Periodontal Treatment
According to the CDC (US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention), more than half of Americans suffer from periodontal (gum) disease.
Periodontal disease is a condition characterized by an infection at and beneath the patient’s gum line. Typically, gums fit snugly against the teeth, keeping out food and bacteria, but when patients suffer from gum disease, periodontal pocketing can form. Periodontal pocketing provides a hospitable environment for bacteria to reproduce, causing periodontitis and potential bone and tooth loss.
The main cause of gum disease is failure to maintain a regular home care regimen and professional dental cleanings and exams. Other causes can include certain medications, medical conditions, heredity, smoking, misaligned teeth, hormones, breathing through the mouth, and poor nutrition.
Symptoms of Periodontal Disease
In its early stages, periodontal disease may have subtle or few symptoms such as bad breath and swollen, tender, or sensitive gums. Patients also might experience bleeding while brushing and flossing. As the condition progresses, symptoms can worsen to include significant bleeding, pain, gum recession, bone loss, tooth mobility, and pus at the gum line.
Seeking treatment as soon as symptoms appear increases the likelihood that the patient will achieve a full recovery. In fact, in its early stages, called gingivitis, periodontal disease may be reversible.
Treatment Options for Periodontal Disease
Treatment for periodontal disease depends largely upon how far the patient’s condition has progressed. If treatment starts soon after the symptoms begin, treatment of periodontal disease can effectively control the condition through a series of professional dental cleanings and improved home care.
As the condition becomes more severe, a variety of treatment options can provide relief from symptoms and help to eliminate infection.
Root planing and scaling – A specialized professional dental cleaning that eliminates bacteria, calculus, and plaque above and below the gum line. Often, we will request regular follow-up appointments to monitor the patient’s progress in healing.
Localized antibiotic – In some cases, we may place site-specific antibiotic medication to promote healing and prevent further infection.
Periodontal maintenance – Three to four professional cleanings per year may provide patients who are susceptible to periodontal disease with the support they need to stay healthy and infection free.
Periodontal surgery – In extreme cases, gum surgery may be necessary to completely restore the patient’s health and wellness.
Dr. Olga Frey will provide her professional recommendation to restore optimum periodontal health.
Call to Schedule an Evaluation
Contact the East Providence, RI dental office of Olga Frey, DMD, to schedule a periodontal evaluation and take the first step toward a healthier smile. Her professional and highly skilled dental team looks forward to working with our patients to improve the health and function of their smiles.
Frequently Asked Questions
Teeth become sensitive for a wide variety of reasons. One example is gum recession, a condition where gums expose the underlying dentin. This allows air and changes in temperature from food or beverages to come into contact with this sensitive area of the tooth, sending uncomfortable and even shooting pains through the tooth. A number of treatments can help alleviate sensitivity, from certain toothpastes and gels to fluoride treatments, as well as procedures such as gum surgery.
If patients suffer from bruxism (excessive clenching and grinding), their teeth may also feel sensitive to changes in temperature or to pressure. Bruxism can be treated with a nightguard, often relieving sensitivity, as well.
If patients have a specific tooth that feels sensitive to hot and cold temperatures, they may require a root canal. Once of the most common symptoms of an infected tooth includes sensitivity to pressure and temperature. Root canal therapy can alleviate these symptoms and restore the patient’s comfort.
Finally, another common cause of tooth sensitivity is the overuse of whitening products. Too much whitening gel, leaving the trays in for too long, and whitening too frequently can cause acute tooth sensitivity that is not serious should go away once the patient takes a break from whitening their teeth.
Gingivitis is the early stage of periodontal disease characterized by bad breath, bleeding, sensitive, and swollen gums. Periodontal disease occurs because calculus (tartar) and bacteria develop beneath the gum line. Sensitive gum tissue develops an infection and can cause bleeding during brushing and flossing. Gingivitis may develop into the more serious periodontitis if not treated promptly. Sometimes, in its early stages, gingivitis can be reversible.
Treatment for gingivitis includes professional dental cleanings in conjunction with follow-up visits to ensure that the gums are healing properly. The dental hygienist will demonstrate proper brushing and flossing techniques to improve home care as well as recommend a re-care schedule that will support patients as they heal. In addition to the patient’s home dental care, Dr. Frey’s hygienist will also gently and thoroughly remove the plaque and bacteria above and below the patient’s gum line to promote proper healing.
As periodontal disease progresses, it becomes more difficult to treat. In some cases, site-specific antibiotics may be required to contain the infection. The hygienist will closely monitor the patient as he or she heals and make necessary adjustments to their treatment. Each patient is different and customized hygiene care will help restore the patient’s health as quickly and effectively as possible.
Meet Our Doctor:
Dr. Olga Frey DDS, DMD
Dr. Olga Frey has been providing dental care to families in the East Providence and Providence communities over the past 30 years. She graduated from Boston University Goldman School of Dental Medicine.
Dr. Frey maintains memberships in the American Dental Association and Rhode Island Dental Society. She is committed to ongoing professional growth and continuing education on a regular basis. Certified in implant placement/implant restoration and CO2 laser treatments.
You can find Dr. Frey spending time with her dogs Karma, Nona, and Remy while splitting her time in New Jersey around with ...