Periodontal Care in Beverly Hills, CA
Regular dental checkups, including periodontal care, are vital to maintaining optimal oral health and preventing gum disease, which can lead to severe problems if left untreated.
Dr. Sands provides cosmetic and general dentistry and periodontal treatments in Beverly Hills, California. He helps to ensure optimal oral health by addressing gum health, other soft tissues, the underlying jawbone, and ligaments with effective treatments to prevent and correct all stages of periodontal disease.
What Does Periodontal Care Accomplish?
Periodontal care is essential for maintaining healthy gums and preventing gum disease or other oral health problems.
Periodontal treatments can accomplish several goals, including:
- Preventing gum disease: Regular cleanings and check-ups can help remove plaque and tartar buildup, which can lead to gum disease if left untreated.
- Treating gingivitis: Early-stage gum disease, known as gingivitis, can often be reversed with proper oral hygiene and professional dental care.
- Managing periodontitis: Advanced gum disease, known as periodontitis, requires more intensive treatments to prevent further damage to the gums and supporting structures of the teeth.
- Restoring overall oral health: Periodontal treatments can help restore oral health and prevent tooth loss caused by gum disease.
Benefits of Periodontal Care
The benefits of periodontal care include:
- Reduced risk of gum disease: Regular dental check-ups and cleanings can help reduce the risk of gum disease and other oral health problems.
- Improved oral hygiene: Professional cleanings and treatments can help remove plaque and tartar buildup, improve oral hygiene, reduce the risk of tooth decay, and prevent gum disease.
- Preservation of natural teeth: Periodontal care can help preserve natural teeth and prevent tooth loss caused by gum disease and other periodontal issues.
- Enhanced overall health: Maintaining good oral health through periodontal care is linked to improved overall health and reduced risk of systemic conditions such as heart disease and diabetes.
During your dental exam, Dr. Sands examines your teeth and gums. If any signs of gingivitis or progressing gum disease are visualized, he will recommend preventive or corrective steps so the condition doesn’t worsen. If signs of advanced periodontal disease are present, Dr. Sands will create a personalized treatment plan for you.
Traditional Treatments
Dr. Sands offers traditional periodontal care for effective results, with treatments such as scaling and root planing for early gum disease and surgery for more advanced cases.
Laser Treatments
Dr. Sands also provides laser treatments for periodontal care.
Advanced periodontal treatments offer several advantages, including:
- Shorter treatment time
- Little to no discomfort
- No stitches needed
- Much less invasive, with faster healing than traditional treatments
- Less swelling and bleeding
- Proper at-home oral hygiene guarantees long-lasting results
- The better option for individuals with conditions like diabetes, hemophilia, or HIV
How Periodontal Care Works
Preventing Gum Disease
To prevent damage to your gums and other underlying tissue, schedule regular dental check-ups every six months to monitor your oral health and detect any signs of gum disease.
Professional cleanings performed by our dental hygienist can help remove plaque and tartar buildup, reducing the risk of gum disease and tooth decay. Practice proper oral hygiene habits at home, including brushing your teeth twice daily, flossing daily, and using mouthwash to help control plaque and bacteria.
Treating Early Gum Disease
Treatment options for gingivitis may include:
- Scaling and root planing: This deep cleaning procedure removes plaque and tartar from the teeth and below the gum line, helping to reduce inflammation and restore gum health.
- Light scaling: This option is similar to scaling and root planing but with a lighter touch and may be more appropriate for patients with dental crowns or bridges.
- Antibacterial mouthwash: Rinsing with an antibacterial mouthwash can help reduce bacteria and prevent further gum inflammation.
Improved oral hygiene: Practicing ideal oral hygiene habits at home can help prevent and treat gingivitis.
Treating Progressive Gum Disease
Treatment options for periodontitis may include:
- Scaling and root planing: A more extensive approach to this treatment can remove deep plaque and tartar buildup while smoothing the surfaces of the roots and teeth to prevent bacteria from reattaching.
- Antibiotics: Dr. Sands will likely prescribe antibiotics to help control bacterial infection, prevent further gum damage, and protect tooth structures.
- Periodontal surgery: In more severe cases of periodontitis, traditional or laser surgery may be necessary to remove infected gum tissue, reduce pocket depths, and restore gum health.
Treating Tooth Loss Caused By Gum Disease
Tooth replacement with dental implants:
In cases where tooth loss has occurred due to long-standing gum disease, replacing one or more teeth with dental implants is recommended. Dental implants are titanium posts surgically implanted into the jawbone and topped with artificial teeth (crowns), providing a permanent and stable solution for missing teeth.
Recovery from Periodontal Treatments
Recovery from periodontal treatments varies depending on the specific procedure performed and the severity of the periodontal condition. Patients may experience mild discomfort, swelling, and sensitivity in the treated area, which can usually be managed with over-the-counter pain medication and a soft diet. Patients should carefully follow Dr. Sand’s post-operative instructions and attend all scheduled follow-up appointments to monitor their progress and ensure optimal healing.
Periodontal Care With Our Beverly Hills Cosmetic Dentist
If you have concerns about your gum health or are due for a dental check-up, schedule an appointment with our dentist to discuss your options for periodontal care and to receive a personalized treatment plan tailored to your individual needs and goals.
Dr. Kevin Sands is a highly respected general and cosmetic dentist in Beverly Hills, California. He is known as the Beverly Hills Dentist to the Stars and provides VIP treatment for all his patients.
He offers dental care to help keep your gums healthy and your smile looking great. He also provides sedation dentistry for those who struggle with dental anxiety or fear. Call (310) 273-0111 for more information about periodontal services at our Beverly Hills practice.
Periodontal Care FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)
What is periodontal disease?
Periodontal disease, also known as gum disease, is a chronic bacterial infection that affects the gums and can lead to tooth loss and systemic illness. It is characterized by inflammation of the gums, gum recession, and destruction of the bone and ligaments that hold the teeth in place.
What are the signs and symptoms of periodontal disease?
Common signs and symptoms of periodontal disease include red, swollen, or bleeding gums, persistent bad breath, receding gums, loose or shifting teeth, and changes in how your teeth fit together when you bite.
What causes periodontal disease?
Periodontal disease is primarily caused by the buildup of plaque and tartar on the teeth and along the gumline. Poor oral hygiene, smoking, genetic predisposition, hormonal changes, some medicines, and certain medical conditions can also increase the risk of developing periodontal disease.
How can I prevent periodontal disease?
Preventing periodontal disease involves practicing good oral hygiene habits, including brushing your teeth twice daily, flossing daily, using mouthwash, and scheduling regular dental check-ups and cleanings every six months.
Can periodontal disease be reversed?
In its early stages, known as gingivitis, periodontal disease can often be reversed with proper oral hygiene and professional dental care. However, in more advanced stages, known as periodontitis, the damage to the gums and supporting structures of the teeth may be irreversible.
What treatments are available for periodontal disease?
Treatment for periodontal disease may include professional cleanings, scaling and root planing (deep cleaning), periodontal surgery, antibiotics, and other adjunctive therapies, depending on the severity of the condition.
What are some complications associated with untreated periodontal disease?
Untreated, periodontal disease can lead to serious complications, including tooth loss, bone loss, gum abscesses, systemic inflammation, and an increased risk of developing other health problems such as heart disease, diabetes, and respiratory infections.
Can periodontal disease affect my overall health?
Yes, periodontal disease is linked to a variety of systemic health conditions, including heart disease, diabetes, stroke, respiratory infections, and complications during pregnancy. Maintaining good periodontal health is essential for overall health and well-being.
Does dental insurance cover periodontal treatment?
Many dental insurance plans cover periodontal treatment, although coverage may vary depending on the specific procedures performed and the terms of your insurance policy. It’s crucial to check with your insurance provider to understand your coverage and any out-of-pocket expenses.
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