When you take the time to care for your gums, you ensure a robust smile. These tissues provide the critical connection between teeth and bone that preserves the shape of your grin. By brushing and flossing each day, you remove the same plaque deposits that lead to both cavities and gum infections. Without removal, plaque irritates the gum tissue that leads to recession. If the tissue recedes far enough, pockets open for bacteria to gather deeper. This cycle increases the inflammatory process that destroys healthy tissue and gum. If you notice symptoms such as soreness, chronic bad breath, or daily bleeding, let us know right away. When caught during its first stage, gingivitis, gum disease is potentially reversible. However, if you wait to address your infection, gum disease that reaches the jawbone becomes permanent. When this happens, we will place you on a more involved treatment schedule to preserve your smile.
At your Ankeny, IA, dental practice, we look forward to servicing your oral health by providing strategies for maintaining healthy gums. This means discussing your oral hygiene habits at routine cleanings after inspecting the current state of your oral tissues. If we see parts of your smile that require additional daily cleaning, we can let you know where to focus. Similarly, when an examination uncovers the beginning of an infection, we can quickly react to protect as much healthy tissue as possible.
Schedule Regular Cleanings And Exams
When you make biannual dental checkups a priority, you adopt a preventive attitude toward oral health that complements your daily brushing and flossing routine. At each appointment, you will receive a cleaning from one of our hygienists as well as an examination by Dr. Foust. The combination of regular plaque removal with professional inspection helps us maintain your gum health over the years. If we discover an active infection at this time, we can put you on periodontal maintenance to place your symptoms in remission.
Periodontal Therapy
When gum disease results from pockets of bacteria that collect below the gum line, standard cleaning is insufficient to remove them. In this case, we can perform a scaling and root planing procedure that peels back the gum to clean the entirety of your tooth’s root and pockets. Over the coming weeks, your tissues heal, reattaching to the root as your symptoms subside. With careful attention to your visitation schedule, you can keep your disease under control.
Talk To Your Ankeny, IA, Dental Team About Treatment For Gum Disease
By adopting a preventive attitude toward your oral health, you can enjoy a smile free from disease. If you want to learn more about the periodontal maintenance services we offer, please call your Ankeny, IA, dentist’s office at 515-207-6182 to schedule a visit today.
