Periodontal Disease
Skilled gum disease treatment in Oklahoma City
A healthy, beautiful, and functional smile promotes overall health and can improve self-confidence. Unfortunately, periodontal disease can threaten your oral health and trigger long-term dental issues. At Urban Smiles Dentistry Dr. Miller provides proven gum disease treatments to eliminate infection and reestablish optimal oral health. Our primary goal is to preserve your teeth, gums, and jaws to ensure a lifetime of healthy smiles. If you’re struggling with gum disease in Oklahoma City, contact us today to schedule your appointment!
What is gum disease?
Gum disease, also known as periodontal disease, is an infection that affects the gums. Bacteria found in dental plaque often irritates tissue as it builds up above and below the gumline. Eventually, this buildup can lead to serious oral health concerns, including tooth loss, receding gums, or bone loss.
When left untreated, gum disease can reach an advanced stage, causing the bacteria associated with the disease to reach other body parts through the bloodstream. Untreated gum disease can contribute to a higher risk of arthritis, heart disease, diabetes, and pregnancy complications.
Symptoms of gum Disease
In its earliest stages, gum disease is subtle. It’s common to have minor, almost unnoticeable symptoms. However, there are some common signs of gum disease, each becoming more prominent as it progresses. They include:
- Gums that bleed when brushing and flossing
- Swollen and tender gums
- Red, dark-colored gums
- Sensitivity to cold or hot temperatures
- Pain when chewing
- Receding gums
- Bad taste and in the mouth
- Halitosis (chronic bad breath)
Periodontal Charting for Gum Disease Prevention
At we use periodontal charting to measure the space between your tooth and the gum tissue close to it. Dr. Miller or dental hygienist will gently insert a probe into this space to determine the depth.
Typically, our dental professional takes six measurements for each tooth to ensure that every area is accounted for. Alongside the measurements, we also check for bleeding of your gum tissue as well as any areas of gum recession. We use periodontal charting for patients aged 16 and older to watch for changes and proactively manage gum disease. Depending on the outcome of your periodontal charting, our dentist may use ARESTIN® to help treat gum disease.
Reliable Oklahoma City Gum Disease Treatments
Our skilled dentist delivers excellent care with a gentle touch. When you come to our practice, we take the time to understand your concerns and offer treatments to restore comfort and enhance function. Dr. Miller always begins with a thorough examination to diagnose the extent of the infection and then match it with a customized treatment plan that suits your unique situation. The treatments we offer include but are not limited to the following:
Regular Maintenance
We may offer extra cleanings to renew your oral health. Our team will also provide dietary advice and education on the correct hygiene techniques to ensure continued improvement. We typically schedule maintenance cleanings every 3 to 4 months, depending on your circumstances and how severe the pockets are.
Scaling & Root Planing
Our dentist uses special instruments to meticulously remove tartar from the surfaces of your teeth and below the gums. With this efficient, minimally invasive treatment, your affected gums can reattach to your teeth to restore function and aesthetics.
To help with pocket reduction, our dentist will see you every three months and use more ARESTIN as part of our proactive treatment approach. If needed, we may prescribe additional oral antibiotics and keep monitoring your gums to help with healing. However, if you have complex problems, we may refer you to a trusted periodontist to prevent issues such as bone and tooth loss.
Periodontal Maintenance to Promote Ongoing Oral Health
Prevention is your best defense against developing periodontal disease. We take a proactive approach to providing gum disease treatment in Oklahoma City, focusing on protecting your teeth and gums and encouraging a lifetime of optimal oral health. Besides your biannual visits, you may need checkups more frequently. You also need to ensure diligent oral hygiene in between your dental visits.
During your regular checkups, our team will offer the following services to preserve your oral health:
- Digital X-Rays and Imaging: Taking accurate images of your teeth helps us evaluate your overall oral health and identify any new or developing issues.
- Detailed Examinations: Our dentist will evaluate the state and health of your gums and teeth during each visit. If you’re beginning to show signs of periodontal disease, we may recommend additional appointments. With more examinations, we can detect periodontal disease early and treat it more effectively.
- Education: We’ll help you understand the critical connection between your oral health and overall health. As a result, you can maintain healthy habits that can reduce your risks of developing gum disease.
Renew Your Oral Health With Oklahoma City Gum Disease Treatments
At Urban Smiles Dentistry, our focus is on improving your overall oral health with periodontal treatments as part of our comprehensive dental care. Dr. Miller will always address your dental concerns quickly and efficiently, with the respect and compassion you truly deserve. We proudly serve patients throughout Oklahoma City and surrounding communities. Call our office today to book your appointment!