Periodontal Therapy

Periodontal Therapy

Periodontal disease is diagnosed by your dentist or dental hygienist during a periodontal examination at Spring Creek Dental and should be part of your regular dental check-up.

Periodontal Maintenance


It only takes twenty-four hours for plaque that is not removed from your teeth to turn into calculus (tartar)! Daily home cleaning helps control plaque and tartar formation, but those hard-to-reach areas will always need special attention.


Once your periodontal treatment has been completed, your dentist and dental hygienist at Spring Creek Dental will recommend that you have regular maintenance cleanings (periodontal cleanings), usually three to four times a year. At these cleaning appointments, the pocket depths will be carefully checked to ensure that they are healthy. Plaque and calculus that is difficult for you to remove on a daily basis will be removed from above and below the gum line.


In Addition to Your Periodontal Cleaning and Evaluation, Your Fort Collins Dentist Appointment at Spring Creek Dental Will Usually Include:


  • Examination of diagnostic x-rays (radiographs): Essential for detection of decay, tumors, cysts, and bone loss. X-rays also help determine tooth and root positions.
  • Examination of existing restorations: Check current fillings, crowns, etc.
  • Examination of tooth decay: Check all tooth surfaces for decay.
  • Oral cancer screening: Check the face, neck, lips, tongue, throat, cheek tissues, and gums for any signs of oral cancer.
  • Oral hygiene recommendations: Review and recommend oral hygiene aids as needed (e.g., electric toothbrushes, special periodontal brushes, fluorides, rinses, etc.).
  • Teeth polishing: Remove stain and plaque that is not otherwise removed during tooth brushing and scaling.


Good oral hygiene practices and periodontal cleanings are essential in maintaining dental health and keeping periodontal disease under control!


What is Periodontal (Gum) Disease?


The word periodontal means “around the tooth.” Periodontal disease attacks the gums and the bone that support the teeth. Plaque is a sticky film of food debris, bacteria, and saliva. If plaque is not removed, it turns into calculus (tartar). When plaque and calculus are not removed, they begin to destroy the gums and bone. Periodontal disease is characterized by red, swollen, and bleeding gums.


Most people with periodontal disease are not aware of it because the disease is usually painless in the early stages.


Not only is it the number one reason for tooth loss, but research also suggests that there may be a link between periodontal disease and other diseases such as, stroke, bacterial pneumonia, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and increased risk during pregnancy. Researchers are determining if inflammation and bacteria associated with periodontal disease affects these systemic diseases and conditions. Smoking also increases the risk of periodontal disease.


Periodontal Services Include:


  • Periodontal Diagnosis
  • Treatment of Gums
  • Antibiotic Treatment
  • Periodontal Maintenance
  • Bruxism Treatment

Signs and Symptoms of Periodontal Disease:


  • Bleeding gums

    Gums should never bleed, even when you brush vigorously or use dental floss.

  • Loose teeth

    Also caused by bone loss or weakened periodontal fibers (fibers that support the tooth to the bone).

  • New spacing between teeth

    Caused by bone loss.

  • Persistent bad breath

    Caused by bacteria in the mouth.

  • Receding gums

    Loss of gum around a tooth.

  • Red and puffy gums

    Gums should never be red or swollen.

  • Gum tenderness or discomfort

    Plaque, calculus, and bacteria irritate the gums and teeth.

We'd love to have you as a new patient


Spring Creek Dental can help you begin your journey to a healthy, beautiful smile. The genuine care and comfort of our patients is our highest priority!

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Hours


Monday–Thursday:

8am to 5pm


Friday:

8am to 2pm

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