Periodontal Treatment in Sunset Hills, MO

At My STL Dentist in Sunset Hills, MO, we are dedicated to providing our community with high quality dental care. We work diligently to provide services that will benefit your dental health and give you a smile that you can be proud of. We also know that dental issues can go beyond just the teeth. We can help in these cases too. If you have any concerns about your dental/oral health, contact our office today to schedule an appointment.

What is Periodontal Disease?

Periodontal disease is a term used to describe any disease that occurs in the structures surrounding the teeth. Gum disease, alveolar bone disease, and disease of the periodontal ligament are all examples of periodontal disease. The first stage of periodontal disease is commonly known as gingivitis. When left untreated, gingivitis progresses into what we consider periodontal disease.

How to Tell if You Have a Periodontal Disease

If you are experiencing one or more of the following you may want to consider speaking to a dentist about the possibility of having a periodontal disease:

• Gum recession
• Swollen gums
• Bleeding gums
• Persistent bad breath
• Suddenly sensitive teeth
• Pain when chewing

It is important that you seek dental assistance immediately if you are concerned about the possibility of having gum disease. Gum disease, when left untreated, can progress into serious health concerns and can even be fatal. Gum disease will increase your risk of having a stroke, heart disease, diabetes, and respiratory disease.

Types of Treatment

There are both surgical and nonsurgical means of treatment. If pockets of plaque and tartar are too deep to clean, then surgical treatment will be needed. Surgical treatment often involves the leveling of bone defects. The goal is to remove the pockets of space where bacteria and infection can fester. Nonsurgical treatment is used for less severe cases. This usually involves deep cleaning, scaling, and root planning.

If you suspect that you may have a periodontal disease, contact us today to schedule an appointment. You dental health is very important to us and we would be happy to assist you.