Periodontal Care![]() How Is Gum Disease Diagnosed?Gum disease has many symptoms, some of which you can observe at home. Some common symptoms of gum disease are discoloration on your gums and inflammation. Both of these may be early signs of gum disease, but they could also be caused by several other factors. Our professionals can diagnose gum disease during an oral exam. When you arrive for your appointment, one of our team members will start by cleaning your teeth and gums. After this process is complete, they will check you for gum disease by taking measurements of the naturally occurring pockets between your teeth and gums. These pockets should range from 1mm and 3mm in depth. If your pockets are deeper than the normal range, then you have begun to develop gum disease. What Is Periodontal Maintenance?Periodontal maintenance is the general term used for the care that our team provides during routine cleanings and exams. When you receive your cleaning, our team will inspect your oral cavity and provide feedback on how well you are caring for your teeth. If they note any areas of concern, they may recommend changes to your home care routine and ensure that you are brushing and flossing properly. It is generally recommended that you receive a professional cleaning every six months. However, if our team is concerned that you are at increased risk of gum disease, they may suggest temporarily increasing the frequency of your cleanings. You must practice good brushing and flossing habits in between your professional cleanings. This means brushing twice a day for at least two minutes each session and flossing daily. How Is Gum Disease Treated?If you have begun to develop gum disease, our team has several treatment options available. Early gum disease can be treated with non-surgical methods that are completed during your exam. This treatment process is called root planing and scaling. This procedure will have to be completed several times to completely treat your gum disease and alleviate your symptoms. During scaling, our professional will use a handheld tool to scrape all tartar and plaque from your teeth, including the area below the gumline. After this is complete, they will use the same tool to smooth out the roots of your affected teeth. The process of smoothing out the roots is called root planing. By using these methods together, they are removing obstructions and allowing your roots to reconnect to your gums and stop the spread of gum disease. Periodontal maintenance is important to ensure you have a lifetime of bright smiles and healthy gums. Gum disease affects over half of Americans over the age of thirty, according to Healthline. Our team at Rockton Dental can help prevent this chronic condition. You can schedule your appointment by calling our office at (815) 624-3269. |
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