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Periodontal Care San Francisco CA Periodontal disease is one of the most common oral health conditions that affect millions of Americans annually. This condition is easily treated in its early stages but can have long-lasting oral health consequences as it progresses. If you think that you may be suffering from gum disease, then it is time to come see our gum specialist at San Francisco Dental Arts. We treat periodontal disease here in San Francisco.The Common Causes of Periodontal DiseaseEven though people realize they need to brush and floss other than being told that while growing up most do not understand why it is so important. There are bacteria in the oral cavity which can build up to near toxic levels if not brushed away by regular brushing. If not removed, these bacteria will destroy not only the supportive soft gum tissue but the tooth enamel and jawbone. Bacteria will turn to tartar and eventually become plaque. After it turns to plaque, a professional will need to remove it. Brushing and flossing will not be able to take care of the problem. Gum disease affects patients in stages, beginning with gingivitis. The risk factors for gum disease are poor oral hygiene, smoking, and other substance use, genetics, and other physical health conditions. Symptoms can vary from one stage to the next, though they tend to compound. This means that symptoms will grow worse over time, and you will start to experience additional symptoms as gum disease progresses. San Francisco Dental Arts will explain the symptoms and the importance of early treatment. What Happens if Gum Disease Is Left Untreated?Gum disease develops as a result of bacteria that accumulate in your mouth. This bacterium is referred to as plaque and combines with food debris. When this bacterium builds up in the pockets between your teeth and gums, inflammation will occur. The plaque will harden into tartar, which cannot be removed with regular brushing. The enlarged pockets will damage the roots of your teeth and separate them from your gums. The inflammation and infection in your gums will continually get worse if left untreated and the gum tissue may begin to recede. The teeth are more susceptible to decay due to the constant presence of large quantities of bacteria and receding gums. Eventually, your teeth will begin to decay and ultimately fall out if gum disease is not treated. This process occurs over time and will be preempted by many symptoms that let you know you are in need of dental care. However, failing to do so not only risks the health of your teeth and gums but also makes it more difficult for our professionals to provide restorative options in the future because your jawbone and gum tissue suffer damage. Gum Disease Treatment San FranciscoNon Surgical Treatments for Gum DiseaseFortunately, the early stages of gum disease are easily treated, and the effects can be overcome with fairly simple and cost-effective interventions. Patients may have bleeding gums after brushing or flossing or notice a slight gum recession. If you have these symptoms, you need to get treatment right away to prevent the infection from worsening. The good news is that most cases can be reversed if caught in the early stages. In the early stages of gum disease (also known as gingivitis), you may notice tender or swollen gums when you brush and floss. You may also see some bleeding. These are signs that it is time to visit your dentist for a cleaning and an exam. Our periodontist can perform a deep cleaning below the gum line, which is called scaling and root planing. This helps to smooth out your gums. Surgical Treatments for Gum DiseaseWhen periodontal disease has moved on to the latter stages, non-surgical options typically will have no impact on treating the symptoms and the progression of the disease. That is when it becomes necessary to explore the surgical options. Flap surgery is one such option which involves making incisions at the gum line to expose the roots of the teeth for even more effective cleaning. They can be scraped and planed with a higher degree of effectiveness. Gum grafting is used when gums have receded to the point of not being able to support the teeth properly. It can rebuild the gums and shrink the pocket size offering a better foundation for the patient's remaining teeth. Bone grafts are also used to help increase lost bone mass due to the disease. This will help rebuild the lost bone material and offer a stronger foundation for gums and teeth. Additional Treatments and RestorationsWith all patients suffering from gum disease, our team will first focus on addressing the cause of the disease. This means removing tartar and plaque build-up and may even include our team prescribing you an oral antibiotic in severe cases. Once our team gets the gum disease under control, they can evaluate you for further restoration. If you have lost a large portion of your teeth, this will mean dental implants. Implants are a long-lasting restoration that can provide you with a new smile. Periodontal Disease San FranciscoDental hygiene is one of the most important aspects of good dental care and should be practiced throughout your life. This is because the mouth is full of bacteria, which are responsible for gum disease, tooth decay and bad breath. By brushing your teeth twice a day for two minutes with fluoride toothpaste, you can significantly reduce the chances of developing these conditions. If you think that you may be experiencing symptoms of gum disease, do not let your symptoms get out of control. Come see us at San Francisco Dental Arts and let us give you a smile you can be proud of. We are located at San Francisco and are available to answer your questions at any time. Patients are always encouraged to call with questions or concerns. We can discuss the available options, such as periodontal maintenance, over the phone or schedule your next appointment. Please call us today at 415-854-9396. |
 Hours Mon Tues Weds Thur Fri 9am to 5pm 8am to 4pm 9am to 5pm 8am to 4pm By Appt Only We take Lunch from 1-2pm |