Periodontal Treatment – Medford, MA

What is Gum Disease?

Gum disease – also known as periodontal disease – is an infection that affects the tissues in the mouth that support a person’s teeth. This common condition is caused by the bacteria in plaque, the sticky substance that can build up on teeth over time.

Detecting and treating gum disease early on is critical to maintaining a healthy and whole mouth. If gum disease is allowed to progress untreated, it can eventually destroy the tissue and bone that surround and support the teeth.

Research has also linked gum disease to a host of serious health conditions, such as heart disease, diabetes, premature births, Alzheimer’s disease, stroke and respiratory disease.

Learn the Signs of Gum Disease

Patients with gum disease may experience any or all of the following symptoms:

• Bleeding gums, especially when brushing or flossing
• Swollen, inflamed or tender gums
• Receding gums
• Persistent bad breath
• Visible pus between the teeth and gums
• Loose teeth

If you notice any of the symptoms listed above, do not hesitate to give us a call so you can schedule a periodontal screening with Dr. Giamberardino.

What to Expect During a Periodontal Screening

The symptoms of gum disease can be very subtle and difficult to notice at home in the mirror. That is why it is so important to visit us regularly at Giamberardino Dental Care. During every routine dental checkup, we will conduct a periodontal screening to inspect your mouth for the warning signs of gum disease.

At your next appointment, Dr. Giamberardino will evaluate the health of your gums and the structures that surround your teeth by measuring the depth of gum recession and depth of pockets between your teeth and gums. If these pockets are deep enough, Dr. Giamberardino may recommend treatment for gum disease.

What is Scaling & Root Planing?

Scaling and root planing are non-surgical procedures that a dentist or dental hygienist can perform to prevent gum disease from advancing and causing lasting damage inside your mouth. You can think of scaling and root planing as a deep cleaning that helps return your gums to their clean, healthy best.

Here are some more details about these procedures:   

• Scaling – We use special dental tools to expertly remove all plaque, tartar and bacterial toxins from your teeth and tooth roots.
• Root planing – Next, we will smooth out any rough spots on the tooth root where germs can gather. Root planing is effective at keeping bacteria, plaque and tartar from re-adhering beneath your gumline.