Treatment of Periodontitis

Treatment methods depend on the type and severity of the disease

1.      Non-surgical treatment:  Scaling & Root Planing (deep cleaning)

·       scaling removes plaque and tartar above and below the gumline

·       root planing smoothes the tooth root and helps the gums reattach to the tooth

·       may take several visits to be completed

·       may require anesthetics

·       may experience pain for several days, teeth may be sensitive for up to a week

·       gums may be swollen and feel tender and bleed for a few days

·       medications  placed directly in the periodontal pocket after the scaling & root planing to help control infection and pain, or to aid healing

·       patient is scheduled to come back within a few weeks to measure the pocket depths and check how the gums have healed. 

·       More frequent dental checkups and cleanings to ensure there is improvement of your dental health

·       periodontal maintenance is recommended every 3 month

2.      Surgical treatment

·       Pocket Reduction Procedure/flap surgery-the dentist or periodontist can remove the infectious bacteria and smooth the areas of damaged bone, allowing the gum tissues to reattach to healthy bone

·       Gum Grafts-the dentist or periodontist can take gum tissues from the palate or from other parts of the mouth and graft over the exposed root of the tooth due to gum recession.

·       Bone Grafts-the dentist or periodontist can use natural or synthetic bone to graft over the area of bone loss. This procedure helps to regrow bone and gum tissues.

Smoking and The Risk To Your Smile

Cigarette Smoking causes a host of problems to your smile and to your health. Not only does smoking stain your teeth, you may have missing or broken teeth, gum disease and other problems. Here are 4 problems that smokers are at risk for,

•      smokers are at a higher risk of experiencing bleeding gums

•      inhaled smoke can leave irritating toxins on the teeth that can be difficult to remove through brushing or flossing 

•      toxins in the cigarettes cause the gums to become aggravated and bleed

•      bleeding gums allow the dangerous periodontal bacteria to invade the bloodstream and set up inflammation and disease in other parts of the body

Dr. Lee does not recommend cosmetic dentistry for patients who have bleeding gums. Gum tissues have to be healthy prior to any dental treatment.  For more information on how to quit smoking and other health related problems caused by smoking contact Dr.Lee and her team today.

Are You Stressed?

Stress can be a leading cause of several problems you face. While you are running around busy, cleaning up after kids, working at a full time job, cooking, cleaning and handling the day to day activities you may not feel how stressed you are but your smile does. Stress can cause you to feel tired, worn down, and unable to handle the problems that life is throwing at you, it can also cause,

•      inflammation in the blood vessels

•      inhibits healing of the body

•      increases vulnerability to bleeding gums and periodontal disease

For more information on stress and how it impacts your smile, contact Dr. Lee and her team today. 

Poor Oral Hygiene Habits?

Do you brush once in a while? Do you mean to floss but never really get around to it? This can lead to a multitude of problems for your smile, including bleeding gums, Gingivitis, periodontal disease, missing or broken teeth. Here are 4 habits you may have that cause bleeding gums and impact your smile,

•      inadequate oral hygiene-people don’t brush and floss daily

•      research shows that healthy gums can become diseased gums within 24 to 36 hours of not brushing and caring for oral tissues properly

•      plaque on teeth and gum line, see red, swollen, bleeding gums

•      traumatize the gums with a hard bristle toothbrush would cause the gums to swell and bleed. Be gentle to the gums!

Final Note:  Dr. Lee does not recommend cosmetic dentistry for patients who have bleeding gums. Gum tissues have to be healthy prior to any dental treatment.  Bleeding gums can cause problem when a tooth is restored with a tooth-colored filling (bonding) or a tooth-color crown restoration (porcelain crown or porcelain veneer). Bleeding gums can leak into the tooth-colored filling or cement of the tooth-colored crown and cause discoloration.  Filling or crown restoration would have to be replaced or re-do.

If you have experienced bleeding gums or other periodontal problems, please call Dr. Anna Lee for a consultation at 626-335-5114 or email at drannalee1@gmail.com