Proper Periodontal Care Can Restore Your Oral Health

Dr. John G. Fatse and Dr. John Scovic offer the whole scope of periodontal care for his patients at our Monroe, CT office, identifying gum disease at any stage and providing advanced treatment to restore oral health. Your periodontal health, or the health of your gums, is closely linked with the state of your overall health. This makes it even more important to ensure you are brushing and flossing daily and making regular appointments for your dental exams and cleanings.

Causes and Symptoms of Periodontal Disease

The earliest stage of gum disease is known as gingivitis and occurs when plaque and tartar build up around the teeth and gums and is not removed. If left untreated, gingivitis can advance to periodontitis, or gum disease. This is an infection of the gums that can cause your gums to recede and can result in tooth loss if not treated. There are a number of different potential causes of gum disease—some factors are in your control, and some are not. 

• Poor oral hygiene: Failing to properly brush your teeth and gums and floss your teeth can result in the buildup of plaque and tartar, which can cause gingivitis. Even with regular and proper brushing and flossing, if you do not have your teeth professionally cleaned on a regular basis, you may still develop gingivitis. Plaque and tartar can form in places that are difficult to reach through regular brushing and flossing. During a dental cleaning, those areas are easily accessible to us, and we can eliminate that buildup to prevent gum disease. 
• Tobacco use: Smoking cigarettes and using other tobacco products increases your risk of gum disease, regardless of your oral hygiene habits. If you cannot quit your tobacco use, we may recommend more frequent appointments so that we can ensure we catch any signs of periodontal disease early. 
• Genetics: Unfortunately, if you have a family history of gum disease, it can make you more susceptible to developing the condition, which is out of your control. If your family history puts you at a greater risk for gum disease, we may recommend more frequent visits.
• Other factors: Certain medications, different illnesses, and even hormonal changes can also put you at a greater risk for developing gum disease.

If you are experiencing any of the symptoms of gum disease, you should contact our office to make an appointment right away. 

Symptoms of gum disease may include:

• Red, swollen gums
• Bleeding gums when brushing and/or flossing
• Bad breath that will not subside and/or a bad taste in your mouth
• Receding gums
• Loose teeth or changes in your bite

Periodontal Treatment

If you are experiencing any of the symptoms of gum disease, you should contact our office to make an appointment right away. Early detection and treatment can preserve your smile and your health. When you meet with Dr. Fatse or Dr. Scovic, he will carefully examine your gums, measuring the depth of the pockets surrounding your teeth. The depth of the pockets helps them determine how much the condition has progressed.

After the doctor has completed his examination, he will discuss treatment options with you based on the stage of your gum disease. Each periodontal treatment plan is customized to meet the individual needs of our patients. Your treatment will cater to how advanced your gum disease is and your particular wants and needs.

In the earliest stages, gingivitis is easily treated through nonsurgical methods. We will do a professional dental cleaning, and we may also do a deep cleaning, known as a scaling and root planing treatment. This treatment removes the plaque and tartar above and below your gum line and makes the surfaces of your teeth's roots smooth to deter future plaque buildup. You should continue brushing and flossing, but do so gently to avoid further irritation. 

For more advanced stages of periodontal disease, we use minimally invasive laser periodontal therapy. Through the use of lasers, you will experience minimal discomfort during treatment, and will enjoy a speedier recovery process following treatment compared with traditional surgical methods. We may combine laser therapy with antibiotics to help clear up the infection.