Periodontal Dentistry in Shreveport, LA
Defeating Gum Disease: Periodontal Care
Improve your oral health with our help.
Gum disease, also known as periodontitis or periodontal disease, is the leading cause of tooth loss in adults. At Loud Family Dental, we emphasize the importance of addressing gum health with therapeutic and non-surgical treatments to help our Shreveport patients maintain their natural teeth for life.
Identifying Gum Disease
The earliest stage of gum disease is gingivitis, characterized by inflammation or mild bleeding due to plaque buildup along the gumlines. Untreated, it can progress to periodontitis, leading to symptoms such as:
Gum recession.
Bleeding during brushing and flossing.
Bad breath.
Food getting trapped under the gums.
Tooth mobility.
Heavy tartar buildup.
During your exam, we measure the depth of "pockets" around your teeth to assess gum attachment. A healthy pocket depth is 1-3 millimeters; deeper pockets indicate active disease where gum tissues have detached. X-rays may be necessary to evaluate bone levels around your teeth.
Non-Surgical Periodontal Treatments
The key to treating gum disease is not just brushing and flossing; deep pockets require more intensive therapy before gums can potentially reattach. We recommend non-surgical periodontal scaling and root planning, a deep cleaning process that goes beyond routine preventive cleanings.
During this procedure, we carefully numb the gums and use special instruments to clean beneath the gum tissues. Afterward, we monitor your progress every 3-4 months. Your commitment to at-home oral hygiene greatly influences your response to treatment.
In some cases, we may prescribe medication, place antibiotic capsules under the gums, or recommend a gingival graft. Our goal is to help you maintain your natural teeth for life, with the aim of transitioning to a standard preventive care appointment every six months.
Health Risks Associated with Gum Disease
Gum disease is linked to various health conditions, impacting your overall wellness. Bacteria from gum infections can enter your cardiovascular system, increasing the strain on your immune system. This can lead to health problems such as:
● Stroke● Heart attack and high blood pressure● Premature labor, low birth weight, and preeclampsia● Erectile dysfunction● Obesity● Sleep apnea● Diabetes● InfertilityAnd more
Addressing gum disease improves your immunity and reduces the strain on your body, making it easier to manage other health concerns.