Periodontics

Dentist in San Diego

Periodontics involves the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of periodontal disease. Periodontal disease is the result of bacteria buildup on your teeth and gums. Dr. Taylor and our team have the experience and expertise to help you combat periodontal disease and keep your smile healthy, functional, and beautiful.

When bacteria start to collect in your mouth, this creates a sticky, colorless substance known as “plaque”. Plaque will gradually build up on your teeth, and if you do not remove it through brushing and flossing, particles can harden and turn into tartar. Over time, plaque and tartar become progressively more difficult to remove at home. Therefore, periodic professional cleanings with one of our hygienists are vital for maintaining your oral health and preventing periodontal disease or tooth decay.

The longer plaque and tartar remain on your teeth, the more harm they can cause to your oral health. Eventually, plaque and tartar accumulation may lead to a mild form of periodontal disease called gingivitis, which is an inflammation of your gum tissue. Routine professional cleanings and proper home care can prevent gingivitis from developing. However, even once gingivitis is widespread, we can help control the disease and prevent it from progressing further.

If gingivitis is not treated early, it can advance to become periodontal disease. This occurs when inflammation of your gum tissue becomes severe. Periodontal disease can create pockets between your teeth and gums. If these pockets are not treated, they will become progressively deeper and can cause your teeth to loosen or fall out.

Treatment

A common solution for controlling periodontal disease is a deep cleaning, involving scaling and root planing. Scaling is the removal of tartar from tooth surfaces, and root planing is the process of smoothing root surfaces by removing tartar below the gum line. All of our hygienists routinely perfom deep cleanings and have extensive experience with the procedure. While a deep cleaning is usually painless, advanced stages of disease may make it necessary to numb certain areas for comfort. General anesthesia is not necessary when undergoing this procedure.

It is not possible to completely reverse periodontal disease, but we can prevent it from progressing. If you have periodontal disease, it is important to see us regularly for professional cleanings and examinations. Also, it is essential to keep up your daily oral care routine at home. Flossing regularly is crucial to preventing and treating periodontal disease.

Contact our office for more information about our periodontic services.