pocock Family Dental offers a comprehensive selection of top periodontal services to restore your healthy gums. We are committed to providing you with the highest standard of care in a comfortable and supportive environment, with comprehensive periodontal treatments including:
Periodontal Examinations
Your journey to healthier gums begins with a detailed periodontal examination. Our skilled hygienists and Dr. Pocock will meticulously evaluate the health of your gums. Your periodontal exam may involve measuring pocket depths, assessing gum recession, checking for signs of gum inflammation or bleeding. We may also evaluate bone levels with dental x-rays to assess the underlying bone structure that supports your teeth, identifying any bone loss associated with periodontal disease, and checking for any loosened teeth, often a sign of advanced periodontal disease.
Scaling and Root Planing
When gum disease is present, a deep cleaning procedure known as scaling and root planing is often the first line of defense. This non-surgical treatment meticulously removes plaque and tartar from all tooth surfaces, including those below the gum line. Root planing involves smoothing the tooth roots to eliminate rough spots where bacteria can easily accumulate, promoting gum healing and making it harder for plaque to reattach.
Personalized Periodontal Maintenance
For our patients who have undergone treatment for gum disease, or those at higher risk, periodontal maintenance is crucial for long-term management and preventing disease progression. These regular appointments, typically scheduled more frequently than routine cleanings, may involve thorough cleanings, continued periodontal evaluations, and personalized oral hygiene instructions for maintaining your healthy gums at home.
Gum Grafting
Gum recession can expose the sensitive roots of your teeth, leading to discomfort, increased risk of decay, and an aesthetically unappealing smile. Gum grafting is a surgical procedure designed to restore receded gum tissue. This involves taking a small piece of healthy gum tissue from another area of your mouth (or using donor tissue) and carefully attaching it to the area of recession. Gum grafting can:
- Protect Exposed Tooth Roots: Reducing sensitivity and the risk of root decay.
- Improve Aesthetics: Creating a more natural and balanced gum line.
- Prevent Further Recession: Strengthening the gum tissue and providing better support for your teeth.
Periodontal Surgery
In more advanced stages of gum disease, periodontal surgery may be necessary to address more complex issues. These surgical interventions aim to regenerate bone and remove infected gum tissue.
Schedule Your Next Periodontal Exam with Pocock Family Dental
We emphasize that early detection and treatment are essential components of quality periodontal care. Recognizing the subtle signs of gum disease, such as persistent bad breath, red or swollen gums, bleeding during brushing or flossing, or receding gums. Seeking prompt attention is vital to maintaining a healthy smile, and regular checkups at Pocock Family Dental allow us to monitor your gum health and identify any potential issues in their early stages, when treatment is often most effective and less invasive.
Pocock Family Dental is here to help you achieve and maintain healthy gums for life. Dr. Pocock will partner with you through your periodontal treatment plan, offering compassionate, personalized care to ensure the health and longevity of your gums and teeth. Contact us today to schedule your next periodontal exam!
