Periodontal Care
Santa Ana, CA
At Periodontics of Orange County, we specialize in the treatment and management of periodontal disease to prevent its impacts on your oral health and overall well-being. Dr. Lacrampe, our skilled and experienced periodontist, uses the latest technology and offers personalized care to maintain your gum health and ensure the best possible outcomes for your smile. Contact our Santa Ana practice to get started today.
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What Is Periodontal Disease?
Periodontal or gum disease is a chronic inflammatory condition that affects the bone and soft tissues that support your teeth. In addition to causing discomfort and other unwelcome symptoms, it continues to be the leading cause of tooth loss in adults. Here’s a closer look at how periodontal disease progresses:
- Gingivitis: This early stage of periodontal disease is characterized by gum inflammation, redness, and bleeding. With treatment and proper oral hygiene practices, it can often be fully reversed, restoring your gum health.
- Mild Periodontitis: During this stage, the gums may begin to recede, periodontal pockets may start to develop, and minor bone loss may occur. Prompt treatment and meticulous oral hygiene are key to preventing the condition from progressing.
- Moderate Periodontitis: Moderate periodontitis can lead to bleeding gums, infection, and more significant bone and tissue loss. Professional care is critical to keep the inflammation from causing further damage to the structures supporting your teeth.
- Severe Periodontitis: The advanced stage of periodontal disease is characterized by severe gum and bone tissue loss, loose teeth, and even tooth loss. If we cannot save your teeth, extracting them may be our only viable option.
How Does Periodontal Disease Impact Your Health?
Aside from your dental health, periodontal disease can seriously impact your overall health and well-being. Harmful gum disease-causing bacteria can enter the bloodstream, affecting major organs and elevating your risk of a host of serious health concerns. Research suggests a link between periodontal disease and systemic health conditions, including cardiovascular disease, stroke, diabetes, and respiratory infections. Furthermore, studies indicate that periodontal disease may also be associated with rheumatoid arthritis, pregnancy complications such as preterm birth and low birth weight, and even cognitive decline in older adults.
How Is Periodontal Disease Treated?
Treating periodontal disease starts with a deep cleaning known as scaling and root planing. Our dental hygienist will use an ultrasonic scaler and specialized dental tools to remove plaque and tartar buildup from your teeth and gum line, followed by cleaning and smoothing your tooth root surfaces. Dr. Lacrampe may recommend subgingival irrigation, which involves using a high-pressure stream of water or an antimicrobial agent to clean out the periodontal pockets and remove bacteria and toxins trapped under the gum line.
Periodontal Maintenance
To ensure long-term gum health, your periodontal care doesn’t end after treatment. We typically evaluate your gum health a month after scaling and root planing, followed by periodontal maintenance visits every 3-6 months, based on your unique needs. During these visits, we will clean your teeth, evaluate your gum health, and offer continuing care to ensure your gums stay as healthy as possible.
Periodontal Care in Santa Ana, CA
Contact Periodontics of Orange County to learn more about treating and managing periodontal disease. Dr. Lacrampe, our experienced periodontist, will recommend the most conservative solutions to help you maintain a healthy smile.
Call 657-232-0169 to schedule an appointment, or use our online scheduling tool to book your appointment today.
We proudly serve patients in Santa Ana, CA, and the Orange County community.