Your San Pedro Gum Disease Specialist
Whether you've just started experiencing the signs of gum disease or you've been grappling with it for years, it's crucial that you get the treatment your smile deserves. At Total Family Dental Specialists, we're proud to provide comprehensive gum disease treatment to the residents of San Pedro and Torrance. From scaling and root planing to patient education, our periodontist, Dr. Wallace Lott, is committed to meeting your extensive needs.
A hallmark of our dental practice is that we strive to make your appointments as relaxing and comfortable as possible. Our communicative and friendly dental staff will take the time to answer your questions and accommodate your requests to help you feel satisfied from the moment you walk through our doors. Reach out to us today to schedule your next visit with our San Pedro periodontist and take the first step toward healthier gums!
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What Causes Gum Disease?
Periodontal disease, also called gum disease, is a type of infection that targets the soft tissue supporting your teeth. If left untreated, gum disease can progress to the bones surrounding your gum tissue, resulting in pain and potential tooth loss.
The various factors than can lead to gum disease make it complex to treat and defend against. Our Torrance periodontist and their team will work with you to identify the potential cause of your gum disease and how you can prevent its occurrence in the future. Some of the most common causes of gum disease include:
- Tobacco Use: Smoking, chewing, and using tobacco products can interfere with the functionality of your gum tissue's cells and make you more vulnerable to developing periodontal disease. By eliminating your tobacco use, you can help keep your smile healthy and gum-disease free.
- Hormonal Shifts: When you become pregnant or experience monthly menstrual cycles, your body's hormones fluctuate. This fluctuation in hormones can make your smile more susceptible to developing gum disease. It's crucial that you stay on top of your oral care routine to help prevent and combat gum disease.
- Plaque Buildup: Plaque is a thick, sticky film of bacteria that forms on your teeth and gums. Although regular brushing and flossing removes some plaque, it can quickly build up and cause gum disease. That's why we recommend that you take a proactive approach with your oral care to keep your smile looking and feeling its best.
How We Treat Gum Disease
At Total Family Dental Specialists, we believe in providing our patients with quality dental care. That's why we've spent considerable time and effort to improve the efficiency of our gum disease treatment. When you visit our dental office for the first time, our gum disease specialist will begin by conducting an extensive oral exam.
By looking at the condition of your teeth, gums, and jawbones, he can determine the level of treatment that you need. He will also ask you questions about your smile. Do your gums bleed when brushing your teeth? Do your gums hurt when you bite down or chew food? Depending on the condition of your gums, we may recommend antibiotics or fluoride in addition to other services. Our extensive periodontal treatment offerings include, but are not limited to:
- Scaling & Root Planing: One of the first and most effective options at our disposal is scaling and root planing, sometimes called a deep cleaning. This two-part gum disease treatment is ideal for combating the early stage of gum disease. Scaling is the removal of plaque and tartar from above and below your gum line. Root planing, on the other hand, involves smoothing out the surfaces of their roots, which helps your teeth reattach to your gums and create a seal that keeps bacteria out. Our office can perform scaling and root planing in combination with some of our other gum disease offerings, like gum grafting.
- Gum Grafting: When your gum disease has progressed to its more advanced stages, one of the treatment options we provide is gum grafting. As your gum disease worsens, it can pull your gums away from your teeth and expose its roots. Gum grafting helps replace the lost tissue around your teeth and restores the barrier that prevents harmful bacteria from reaching your tooths' roots. Our San Pedro periodontal specialist will work to make your overall gum grafting experience as stress-free as possible.
A Torrance Periodontal Specialist for Your Smile
At Total Family Dental Specialists, we know how painful and debilitating gum disease can be. That's why our office provides extensive Torrance gum disease treatment ranging from root planing to gum grafting. No matter how severe your gum disease may be, our office will work to improve your smile's condition. We look forward to meeting you and helping your gums look and feel their best. Contact our San Pedro periodontal specialist today to schedule your next appointment!
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