NAPA Family Dental

Periodontics

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PeriodontIcs & GUm Disease

Gum disease is one of the most common infections in adults. Although microorganisms in plaque buildup and the immune response from the body are the number one reason people have gum disease, other factors can contribute as well.


Diabetes can make gum disease worse, and in turn gum disease also makes diabetes worse. It can lead to a snowball effect that not only damages your mouth, but also your endocrine system.


Smoking is also a major factor in gum disease onset and progress. The toxins from smoking not only damage the tissues directly, and can lead to cancer, but the body’s response to these terrible chemicals is to restrict blood flow - this is why smokers may have severe gum disease but hardly bleed. Blood flow is what keeps our tissues healthy. Medications can also contribute to and worsen gum disease. Calcium channel blockers for cardiovascular issues, phenytoin and other anti-seizure medicines, immunosuppressants, antidepressants, blood thinners, and many such commonly used medications can damage our gums and jaw bone.

The Benefits of Periodontal Therapy for Gum Disease

Have you noticed that your gums bleed when you brush or floss? Do your gums look swollen and red? You may be suffering from periodontal disease, and it’s important that you schedule an appointment with our dentist in Albuquerque, NM. Gum disease is a progressive condition that will continue to harm your gums, bone, and teeth. Without treatment, it’s likely you will experience tooth loss as a result!

What Causes Gum Disease?

Gum disease is caused by a buildup of bacterial plaque and tartar on the teeth, generally because a person does not brush or floss enough. This bacteria causes an infection that can deteriorate the gum and bone tissue surrounding teeth.


Symptoms of gum disease include:

  • Bleeding gums
  • Red, swollen gums
  • Sensitive or loose teeth
  • Gum recession
  • Persistent bad breath
  • Bone loss
  • Bleeding gums
  • Red, swollen gums
  • Sensitive or loose teeth
  • Gum recession
  • Persistent bad breath
  • Bone loss

What Causes Gum Disease?

Gum disease is caused by a buildup of bacterial plaque and tartar on the teeth, generally because a person does not brush or floss enough. This bacteria causes an infection that can deteriorate the gum and bone tissue surrounding teeth.


Symptoms of gum disease include:

  • Bleeding gums
  • Red, swollen gums
  • Sensitive or loose teeth
  • Gum recession
  • Persistent bad breath
  • Bone loss
  • Bleeding gums
  • Red, swollen gums
  • Sensitive or loose teeth
  • Gum recession
  • Persistent bad breath
  • Bone loss

can gum disease harm the rest of the body?

Gum disease extends far beyond your mouth, serving as a serious systemic issue that can worsen conditions like diabetes and contribute to the risk factors for cancers, heart disease, cognitive decline, and chronic inflammation throughout the body. The mouth acts as a major gateway to your overall health, meaning its condition is deeply tied to your total wellness. While diligent daily hygiene, like brushing and flossing, are necessary, a proper, routine periodontal diagnosis and treatment are imperative to maintain optimal dental health and proactively protect your entire body against these significant health risks.

can gum disease harm the rest of the body?

Gum disease extends far beyond your mouth, serving as a serious systemic issue that can worsen conditions like diabetes and contribute to the risk factors for cancers, heart disease, cognitive decline, and chronic inflammation throughout the body. The mouth acts as a major gateway to your overall health, meaning its condition is deeply tied to your total wellness. While diligent daily hygiene, like brushing and flossing, are necessary, a proper, routine periodontal diagnosis and treatment are imperative to maintain optimal dental health and proactively protect your entire body against these significant health risks.

Ultrasonic Scaling & Root Planing

We offer ultrasonic scaling and root planing as a key part of our periodontal therapy services. The purpose of this treatment is to address the root cause of gum disease: the buildup of bacterial plaque and tartar. Ultrasonic scaling is a deep cleaning that uses high-frequency vibrations to painlessly remove plaque and tartar from the surfaces of your teeth and below the gum line. Following this, root planing smooths the root surfaces of your teeth, which discourages bacteria from reattaching and allows your gums to heal and reattach more firmly.

Periodontal Surgeries

To help you achieve optimal gum health, we offer a range of advanced periodontal surgeries. Our services, including Laser Gum Therapy, Gum Lengthening, and Gingivectomy, are designed to treat gum disease, enhance the aesthetics of your smile, and restore the foundation of a healthy mouth.

Laser Gum Therapy

We use advanced laser technology for precise and gentle gum treatments. Laser gum therapy offers a less invasive alternative to traditional surgery, often resulting in less bleeding, swelling, and a faster, more comfortable healing process.

Gum Lengthening

If you have a "gummy" smile or teeth that appear too short, gum lengthening can help. This cosmetic procedure reshapes the gum line to expose more of your natural tooth, creating a more balanced and aesthetically pleasing smile.

GiNgevectomy

A gingivectomy is a procedure used to remove excess gum tissue. This can be done for both cosmetic reasons to improve the appearance of your smile or to treat gum disease by removing diseased tissue and eliminating deep pockets where bacteria can hide.

maintenance & periodontal medicine trays

Once we get you healthy, we want you to stay healthy. Oftentimes, patients’ gum disease will return, especially the older we get.


Some of the best results we’ve seen on our patients has been on those who are diligent about maintenance. Depending on the severity of your gum disease, you may need to come and see us 3 or 4 times a year.

But what about at home? Part of our dedication to your health would be education - how to use the various dental cleaning products at home, but also to make you custom trays that you can wear every day which will kill those pesky microorganisms in a safe and effective manner.

These trays are made for each patient based on their gum pocket depths and the medication prescription protocol is set forth by Dr. Antani customized to each patient’s needs.

maintenance & periodontal medicine trays

Once we get you healthy, we want you to stay healthy. Oftentimes, patients’ gum disease will return, especially the older we get.


Some of the best results we’ve seen on our patients has been on those who are diligent about maintenance. Depending on the severity of your gum disease, you may need to come and see us 3 or 4 times a year.

But what about at home? Part of our dedication to your health would be education - how to use the various dental cleaning products at home, but also to make you custom trays that you can wear every day which will kill those pesky microorganisms in a safe and effective manner.

These trays are made for each patient based on their gum pocket depths and the medication prescription protocol is set forth by Dr. Antani customized to each patient’s needs.

Schedule Your Periodontal Treatment Today

Don't let bleeding gums or persistent inflammation put your oral health at risk. Periodontal disease is serious, but with our specialized care, we can halt its progression, save your teeth, and restore the health of your foundation. We can make our treatments affordable for you by helping coordinate insurance benefits and helping you arrange for easy and affordable monthly payments. To schedule your next visit, call (505) 323-7700.

SCHEDULE AN APPOINTMENT