Periodontitis

periodontitisAt the office of Dr. Steve C. Davis, DMD, we've made it our goal to help patients of all ages attain beautiful smiles that they'll always be proud of. As your trusted Montgomery, AL periodontist, Dr. Steve Davis understands that each patient is different, which is why he offers a vast array of efficient periodontal treatments. Not only will he offer his services to help your teeth, but he's just as glad to provide expert gum care as well.

About Gum Disease

Without healthy gums, it's impossible to have a healthy smile as gums surround the teeth and are vital in providing support for them. Unfortunately, gum disease (or periodontal disease) is one of the most common dental health problems that adults have.

Gum disease is a progressive condition that's caused by bacterial infection of the gums. If a person doesn't have proper brushing and flossing habits, bacteria can penetrate into the gums and cause them to become red, swollen, and inflamed. The first stage of gum disease is known as gingivitis, a relatively mild form of gum disease. Eventually, this can progress into periodontitis. Periodontitis can cause swollen and bleeding gums, bad breath, pain, and loose teeth. If it goes untreated for a long enough period, it can progress into chronic periodontitis and cause bone and tooth loss.

The most common causes of periodontal disease are:

  • Poor oral hygiene
  • Smoking
  • Diabetes
  • Medications
  • Bruxism
  • Nutrition
  • Stress
  • Genetics

View a brief animated video on periodontitis and its treatment here.

Perform a self-assessment of your oral health here.

How Is Gum Disease Treated?

periodontitisThe absolute best way to fight periodontitis is through prevention. However, if the gum disease has already progressed, we'll still be able to help with our treatments.

With a procedure known as scaling and root planing, we'll be able to stop the progression of gum disease and help the gums return to normal. Scaling and root planing is similar to a professional teeth cleaning, but it involves the use of specialized tools that allow your Montgomery, AL periodontist to clean the roots of the teeth underneath the gum line. Getting underneath the gum line will eliminate the source of bacteria that's infecting the gums, which will help reverse gum disease. After the bacteria and plaque are removed, we can use specialized devices to smooth the surface of the tooth roots, making it harder for bacteria to cling to them.

In advanced cases of periodontitis, we might need to perform reconstructive treatments. This can include gum grafts, laser gum treatment, dental implants, and an array of other measures as well. Your Montgomery, AL periodontist and the entire team will work with you to determine the best option for the health of your teeth and your smile.

Contact Your Montgomery, AL Periodontist Today!

If you have any questions, comments, or concerns, we invite you to contact us and let us know. If you'd like to schedule an appointment with us for laser gum treatment or any of our other services, feel free to give us a call at (334) 271-6333. We're looking forward to hearing from you!