Protect Your Gums, Preserve Your Smile
At Dr. Strutz Periodontics, we specialize in diagnosing and treating periodontal disease—a condition that affects the gums, bone, and other tissues supporting your teeth. Left untreated, periodontal disease can lead to tooth loss and serious health issues, but with early detection and the right treatment, we can help restore your gum health and protect your smile for years to come.
What is Periodontal Disease?
Periodontal disease, commonly known as gum disease, is an infection of the tissues that surround and support your teeth. It typically starts with gingivitis, the mildest form of gum disease, characterized by red, swollen, and bleeding gums. If left untreated, gingivitis can progress to periodontitis, a more severe condition that can cause the gums to recede, leading to the loss of bone and even teeth.
There are two main stages of periodontal disease:
- Gingivitis: The earliest stage of gum disease, marked by inflammation and bleeding of the gums. It can be reversed with professional treatment and good oral hygiene.
- Periodontitis: A more advanced form of gum disease where the infection has spread below the gum line, potentially causing gum recession, bone loss, and the loosening of teeth.
Signs and Symptoms of Periodontal Disease
Periodontal disease can progress painlessly, especially in its early stages, which is why regular check-ups are essential. Common signs of gum disease include:
- Gums that bleed when brushing or flossing
- Red, swollen, or tender gums
- Persistent bad breath or a bad taste in the mouth
- Gums that pull away from the teeth (gum recession)
- Loose or shifting teeth
- Changes in bite or difficulty chewing
If you notice any of these symptoms, it’s important to schedule an appointment with us for a comprehensive evaluation.
Diagnosis of Periodontal Disease
At Strutz Periodontics, we take a comprehensive approach to diagnosing periodontal disease. During your consultation, we’ll thoroughly assess the health of your gums and supporting bone structure. Our diagnostic tools include:
- Visual Examination: We will carefully inspect your gums and teeth for signs of infection, inflammation, and gum recession.
- Periodontal Probing: A special instrument is used to measure the depth of the spaces between your gums and teeth (called periodontal pockets). Deep pockets indicate advanced gum disease.
- X-rays: Digital X-rays allow us to examine the bone structure around your teeth, helping us identify any bone loss that may have occurred due to periodontal disease.
- 3D Imaging (if applicable): In some cases, we may use advanced 3D imaging to assess the condition of your gums and bone more accurately.
Based on these findings, Dr. William Strutz will discuss your diagnosis and recommend the appropriate treatment plan to restore your oral health.
Treatment Options for Periodontal Disease
The treatment for periodontal disease depends on the severity of the condition. We offer a range of treatments designed to effectively manage and treat gum disease at every stage.
1. Non-Surgical Treatments
For early stages of gum disease (gingivitis), or moderate cases of periodontitis, non-surgical treatments may be sufficient to eliminate the infection and restore gum health.
- Scaling and Root Planing: Also known as deep cleaning, this procedure involves removing plaque and tartar from the surface of your teeth and below the gum line. The root surfaces are then smoothed (planing) to prevent bacteria from reattaching.
- Antibiotic Therapy: In some cases, we may apply topical or oral antibiotics to help control bacterial infection and promote healing.
- Laser Therapy: We offer laser-assisted periodontal therapy (LANAP), a minimally invasive procedure that uses laser energy to remove infected tissue, stimulate tissue regeneration, and reduce gum inflammation with minimal discomfort and faster healing.
2. Surgical Treatments
If periodontal disease has advanced to the point of significant gum recession or bone loss, surgical treatments may be necessary to restore your oral health.
- Flap Surgery (Pocket Reduction Surgery): If deep pockets remain after scaling and root planing, we may recommend flap surgery to access and clean the infected areas more thoroughly. During this procedure, the gums are lifted back, and the infected tissue is removed. The gums are then sutured back into place.
- Bone Grafting: When bone loss has occurred due to periodontal disease, a bone graft may be used to regenerate lost bone tissue. This procedure may involve using your own bone, synthetic bone, or donor bone material.
- Soft Tissue Grafts: If your gums have receded significantly, we may recommend a gum graft to restore lost gum tissue and cover exposed tooth roots.
- Dental Implants: In cases where tooth loss has occurred due to periodontal disease, dental implants can be placed to replace missing teeth and restore both function and aesthetics.
Benefits of Early Detection and Treatment
- Prevention of Tooth Loss: Treating gum disease early can help prevent further damage to your teeth, gums, and bone.
- Improved Oral Health: Effective treatment can eliminate infection, reduce inflammation, and promote healing of the gum tissues.
- Better Overall Health: Untreated periodontal disease has been linked to other serious health conditions, such as heart disease, diabetes, and stroke. Treating gum disease can help improve your overall health.
- Restored Confidence: Healthy gums and a beautiful smile can help boost your self-esteem and confidence, allowing you to speak, smile, and eat with ease.
Why Choose Strutz Periodontics?
Expert Care:
Dr. William Strutz is a highly trained periodontist with years of experience in diagnosing and treating periodontal disease.
Advanced Technology:
We utilize the latest diagnostic tools and minimally invasive treatment options to ensure the best possible outcomes for our patients.
Comprehensive Treatment:
From non-surgical options to advanced surgical procedures, we offer a full range of treatments tailored to your needs.
Compassionate Approach:
We understand that dealing with gum disease can be overwhelming. Our team is dedicated to making you feel comfortable and informed throughout the treatment process.
