Periodontics in Ballwin
Whether you’re seeking treatment for yourself, your child, or another family member, finding the right periodontics provider matters. If left untreated, periodontal disease can have severe ramifications for oral health, appearance, and overall well-being.
Prompt periodontal treatment could be the difference between protecting your natural smile or losing your teeth and living with dentures. At Baxter Dental Group, we help patients preserve smiles while reducing the long-term damage caused by periodontitis, or gum disease. Contact us today about periodontics in Ballwin!
What is Periodontal Disease?
Periodontics is a dental specialty that treats soft tissue and bone supporting the teeth and jaw. Periodontal disease, also known as gum disease, often begins as plaque buildup on the tooth’s surface near the gum line. Like many other dental problems, periodontal disease can start slowly, and there are often no early symptoms.
Over time, you may require periodontics to reverse the effects of untreated gum disease and its resulting complications.
If you experience any of the following symptoms, you may need periodontal treatment:
- Red/swollen/sore gums
- Gums that bleed when you brush and floss
- Teeth that appear longer or become loose
- Large gaps that form between the teeth
- Gums that begin to pull away from the teeth
- Chronic bad breath
The Stages of Periodontal Disease
Periodontal disease can affect people of all ages. It begins with bacterial plaque, which hardens and calcifies into tartar that forms on the teeth along the gum line.
If left untreated, “pockets” form between your gums and teeth, as does periodontitis – inflammation of the tissues surrounding your teeth. Our Ballwin periodontists specialize in treatments that reduce these pockets and keep periodontitis from progressing.
The stages of periodontal disease are as follows, beginning with gingivitis and progressing linearly:
- Periodontitis stage 1: Initial
- Periodontitis stage 2: Moderate
- Periodontitis stage 3: Severe
- Periodontitis stage 4: Severe
Gingivitis
Gingivitis is the mildest form of periodontal disease. Our dentists can help you prevent gingivitis from progressing with periodontal treatments involving deep cleaning, antibiotics, and proper oral hygiene techniques.
Gingivitis can cause the gums to become red and swollen, and they may bleed when brushed. Bad breath is another common symptom of periodontal disease, as are receding gums. If you do not receive treatment, gingivitis can progress to a more severe stage called periodontitis.
Periodontitis Stage 1: Initial
Periodontitis stage one occurs when tartar and plaque buildup remain within the pockets. Symptoms include gum inflammation, tenderness, and bleeding. The bacteria in periodontal pockets can cause the disease to destroy the gums and bone surrounding the teeth.
Periodontitis Stage 2: Moderate
In moderate periodontitis, bone and gum loss begin. The periodontal pockets deepen further, leading to further disease. Symptoms include bad breath, periodontal pockets deeper than five millimeters, and bleeding gums while brushing or flossing. Gum tissue can also detach itself from the teeth, causing them to loosen.
Periodontitis Stage 3: Severe
In stage three periodontitis, permanent damage to the periodontium and surrounding structures occurs. Symptoms include periodontal pockets greater than seven millimeters in depth, loose teeth, and bone loss.
Periodontitis Stage 4: Severe
The final stage of periodontitis is characterized by periodontal pockets greater than 8 millimeters, loose teeth, and severe bone loss. It is the most advanced form of periodontitis and can result in tooth loss if not treated promptly.
The Importance of Treating Periodontal Disease
If you fail to take your periodontal disease seriously and neglect proper care, you could suffer serious health consequences. Periodontal disease doesn’t only impact your mouth – scientists have discovered it contributes to health conditions such as heart disease and diabetes. Untreated periodontitis has also been linked to low birth weight, premature birth, and fetal injuries in pregnant women.
Don’t ignore your symptoms and the health problems they can cause. If your gums are sore, swollen, or bleeding, our Ballwin periodontics specialists can help!
Periodontics Treatment Options
No matter your age, periodontal disease is preventable. If you already have periodontal disease, there are several treatments available. Periodontal procedures run the gamut, from mild early-stage treatments to more intense treatments that reverse the impact of a neglected mouth and damaged soft tissues.
Potential periodontal treatments include the following:
- Non-surgical interventions designed to strengthen the gums and soft tissue
- Periodontal therapy aimed at stopping and reversing the damage
- Dental implants to replace missing or damaged teeth
- Periodontal surgery to restore your winning smile
Gum Disease Prevention
Our periodontists in Ballwin can also provide preventive periodontal care. Good oral hygiene is essential for preventing periodontal disease and avoiding rigorous treatments. We recommend brushing twice a day with a soft-bristled toothbrush for two minutes, flossing daily, and visiting our office for regular dental exams.
Get Started With Periodontics in Ballwin
You don’t have to suffer from periodontal disease. Visit us at Baxter Dental Group in Ballwin today for periodontics that will return your healthy and beautiful smile. Together, we can help you maintain a healthy smile for life.
We specialize in periodontal treatments that can help you prevent periodontal disease from worsening. Our dentists will tailor a treatment plan to your individual needs, ensuring optimal dental health. Contact us today about periodontics in Ballwin!
