A dentist in Salem, OR, can provide a variety of services and treatments. Examples include pediatric dentistry, cosmetic dentistry, and periodontics.
What Does Periodontics Involve?
Periodontics or periodontal dentistry describes the care of tissues surrounding the teeth, especially the gums. Periodontics in Salem, OR, thus include different treatments for gum disease, including surgery. It also includes various preventive measures liked educating the patient on the proper way to brush and floss their teeth.
What Are the Symptoms of Gum Disease?
Gum disease has two stages. Gingivitis is the early stage and describes a bacterial infection that is confined to the gums. Healthy gums are pink and pain-free. In gingivitis, they become dark red and tender. They also tend to swell. A patient who spots such symptoms should seek periodontics in Salem, OR.
Periodontitis describes advanced gum disease that has spread beyond the gums. Not only are the gums red, swollen, and tender, but they also start to bleed easily and may pull away from the teeth. The patient can develop chronic bad breath and pus in between their teeth. Eventually, their teeth will loosen and even fall out.
What Is Scaling and Root Planing?
Scaling and root planing is a particularly intense form of dental cleaning done during the early stages of gum disease. During a 13 cleaning, the dentist or hygienist will scrape plaque and tartar off the patient’s teeth. During scaling, they will go below the gum line to do the same thing. In root planing, the dentist will scrape the tooth roots smooth to make it easier for the gums to reattach to them and thus prevent tooth loss.
Contact Idylwood Dental or visit idylwooddental.com to learn more about periodontics in Salem, OR.
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