22
Jan
Patients in Kirkland, WA are getting regular exams and cleanings to help detect periodontal gum disease
Dr. Ann Kelley and her team at Kingsgate Dental in Kirkland, WA offer top quality periodontal therapy and care for patients who are facing moderate to severe gum disease. Dr. Kelley’s goal is to restore diseased gum tissue to health in an environment that provides both comfort and care to every patient.
Regular examinations are the key to healthy gums
As we proceed on the journey called life, many of us will experience gum disease and, in some extreme cases, tooth loss. This does not have to be the case. If you practice proper oral hygiene and go in for regular cleanings and oral examinations, you are keeping the odds in your favor that you will be able to maintain healthy teeth for the duration of your life. It’s important to understand that your teeth are not the only critical components to a healthy mouth. Teeth have a support system consisting of the gums and supporting bone which need to remain healthy also.
The biggest threat to this support system is gum disease. If left unchecked, gum disease can seriously threaten and even degrade this support system. This is one of many reasons why dentists insist upon regular exams and cleanings. If you are making these regular trips to the dentist, then they can keep a vigilant eye on any signs of developing gum disease that you may not be aware to even look for. If symptoms are detected, periodontal therapy will be recommended.
Periodontal therapy
Periodontal therapy comes in several forms and, when gum disease is detected in its early stages, it does include non-surgical options. On the other hand, when gum disease is left unchecked and allowed to progress to more severe stages, a surgical option may be the only action that can be taken for correction. Whatever form of therapy is prescribed, the goal is to restore your oral health. Some of the options include:
- Scaling/root planing – Considered your best early option in the fight against periodontal disease. Calculus and plaque, which has developed under the gum line, will be removed.
- Gum grafting –This option is available to those who have lost gum tissue, causing tooth roots to be exposed. Once this happens, in order to protect the roots, healthy gum tissue is taken from a healthy portion of the mouth and moved to replace the missing tissue.
- Dental implants – This is the preferred method for replacing teeth which have been lost. An implant, most often titanium, is inserted into the jawbone allowing a realistic tooth replacement (often a crown) to be attached.
Additional options are also available depending on your need. Dr. Kelley can discuss these with you during your appointment. Please call (425) 385-0080 today to schedule a visit!
