Periodontal Care

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Periodontal Care in Houston

Dr. Wayde Fawcett—our experienced dentist—offers a broad range of periodontal treatments using advanced technology and effective techniques. If left untreated, periodontal (gum) disease can seriously damage the gums and teeth and, in extreme cases, result in tooth loss. Thankfully, gum disease can be treated. At the Fawcett Center for Dentistry, periodontal disease can be diagnosed, and a treatment plan can be customized based on the severity of your condition.

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Am I at Risk?

When you come in for a dental exam, our staff will evaluate your gingival health and measure the gum pockets around each tooth to determine if you are at risk for periodontal disease. When gingivitis or periodontal disease is discovered, Dr. Fawcett may suggest advanced periodontal treatments to prevent the advancement of infection and restore oral health.

What Is Gum Disease?

Periodontal disease, also known as gum disease, occurs when inflammation and infection arise in the gums and bones around teeth. Plaque buildup along and below the gumline harbors dangerous bacteria that cause gum disease. As plaque accumulates over time, deep pockets can form between the gum tissue and the teeth. These pockets allow bacteria to proliferate, which can irritate the gums, spread infection, and threaten dental health.

Common signs of periodontal disease include gum recession, loose teeth, and pain when chewing. The earliest stage, gingivitis, typically features red, swollen gums that may bleed when brushing your teeth. Untreated gingivitis can lead to a more serious stage called periodontitis. According to the American Dental Association, periodontal disease is fairly common, with many adults experiencing some form of the condition. The chances of developing periodontitis also increase with age.

Severe gum disease has been linked to heightened risks of life-threatening conditions such as stroke, heart disease, and many others.

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How Can I Prevent Gum Disease?

To prevent gum disease from developing, you should practice good oral hygiene, with regular brushing, flossing, and professional cleanings. Ideally, a combination of effective daily dental hygiene and regular cleanings should keep plaque at bay; however, it is common for adults to require additional treatment to eliminate plaque, remove calculus (hardened plaque), and prevent the development or progression of gum disease.

What Are the Symptoms of Gum Disease?

Gum disease can be indicated by the following symptoms:

Bleeding gums (may be most evident during brushing and flossing)

Gum recession

Red, inflamed, or sensitive gums

Enlarged gum pockets between the gum tissue and teeth

Chronic bad breath or bad taste in the mouth

Shifting teeth and changes in bite

Loose permanent teeth

Permanent tooth loss

Pus discharge along the gumline and/or between teeth

Change in the fit of partial dentures

“Dr. Fawcett and his entire staff are all professional, on top of their game, and very people-oriented. Thank you, Fawcett Center for Dentistry for the many years you have helped me stay on top of my dental hygiene.”

~ Mike

What Are the Different Stages of Gum Disease?

Dentists generally recognize three stages of periodontal disease:

Stage One:

Gingivitis

Gingivitis refers to the red, inflamed gums we mentioned earlier. If you notice bleeding, a red ring around your gums, or burning pain when you brush, gingivitis may be the culprit. Gingivitis should be treated before the periodontal disease advances to the next stage, which is irreversible.

Stage Two:

Periodontitis

At this stage, the bacteria caused by gingivitis begins to seep into the soft tissue and bone around the gums. In other words, there’s a divide (or pocket) between the teeth and gums caused by bacteria that, while treatable, cannot be completely cured.

Stage Three:

Advanced Periodontitis

Your gums have sustained permanent damage, and your teeth are officially infected with the same bacteria. As a result, if treatment isn’t performed imminently, gums may recede noticeably, teeth may loosen and detach from their sockets, and you run the risk of developing a plethora of correlated health problems.

What Causes Gum Disease?

There are many factors and conditions that can contribute to the development of gum disease, including:

Teeth clenching and grinding (bruxism)

Poor dental hygiene

Lack of dental care

Use of tobacco products

Hormonal changes (pregnancy or puberty)

Nutritional deficiencies

Stress

Certain medications and medical treatments

Illness

Diabetes

How Is Gum Disease Diagnosed?

Fortunately, gum disease is usually easy to diagnose. This is one of the many reasons it’s essential to attend regular dental exams; if you’re experiencing signs of gingivitis, an experienced dentist can stop it in its tracks.

Make sure to mention any pain or abnormal bleeding to your dentist. They will consider this when examining your gums for inflammation. Your dentist will also make sure there’s no divide between your tooth and gums, as a pocket indicates the development of periodontitis.

What Are My Periodontal Disease Treatment Options?

Effective prevention and treatment of periodontal disease starts with regular dental exams and cleanings. Professional dental cleanings are the only way to remove hardened plaque (called calculus) from the teeth. During exams, Dr. Fawcett will perform a thorough evaluation of the teeth and gums to detect any signs of decay or disease. If he sees any of the signs of gingivitis or periodontal disease, it is best to follow through with preventative care and/or treatments immediately to arrest the progression of the condition. Depending upon the type and extent of gum disease you are exhibiting, Dr. Fawcett may perform non-surgical treatments at his office or possibly refer you to a trusted periodontist for advanced treatments.

I enjoy the artistic aspect of dentistry—designing and creating beautiful smiles. I have always had a passion for dentistry because it has evolved into a very sophisticated field. At my office, technology allows us to streamline processes and get more predictable outcomes. Also, it’s important to me that when my patients can actually see for themselves what I can see, it gives them the ability to be active partners in their dental care.

Biofilms formed by clusters of bacteria in the gumline can be particularly persistent, even after undergoing treatments to remove them. To prevent the re-formation of biofilm after scaling and root planing, Dr. Fawcett may recommend PerioProtect^®. Customized PerioProtect^® trays apply several prescription strength solutions to the gums to manage biofilm. The trays only need to be worn for a few minutes each day to be effective.

What Is the Oral-Systemic Health Connection?

There is a strong oral-systemic connection between overall dental health and the well-being of the rest of your body. Studies have shown that patients dealing with periodontal disease are at greater risk of developing conditions like heart disease, diabetes, and metabolic syndrome. Maintaining good oral health can impact the general wellness of your body, and at the Fawcett Center for Dentistry, we can help you find the ideal treatment to address your periodontal concerns.

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Medical Resources for Periodontal Care

American Dental Association

National Library of Medicine

Contact the Fawcett Center for Dentistry, P.A.

For more information about gum disease and periodontal treatments, we encourage you to contact our practice to schedule an appointment with Dr. Fawcett. If you have lost teeth due to gum disease, you may want to discuss restoring your smile with dental implants.

Periodontal Gum Disease Treatment in Houston, TX

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