Periodontal Therapy in Sarasota

If you have a beautiful smile, then you can thank your gums. Gum tissue plays a critical part in the health and beauty of your smile. Without healthy gums and a strong bone structure underneath, your teeth are in trouble. What might cause your gums and bone tissue to weaken? Two words: gum disease. This bacterial infection is the archrival of healthy gums and a beautiful smile. To treat gum, or periodontal, disease, Dr. Warren Hoffman and his staff at Parkway Ridge Dental provide reliable periodontal therapy in Sarasota.

What exactly is gum disease?

Gum disease is a bacterial infection that begins with the buildup of plaque—that sticky and colorless film that our mouths produce day in and day out—and tartar, which is hardened plaque. Both plaque and tartar contain harmful bacteria that feed on the sugars in your mouth and excrete acids and toxins that, with time, begin to destroy gum and bone tissue.

What are the stages of gum disease?

There are two stages of gum disease: gingivitis and periodontitis. For a long time, you may not even recognize the signs of gingivitis—they are that subtle. Eventually, as gingivitis advances you’ll notice that your gums are more sensitive, swollen and they may bleed when you brush or floss.

If caught early during one of your regular dental checkups, then gum disease treatment in Sarasota may only necessitate a more effective at-home oral hygiene routine. In other words, brush and flossing after every meal in order to remove plaque and debris becomes important. Done consistently, you’ll begin to notice that your gums look healthier and bleed less.

However, if gingivitis goes untreated, then the disease can advance to become periodontitis. At this stage, the symptoms are more pronounced and include:

• Bad breath and a bad taste in your mouth
• Receding gums that can make your teeth appear longer
• Loosening teeth

Ultimately, periodontitis may necessitate tooth extraction. In fact, gum disease is the leading cause of tooth loss among American adults.

Gum Disease Treatment in Sarasota

For periodontitis, Dr. Hoffman and his staff offer periodontal therapy in Sarasota. Often called a deep cleaning, this procedure includes scaling and root planing. During scaling, we remove plaque and tartar from the surfaces of your teeth as well as below the gum line. Once scaled, the root surfaces are smoothed, because a rough surface is more likely to trap plaque and tartar. Dr. Hoffman may also apply a topical antibiotic to your gums to continue treating the infection for several days.

We will work together to address your oral health, comfort, function, and your aesthetic concerns.Call Parkway Ridge Dental today to schedule an appointment with Dr. Hoffman and our team. Our office, conveniently located on N. Lockwood Ridge Rd. at University Parkway, provides dental care to patients from the surrounding areas of Sarasota, Bradenton, University Park and Lakewood Ranch.

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