Periodontal & Gum Care
Periodontal Services in Edmonton
As your complete Edmonton dental care facility since 1979, Saddleback Dental Centre is experienced in the treatment and diagnosis of periodontal disease, also known as gum disease. Regular check-ups are the best form of prevention as periodontal disease is rarely painful in the early stages. Many people are not even aware they have it. This condition is an infection of the teeth, gums, and bone that surrounds the teeth. Learn more about gum disease.
What causes periodontal disease?
Accumulation of plaque is the main cause of periodontal disease. If plaque isn’t removed each day with regular flossing, it can build up and mineralize to become tartar. If tartar isn’t removed, it begins to accumulate on the root surfaces. Bacteria that cause periodontal disease thrive in tartar and professional help is required to remove it. Brushing and flossing are simply not enough.
How do I know if I have periodontal disease?
Many people will not have any symptoms of periodontal disease, especially in the early stages. However, there are some warning signs, including:
- Chronic bad breath
- Bleeding of gums during brushing or flossing
- Swollen or tender gums
- Receding Gums
- Loose teeth
- Changes in the spaces between teeth
How is periodontal disease diagnosed?
Saddleback Dental Centre will detect periodontal disease with a thorough examination using X-rays and a periodontal probe. Our dentists will also examine the color, shape, and overall condition of your gums. Learn more about the diagnosis of gum disease.
The crevice between a tooth and the surrounding gum should be 2 to 3 millimeters deep. When plaque and tartar become problematic, this crevice becomes deeper than 3 millimeters and is referred to as a pocket. Saddleback Dental Centre’s team will measure from the bottom of the pocket, where the gum is attached to the tooth, to the top of the gums. As a general rule, the deeper the pockets, the greater the extent of periodontal disease.
X-rays allow us to monitor your bone levels. If the bone does not come up high around the necks of the teeth and the bone level is uneven throughout the mouth, then the periodontal disease is well advanced.
Proven Gum Treatments in Edmonton to Restore Your Oral Health
With our periodontal services, Saddleback Dental Centre uses scaling tools and ultrasonic equipment to remove plaque and tartar and reduce harmful bacteria below the gum line. These methods are effective for both prevention and treatment of gum disease. Oral antibiotics may be used or prescribed to promote healing following your treatment. We will then set you up with a home-care program to continue the healing process.
To keep you comfortable, we may spread our periodontal services over more than one appointment or use a general anesthetic. When your gums heal, they will once again tighten around your teeth. We invite you to learn more about our advanced treatment methods.