Periodontal Treatment in Centerville, OH
In the realm of oral health, the well-being of your gums is as crucial as the health of your teeth. At Ohio Holistic Dental Center, we understand that gum health is not an isolated issue—it's a common condition that can affect many bodily systems, stressing the importance of a holistic approach to dental care.
Understanding Gum Disease
Periodontal disease, from the Greek "peri," meaning around, and "dental," meaning teeth, encompasses conditions that affect the tissues that hold your teeth in place. Gum disease is a bacterial infection affecting the gums, periodontal ligaments, and bones that support your teeth. It's crucial to be aware of the symptoms that indicate periodontal disease:
- Bleeding when you brush
- Red or swollen gums
- Persistent bad breath
- Pain when chewing
- Teeth that are loose to the touch
- A change in the way your teeth feel
The Oral-Systemic Connection
Biological dentistry is rooted in the understanding that nothing in the body functions in isolation. Gum disease is linked to numerous systemic conditions, including cardiovascular disease, diabetes, respiratory disease, rheumatoid arthritis, and Alzheimer's disease. By treating periodontal disease promptly, we protect your oral health while safeguarding your overall health.
Prevention: The First Line of Defense
Along with diligent brushing and flossing, preventive cleanings remove plaque and tartar buildup that leads to gum disease. Our dental hygienists are trained to examine your mouth for signs of gum disease meticulously and recommend prompt, effective treatment.
Stages of Gum Disease
At Ohio Holistic Dental Center, we understand that gum health reflects your overall well-being. That is why our treatments involve a holistic, minimally invasive approach.
Gingivitis
In the earliest stage, called gingivitis, symptoms include red, swollen gums and bleeding when you brush. When treated promptly, gingivitis is reversible with professional cleaning and diligent home care.
Periodontitis
Without prompt treatment, gingivitis progresses to periodontitis. At this stage, gums pull away from the teeth, forming pockets that harbor bacteria and become infected. Over time, these pockets deepen, more gum tissue and bone are affected, and teeth can become loose and may have to be removed.
Innovative Treatments That Support Whole-Body Health
At OHDC, we use the latest methods to prevent and treat periodontal disease. These technologies align with our commitment to holistic care that supports the body's natural healing abilities and overall health.
Laser dentistry — This minimally invasive treatment allows us to remove inflamed tissue around the tooth's root without cutting or suturing. This process promotes the regeneration of healthy gums with minimal bleeding and faster recovery times.
Ozone Therapy — Ozone is a form of oxygen and a natural disinfectant. Treating the affected area allows us to eliminate harmful bacteria without harsh chemicals.
Airflow Biofilm Removal — This advanced cleaning method removes the sticky biofilm harboring bacteria along and beneath the gum line. Airflow technology provides a thorough cleaning without the discomfort of traditional scaling with metal instruments.
Bacterial Reduction Therapy — This gentle dental treatment significantly reduces harmful bacteria in your mouth. We use advanced dental laser therapy to target and eliminate bacteria around the teeth and gums, ensuring a cleaner, healthier mouth environment.
Microscopic Plaque Check — Using high-powered microscopes, we can detect and address bacterial colonies that cause periodontal disease and tailor treatments to your specific needs.
HR5 Salivary Testing — HR5 salivary testing evaluates the presence of the top five pathogens that put you at high risk for gum disease, infection, or inflammation. Based on the findings, Dr. Linty will customize your gum therapy for more accurate treatment and healing and to help decrease harmful bacteria.
Schedule Your Next Checkup and Cleaning with Us
If you have symptoms of gum disease or are due for your regular checkup, please call our Dayton, OH, dental office to schedule an appointment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Periodontal treatment focuses on combating gum disease, a potentially serious infection that damages the gums and can spread to the teeth’s support structures if left untreated. Gum disease typically begins as gingivitis, characterized by inflammation due to plaque buildup along the gumline. Without proper care, this develops into periodontitis, which can have severe complications, including tooth loss.
Periodontal treatment begins with a dentist or periodontist's thorough assessment of the strength and structure of a person’s gums. In the event of mild gum disease (gingivitis), scaling and root planing (often called a “deep cleaning”) is a common non-surgical treatment. During this procedure, plaque and tartar are removed from above and below the gumline, and dental roots are smoothed to prevent further bacterial buildup.
In some cases, antibiotics may be prescribed to control infection. For more advanced cases of periodontitis, surgical intervention may be necessary. One such intervention is “flap surgery,” in which a dentist thoroughly cleans the tooth roots below the gumline. In cases in which gum tissue or the underlying jawbone has deteriorated, bone grafts and tissue regeneration can be a good restorative option.
Effective, Pain-Free Periodontal Treatment in Centerville, OH
If you're looking for a dentist in Centerville to help you maintain optimal periodontal health by treating gum disease in its earliest stages or preventing it altogether, contact Dr. Linty John-Varghese and the excellent Ohio Holistic Dental Center team to schedule a consultation!
Meet Our Dentist:
Dr. Linty John-Varghese
Education is an opportunity that brings more into our lives. Having been taught and trained by the best dental leaders in this country and other countries, Dr. Linty John-Varghese brings forth a lot more specialty training from the dental world, which allows her to offer more options and treatment to her patients and practice. She enjoys helping patients understand their dental health from a whole-body wellness perspective. Healing begins when the relationship between our teeth and body is brought to light, why it happened, and how we can get to better ...
Periodontal Treatment Technology
Fotona Dual Wavelength Hard & Soft Tissue Laser
Laser dentistry represents a revolutionary advancement in dental care. This technology uses focused light beams for both soft and hard tissue procedures. It offers patients enhanced precision in treatments, with no blade and no drill, meaning less discomfort and a reduced need for anesthesia.
From periodontal treatment to gum reshaping and cavity preparation, laser dentistry minimizes bleeding and speeds healing. This technology aligns with holistic care by reducing trauma and preserving more natural tooth structure, supporting the body's natural healing processes.
Ozone Therapy
Dental ozone therapy uses ozone gas, a powerful oxidant, to eliminate bacteria, viruses, and fungi without chemical disinfectants. It's beneficial for treating dental infections and gum disease and preparing cavities for fillings. Ozone therapy enhances holistic dental care by offering a non-toxic treatment alternative that aligns with the body's natural healing processes and promotes oral and systemic health.
Airflow Bacterial Reduction
Airflow biofilm removal is an innovative cleaning technology that uses a stream of air, water, and fine powder to gently and effectively remove the sticky biofilm that can lead to decay and gum disease. This method benefits you with a thorough clean and no discomfort from traditional scaling methods. By supporting overall oral health in a minimally invasive way, this technology is in line with holistic dental practices.