PERIODONTAL CARE FOR HEALTHY GUMS AND TEETH

Make Your Gum Health a Priority

Healthy gums are the foundation of a healthy smile, yet gum disease often develops quietly, without obvious pain or warning signs. At John M. Cherry, DMD, we offer comprehensive periodontal treatments designed to diagnose, manage, and reverse the effects of gum disease before it leads to more serious complications. As your trusted family dentist in Brandon, FL, Dr. Cherry and his team take a thorough, personalized approach to protecting the health of your gums and the longevity of your smile.

Understanding Periodontal Disease

Periodontal disease, commonly known as gum disease, begins when plaque and bacteria build up along the gumline and are not removed through regular brushing and flossing. Left untreated, this bacteria can cause inflammation, bleeding, and eventually the breakdown of the bone and tissue that support your teeth. Periodontal treatments are essential for stopping this progression and restoring the health of your gums before tooth loss or other complications occur.

Our Periodontal Treatments

We offer a full range of periodontal treatments tailored to the severity of each patient’s condition, from preventive maintenance to advanced surgical procedures.

1. Periodontal Maintenance: For patients who have already been treated for gum disease, periodontal maintenance visits help keep the condition from returning. These cleanings are more frequent and more thorough than a standard cleaning, targeting areas below the gumline where bacteria tend to collect.
2. Scaling and Root Planing: Often the first line of defense against gum disease, scaling and root planing is a deep cleaning procedure that removes plaque and tartar from below the gumline and smooths the root surfaces of the teeth. This helps the gums reattach to the teeth and reduces pockets where bacteria can hide.
3. Osseous Surgery: When gum disease has progressed and pockets around the teeth are too deep for nonsurgical treatment alone, osseous surgery may be recommended. This procedure reshapes the bone and gum tissue, making it easier to keep the area clean and preventing further bone loss.
4. Ridge Augmentation: After tooth loss, the jawbone in that area can begin to shrink, leaving an indentation in the gum ridge. Ridge augmentation rebuilds this area, creating a healthier foundation for future restorations such as dental implants.
5. Bone Grafting: Bone grafting restores areas of the jaw that have lost density or volume, often due to gum disease or missing teeth. This procedure provides the strong foundation needed to support dental implants and other restorative treatments.
6. Sinus Lift: For patients receiving implants in the upper back jaw, a sinus lift may be necessary to add bone in the area near the sinuses. This creates enough depth and density for the implant to be placed securely.
7. Dental Implants: Dental implants are a long-term solution for missing teeth, replacing both the root and the visible portion of the tooth. As part of our periodontal treatments, implants are placed with careful attention to the surrounding gum and bone health to ensure lasting success.
8. Implant-Supported Dentures: For patients missing multiple teeth, implant-supported dentures offer a stable and comfortable alternative to traditional dentures. Anchored by dental implants, they stay securely in place while preserving the health of the jawbone.
9. Peri-Implantitis Treatment: Just as natural teeth can develop gum disease, dental implants can develop a similar condition called peri-implantitis, an inflammation of the tissue surrounding an implant. Prompt treatment is important to protect the implant and prevent bone loss around it.

Why Periodontal Health Matters

Your gum health affects more than just your smile. Research has linked periodontal disease to other health conditions, including heart disease and diabetes. By staying current with periodontal treatments, you are taking an active role in protecting both your oral health and your overall well-being.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know if I need periodontal treatment?

Common signs include bleeding gums, persistent bad breath, gum recession, and loose teeth. A periodontal evaluation can determine the extent of any issues.

Are periodontal treatments painful?

Most periodontal treatments are performed with local anesthesia to ensure comfort, and many patients report little to no discomfort during recovery.

How often should I have periodontal maintenance?

This varies by patient, but many people benefit from maintenance visits every three to four months following initial treatment.

Can gum disease be reversed?

Early-stage gum disease, known as gingivitis, can often be reversed with proper treatment and home care. More advanced periodontal disease can be managed and controlled, though some effects may not be fully reversible.

Schedule Your Periodontal Evaluation Today

Healthy gums are within reach with the right care and attention. As your family dentist in Brandon, FL, John M. Cherry, DMD is here to guide you through every stage of periodontal treatment, from prevention to advanced restorative care. Contact our office today to schedule your periodontal evaluation and take the next step toward a healthier smile.