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Periodontal disease, which is commonly referred to as gum disease, occurs when the gums become infected. Left untreated, periodontal disease could ultimately lead to tooth loss and various oral health problems. See a periodontist for treatment if you develop signs of periodontal disease, such as receding gums or gums that bleed easily. Periodontal disease treatment is offered at Pasadena Dental Implants, where Dr. Peter Cooper can develop a plan for restoring the health of your gums.
Signs of Periodontal Disease
Since periodontal disease is caused by a bacterial infection, it is essential to seek treatment as soon as possible to prevent the infection from spreading and causing further oral health problems. For example, tooth loss can occur if the infection spreads to the bone that supports the teeth. Signs that periodontal disease has possibly developed and treatment is needed include:
- Gum sensitivity
- Receding gums
- Gums that bleed easily
- Swollen, tender, or red gums
- Teeth that are loose
- A periodontal abscess
- Persistent bad breath
Treating Periodontal Disease
There are many ways to treat gum disease. The skilled periodontist at our office in Pasadena can develop a periodontal disease treatment plan specifically for you. One of the first steps in treating the early stages of periodontal disease is removing plaque, tartar, and other hardened deposits from the surface of tooth roots, which helps stop the spread of infection. A method known as scaling and root planing is used to deep clean teeth below the gum line.
Other methods for treating the early stages of periodontal disease include applying antimicrobial agents or antibiotics to eliminate infection-causing bacteria. As periodontal disease progresses, surgical procedures might be needed to clean and remove abscesses that have developed in the gums. Periodontal surgery can also be performed to remove and replace diseased gum tissue or to help gum tissue reattach to the teeth.
Seeking treatment for periodontal disease when it is still in the early stages is best. Prompt treatment helps stop the spread of infection, which can prevent tooth loss and additional oral health problems. Schedule an appointment with Dr. Cooper to discuss your options for periodontal disease treatment by calling Pasadena Dental Implants at (626) 796-1241.
Your periodontal health is more crucial than you think. Are you aware that your oral health provides clues regarding your overall health? Issues with your teeth and gums could impact your entire body. Here at Pasadena Dental Implants in Pasadena, CA, we can help maintain and ensure your periodontal health with help from your periodontist, Dr. Peter Cooper. Meanwhile, safeguard your overall health by learning about the link between your overall health and periodontal health.
The Link Between Overall Health and Periodontal Health
Your mouth, like other parts of your body, is teeming with mostly harmless bacteria. The mouth, however, is the perfect access point to the respiratory and digestive tracts, and certain bacteria could cause infections and diseases. Typically, your body’s natural defense mechanisms, coupled with proper oral hygiene, can keep bacteria from wreaking havoc in your body.
Without good oral care habits, bacteria could result in oral infections like gum disease and tooth decay. Likewise, certain medicines like antihistamines, decongestants, pain relievers, antidepressants, and diuretics could decrease saliva flow and production. This could further contribute to oral infections.
Additionally, studies have revealed that inflammation and bacteria responsible for periodontitis or severe gum disease might also contribute to certain diseases. Diseases like AIDS/HIV, diabetes, Alzheimer’s disease, and osteoporosis could reduce your body’s infection-fighting abilities, which make oral health issues more severe.
Conditions Associated with Periodontal Health
Your periodontal health may contribute to a host of conditions and diseases such as:
- Cardiovascular disease
- Endocarditis
- Pneumonia
- Birth complications and pregnancy
Other health issues that are linked to periodontal health include certain cancers, rheumatoid arthritis, eating disorders, and certain immune system disorders.
How to Maintain Optimum Periodontal Health
To ensure optimum periodontal health and overall health, you should be practicing these oral care habits:
- Brush your pearly whites twice daily with some fluoride toothpaste and a toothbrush with soft bristles.
- Floss every day at least once.
- Rinse with a fluoridated or antibacterial mouthwash to further get rid of debris brushing and flossing didn’t remove.
- Stop smoking.
- Schedule routine dental cleanings and exams with your periodontist in Pasadena, CA. Call your dentist when you have issues with your mouth because the earlier the diagnosis and treatment, the better the results.
- Buy a new toothbrush when you see the bristles wearing, out or every three months, whichever comes first.
- Eat a balanced diet with limited added sugars.
For Concerns, Questions, or Advice on Your Periodontal Health, We Can Help
Schedule an assessment with your periodontist, Dr. Peter Cooper, here at Pasadena Dental Implants in Pasadena, CA, by calling (626) 796-1241.
Everybody deserves a healthy and full smile. However, what happens when you lose one, or worse, a couple of your teeth? Missing teeth could make you embarrassed about smiling and feel unattractive. Likewise, just one lost tooth can make it hard to chew correctly, and in time, cause havoc on your bite.
Thankfully, you can restore your smile using a natural-looking, durable, and permanent tooth restoration option in the form of dental implants. Available here at Pasadena Dental Implants in Pasadena, CA, our periodontist, Dr. Peter Cooper, can determine your candidacy for the procedure and help you get your smile back.
Benefits of Dental Implants
Restoring a lost tooth using a dental implant could drastically enhance not only your smile but your oral function as well. Implants also maintain and correct the spacing and position of the real teeth surrounding them. Likewise, they can help prevent deterioration of your jawbone.
When you lose a tooth, this could lead to the underlying jawbone to deteriorate because it would also lose the stimulation from the tooth roots. But since implants will act as artificial tooth roots, they will preserve your jawbone. In addition, they can even help you restore a more youthful appearance since they can help restore your facial contours. This is especially true if you have lost multiple teeth.
How Does a Dental Implant Work as a Tooth Replacement?
Your periodontist in Pasadena, CA, Dr. Peter Cooper, will surgically insert the titanium implants into your jawbone. Essentially, they will serve to stabilize the prosthetic tooth on top by acting as your new tooth roots. After a healing period of 3 to 6 months (during which the implant will fuse with the jawbone, itself), a dental crown will be placed atop the restoration, completing the procedure.
How Do I Know If I’m a Great Candidate for Dental Implants?
If you are generally in good health and have lost one or several teeth, you are likely a great candidate for implants. However, your dentist will need to make certain that your jawbone is strong enough to support this restoration. For people who have insufficient or weak jawbones, they may still qualify for dental implant surgery if they undergo a sinus lift or bone graft.
Restore Your Smile with Dental Implants Now.
Contact Pasadena Dental Implants in Pasadena, CA, at (626) 796-1241 to arrange your appointment with our periodontist, Dr. Peter Cooper.
Loose teeth, bad breath, bleeding gums. These concerning symptoms signal gum disease, the most common cause of tooth loss among American adults. At Pasadena Dental Implants in Pasadena, CA, periodontist, Dr. Peter Cooper, has helped scores of people manage this destructive oral health problem.
Symptoms of periodontal disease
It happens when food residues collect between the teeth and at the gum line. Soft plaque quickly hardens to hard tartar, pushing gum tissue away from tooth roots. While people may be unaware of the early signs of gum disease, the problem rapidly becomes obvious, as they notice:
- Bleeding when brushing and flossing
- Gum and dental pain
- Loose and separating teeth
- Pus at the gum line
- Bad breath
- Receding gums and exposed roots
- Pimples or fistulas on the gums
- Dusky gum color
Additionally, the bacteria and inflammation of gum disease spread system-wide, linking to health problems such as:
- Heart disease
- Hypertension
- Diabetes
- Stroke
- Dementia
- Pregnancy complications
- Arthritis
The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) says that almost 65 million adults in the US have active gum disease. That's half the over-30 population. In short, everyone needs to be on guard and, as needed, seek treatment for this destructive oral health problem.
How Dr. Cooper can help
Your periodontist offers customized gum disease treatments. For mild gingivitis, a thorough hygienic cleaning at our Pasadena office, coupled with good at-home brushing and flossing, controls symptoms.
However, for more advanced cases, Dr. Cooper may recommend scaling and root planing. Also called a "deep cleaning," this in-office process scraps away hard tartar from below the gum line and smooths roots so soft tissue can re-attach. In addition, the dentist may instill antibiotic medication to quell infection and speed healing.
Finally, Dr. Cooper uses state-of-the-art gum grafting techniques to cover exposed tooth roots. Typically, the patient's own soft tissue is moved to the bare areas and sutured in place, under local anesthesia, of course, for complete comfort.
Preventing gum disease
Here are steps you can take to keep your gums healthy:
- Brush two times a day with a soft toothbrush.
- Floss once a day with a product you like and will actually use consistently.
- Drink several glasses of water a day to rinse and hydrate and to increase anti-bacterial saliva.
- Stop using all tobacco products.
- Eat a low-sugar, high-fiber diet.
- See your dentist at least twice a year for a check-up and hygienic cleaning.
Take care of your gums
They are critical to your oral health and overall well-being. Call periodontist Dr. Peter Cooper of Pasadena Dental Implants for the finest in gum treatments and tooth replacement. Phone us today at (626) 796-1241.
Does your general dentist want you to see a periodontist? In the Pasadena area, your best choice for gum care and dental implant placement is Dr. Peter Cooper of Pasadena Dental Implants. Highly trained in the latest treatments for periodontal disease, Dr. Cooper will help you have a healthy mouth and long-lasting smile.
What is periodontal disease?
Periodontal disease affects about 50 percent of Americans over the age of 30, according to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC). Targeting the gums, supporting ligaments, and underlying bone, periodontitis in its various forms is, in fact, the leading cause of tooth loss in the United States today. Furthermore, the Strep microorganisms that precipitate gum disease can cause dangerous inflammation throughout the body, contributing to diabetes, hypertension, cardiovascular disease, dementia, and more.
Poor oral hygiene causes periodontitis as bacteria-filled plaque and tartar accumulate around and between teeth and under the gums. Other factors, such as smoking, a high-carbohydrate diet, heredity, and alcohol abuse, increase the chances of developing gum problems.
Symptoms of periodontal disease include:
- Bad breath
- Receding gum tissue and deep pockets between teeth and gums
- Loose teeth
- Pain upon biting and chewing
- Swollen, red, and tender gums
What does a periodontist do?
In his Pasadena office, your periodontist, Dr. Peter Cooper, provides a wide range of dental services that promote healthy gums or restore them to full health. If tooth loss occurs, he can perform an appropriate treatment, such as dental implant installation or a bone/gum graft procedure. His oral surgeries include complex dental extractions, and he delivers individualized treatments for bite problems and loose teeth.
The most common gum disease treatments
Of course, prevention is the best and most effective treatment for gum disease, and this includes careful brushing/flossing, a high fiber diet, and drinking plenty of water. Additionally, Dr.Cooper and his team provide deep dental cleanings and root planing that remove soft plaque and hard tartar from below the gum line.
For more complex cases, Dr. Cooper:
- Splints loose teeth
- Grafts gum tissue over exposed roots
- Augments deteriorated bone with the patient's own tissue or with donor or synthetic materials
- Dental implant consultation, placement, and restoration
Contact Us
If you need treatment for periodontal issues, please contact Dr. Peter Cooper of Pasadena Dental Implants for an appointment: (626) 796-1241.
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