Periodontal Treatment in Bonita Springs, FL
A recent study conducted by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that nearly half of American adults have some form of periodontal disease. Periodontal (gum) disease is an infection of the gum that damages the tissue and bone that support your teeth. If we don’t catch and treat it in its early stages, gum disease can eventually lead to tooth loss and other serious health issues.
At Bonita Grande Dental, we know the serious risk that periodontal disease poses to your general and dental health. In most cases, you can avoid developing gum disease by scheduling regular professional dental cleanings and following proper oral hygiene. We’ve always emphasized preventive treatments as the best way to minimize the chance of developing gum disease.
Gum Disease – A Hidden Threat
You may think of gum disease as strictly an oral health problem because it starts in your mouth. However, recent research suggests that, without proper hygiene and preventive treatments, the bacteria present with severe periodontal disease can enter the bloodstream. This can impact serious health complications like heart disease, respiratory disease, diabetes, and stroke.
The Dangers of Periodontal Disease
If we don’t catch gum disease in its early stages, little pockets gradually open up around your teeth. These spaces provide a spot for bacteria to hide and continue to grow, allowing gum disease to progress further.
At this point, the infection can begin to cause serious damage to tissue and bone supporting your teeth. In severe cases, it can even result in tooth loss. We need to do whatever we can to prevent this from happening because preserving healthy teeth is essential for protecting your oral health.
Gingivitis Treatment at Bonita Grande Dental
The earliest stage of periodontal disease is referred to as gingivitis, and, in most cases, it can be treated with a routine dental cleaning and improved home care. If our hygienist finds that gum disease has progressed to the next stage, periodontitis, a deep cleaning will be necessary to eliminate the bacteria and infected tissue.
Depending on the extent of infection, Dr. Gostigian may also prescribe antibiotics and schedule a follow-up deep cleaning. In severe cases, we will refer you to a periodontist for treatment that will prevent tooth loss.
During a deep cleaning, the hygienist gently and comfortably removes plaque, tartar, and harmful bacteria above and below the gum line using an ultrasonic scaler. During this process, we smooth the tooth's surface so that affected gum tissue can heal and naturally reattach to the tooth.
Schedule Your Next Dental Exam in Bonita Springs Today!
Protecting your oral health is the reason we are here. Dr. Gostigian and our team strive to provide you with the most effective, up-to-date dental health care available. We go out of our way to make you feel like part of the family and make sure that you feel welcome every time you visit our office.
Quality dental care should not be complicated, and we offer convenient office hours to accommodate your schedule. We respect that you are busy, and we book your appointments efficiently, so you don’t have to spend valuable time waiting for treatment.
Please contact our Bonita Springs dentist office at (239) 301-2713 to arrange your next dental exam and cleaning. Together we will work toward your goal of excellent oral health.
Gum disease is a bacterial infection that attacks the structures that hold your teeth in place including soft tissue, ligaments, and bone.
The type of treatments we use for gum infections depends on the severity of the disease and how far it’s progressed. Early occurrences of gum disease, known as gingivitis, are usually easy to treat with a standard dental cleaning or two if you combine them with improved at-home habits, including brushing and flossing more diligently. 
Gum disease starts when bacteria-filled plaque is allowed to build up between your teeth and under the gum line. Without treatment, these pockets deepen, separating the teeth and gums from bone. Your teeth may loosen and, without treatment, they may be lost.
