Periodontics
Periodontal Treatment in San Luis Obispo
Oral health is about more than just straight white teeth; healthy gums are essential for a beautiful smile.
Here at Deborah McNeil-Amorteguy, DDS, we are happy to provide non-surgical periodontal therapy to help treat the early stages of periodontal disease, also known as gum disease.
Periodontal Disease
Periodontal disease is a serious condition that can cause discomfort, inflammation, and, if left untreated, is a leading cause of adult tooth loss in the United States. Research has also identified associations between periodontal disease and diabetes, cardiovascular disease, respiratory illness, and brain health. For these reasons, maintaining the health of both your teeth and gums is essential.
Addressing periodontal issues early can help reduce complications and support long-term health. At Deborah McNeil-Amorteguy, DDS, our experienced team provides periodontal evaluations and personalized treatment to help restore and maintain healthy gums.
Do I Have Periodontal Disease?
It may be hard to detect periodontal disease in its early stages, but here are some indicators that you may have it:
- Tender or Red Gums: Your gums should be a healthy pink color. If you notice tenderness or discoloration, this is an indication of inflammation and should be treated as soon as possible.
- Bleeding Gums: Your body naturally responds to infection and inflammation, but this can cause the soft tissue of your mouth to bleed excessively when brushing.
- Gum Recession: If you notice a recession of your gum line, this can be an indication that your periodontal disease is advancing. Major infection and tooth loss are a real possibility. Contact your dentist as soon as possible for a consultation!
- Tooth Sensitivity or Discomfort: The harmful bacterial buildup that contributes to gum disease often causes dental discomfort. With so many means to treat periodontitis, don’t go another day in pain and call our office.
- Constant Bad Breath: Persistent bad breath or taste in your mouth that brushing or mouthwash can’t get rid of is a sign that periodontal disease has spread to hard-to-reach places underneath your gum line.
- Sores or Pus on the Gums: This is a sign that periodontal disease is advancing. Periodontal disease poses extreme health risks including infection and bone deterioration.
- Tartar Buildup: Plaque and calculus allow harmful bacteria to attack your mouth’s soft tissue. It is best to take care of it before this advances into late-stage periodontitis.
Don’t wait for these symptoms to turn into late-stage periodontitis; call Deborah McNeil-Amorteguy, DDS, today for periodontal disease treatment.
How We Can Help?
Preventative care is one of the best ways to keep periodontal disease from occurring, but if you already have it, we can help. Our gum disease treatment includes scaling and root planing, which are usually the first treatments used to fight gum disease.
The most common periodontal therapy method is a combination of treatments known as scaling and root planing. Through the scaling process and supportive therapies like laser treatment and antibacterial solutions, we remove plaque and tartar hiding under the gum line. We then use the root planing process to smooth the gums, which will help keep plaque and tartar from coming back.
Our office also incorporates saliva diagnostic testing, allowing us to better identify and treat bacterial infections such as periodontitis with incredible scientific precision. With a simple saliva sample, we can discover the most effective means to treat the bacteria which is the source of the gum disease.
Call Our San Luis Obispo Dental Office Today
If you think you may have gum disease, you do not have to deal with it any longer thanks to our periodontal therapy options. Call Deborah McNeil-Amorteguy, DDS, at 805-543-3016 today to get started on your gum disease treatment. Our team makes it a priority to keep our patients as healthy and comfortable as possible!