Comfortable, effective periodontal disease treatment at every stage, for every need in Little Elm

Gum or periodontal disease is a progressive condition. As such, there are many opportunities to halt its progression and, in some cases, reverse its damage. Little Elm periodontal disease treatment at the office of Dr. Vidya Suri is proactive and uses advanced technologies and conservative techniques to comfortably and precisely diagnose and resolve your symptoms. Effective treatment and the prevention of complications (like tooth loss) starts with knowing your gum disease. That means a visit to your friendly Frisco area family dentist at Frisco Elm Dental, especially if it’s been more than six months since your last visit. Generally, Dr. Suri likes to keep patients on a schedule of check-ups combined with professional cleanings twice a year. This allows her to catch problems early on, when they’re easier to treat and before you’re experiencing discomfort or other symptoms.

Gingivitis

Gingivitis sounds scary but it’s the mildest form of gum disease. It refers to inflamed gum tissue. If plaque is allowed to build up at the gum line, it irritates the tissues that support your teeth. At this stage, gum disease is reversible. But gingivitis is also “silent.” You may not experience symptoms. With no cause for concern, patients, fail to get treatment until after symptoms arise – at which point the disease has progressed.

It’s important to take note of any changes that are out of the ordinary for you, and to take those changes seriously. Ask yourself:

• Do my gums look darker, more red or pink than they were?
• Does my gum tissue appear swollen or puffy?
• Is there blood on my toothbrush or floss after cleaning?
• Do my teeth look “long” (a sign of gums pulling away from the teeth)?
• Do my gums feel tender?
• Do I have persistent bad breath?

If you answered “yes” to any of the above questions, it’s worth a visit to Frisco Elm Dental. The earlier Dr. Suri confirms the presence of early-stage disease and recommends tailored treatment, the better your odds of avoiding serious complications like bone and tooth loss.

Periodontitis

If gingivitis isn’t properly treated, periodontitis develops. This form of advanced gum disease is characterized by soft and hard tissue damage. It occurs when sticky bacterial plaque spreads and grows beneath the gum line. The toxins that are made by the bacteria not only irritate gum tissue, but they also give rise to a chronic inflammatory response. As your body tries to fight the infection, the gums and bone that support the teeth break down. Chronic inflammation isn’t good for the rest of your body. It’s been well-documented that periodontitis increases the risk of developing many other medical conditions, including stroke, heart disease, diabetes, and arthritis.

Periodontitis is also characterized as “mild,” “moderate,” and “severe.” The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention report, of the more than 47 percent of Americans with periodontitis, 30 percent have the “moderate” form, while “mild” and “severe” periodontitis each account for around 8 percent of the 64 million cases of advanced gum disease among adults aged 30 and older.

In addition to the gingivitis symptoms mentioned above, periodontitis is also associated with:

• Persistent foul taste
• Widening spaces between the teeth
• Loosening of the teeth in their sockets
• Changes with how teeth fit together when you bite down
• Pain when chewing

Periodontal disease treatment without surgery in Little Elm TX:

Gingivitis … resolved

The most common cause of gingivitis is inadequate oral hygiene. Gingivitis may be treated with modifications to home care. Recommendations are tailored to each patient. A special type of “deep cleaning” may be recommended. Scaling removes hardened plaque and bacteria from teeth surfaces and under the gums, while planing smooths root surfaces, discourages further tartar and bacterial buildup, and promotes healing. Broken, old, or worn restorations may be repaired or replaced should they irritate your gums or trap food and bacteria.

Periodontitis … treated

Patients with mild to moderate periodontitis can benefit from scaling and root planing. Antibiotics may help to control bacterial infections. Depending on your needs, mouthwash, gel, and topical or oral antibiotics may be prescribed. If your gums don’t respond to more conservative approaches, Dr. Suri will discuss other procedures to regrow damaged bone and tissue.

Your Little Elm Family Dentist welcomes the opportunity to restore your smile, oral health, and wellbeing. Call (214) 705-7100 to schedule an appointment at Frisco Elm Dental in Little Elm TX.

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Frisco Elm Dental

Dr. Vidya Suri

A graduate from University of California San Francisco School of Dentistry, Dr. Vidya Suri is an established dentist who prioritizes her patients and strives to provide them with the best possible dental care. She brings to the table a wealth of knowledge and skills including her ability to pay close attention to the details to provide her patients with the most optimal outcomes that exceed their expectations.

Dr. Suri treats patients of all ages. In order to ensure that she is doing her best, she regularly participates in continuing education courses to stay abreast of new practices, technology, and advancements in the industry. Dr. Suri is a member of the Academy of General Dentistry and the American Dental Association.