At Creekside Park Family & Cosmetic Dentistry in The Woodlands, TX, Dr. Christopher Anton and Dr. Angela Anton are dedicated to helping patients maintain healthy gums and prevent tooth loss through advanced periodontal care. Gum disease affects millions of Americans and is the leading cause of adult tooth loss. Our team provides personalized periodontal therapy in a comfortable, caring environment to help restore your gum health and protect your smile for years to come.
What Is Periodontal Disease?
Periodontal disease, commonly called gum disease, is a chronic inflammatory condition that affects the tissues surrounding and supporting your teeth. It begins with bacterial growth in your mouth and, if not properly treated, can lead to tooth loss due to destruction of the tissue that surrounds your teeth.
Gingivitis
Gingivitis is the earliest stage of periodontal disease. At this stage, the disease only affects the gums and is completely reversible with proper treatment and improved oral hygiene.
Signs of gingivitis include:
- Red, swollen gums
- Bleeding when brushing or flossing
- Bad breath that won’t go away
- Tender gums that may be sensitive to touch
Gingivitis occurs when plaque, a sticky film of bacteria, builds up on teeth and isn’t removed through regular brushing and flossing. The good news is that with professional cleaning and good home care, gingivitis can be completely reversed before it progresses to more serious stages.
Periodontitis
If gingivitis is left untreated, it can advance to periodontitis. During this stage, the inner layer of the gum and bone pull away from the teeth and form pockets. These pockets collect debris and can become infected. As the disease progresses, these pockets deepen, destroying more gum tissue and bone.
Signs of periodontitis include:
- Receding gums (teeth appear longer)
- Loose or shifting teeth
- Persistent bad breath
- Pus between your teeth and gums
- Changes in how your teeth fit together when you bite
- Pain when chewing
- New spaces developing between teeth
At this stage, the supporting structures that hold your teeth in place begin to deteriorate. Without treatment, periodontitis can lead to tooth loss and potentially impact your overall health.
Treatment Options For Periodontal Disease
At Creekside Park Family & Cosmetic Dentistry, Dr. Christopher and Dr. Angela Anton provide a range of treatments for periodontal disease based on the severity of your condition.
Non-Surgical Treatments
- Professional Dental Cleaning: For patients with gingivitis, a professional cleaning may be sufficient to reverse the condition.
- Scaling and Root Planing: This deep-cleaning procedure removes plaque and tartar from below the gumline (scaling) and smooths the root surfaces (planing) to help the gums reattach to the teeth. Local anesthesia is used to ensure your comfort throughout this procedure.
- Antibiotic Therapy: We may recommend topical or oral antibiotics to help control bacterial infection. These might include antibiotic mouth rinses, insertion of antibiotic fibers into pockets after scaling and root planing, or oral antibiotics.
Other Treatments
Sometimes the level of severity of periodontal disease may require referral to a periodontist for evaluation, treatment, and ongoing care to maintain optimal results and prevent tooth loss. We collaborate with a carefully selected group of trusted specialists and will refer you when necessary.
After treatment, we’ll provide you with detailed home care instructions and schedule follow-up appointments to monitor your healing and ensure the long-term success of your treatment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is periodontal disease contagious?
While periodontal disease itself is not directly contagious, the bacteria that cause it can be passed through saliva. This means family members may have a higher risk due to shared genetics and habits.
How often should I have periodontal maintenance appointments?
Patients with a history of periodontal disease typically need maintenance appointments every 3-4 months rather than the standard 6-month recall.
Can periodontal disease return after treatment?
Yes, without proper maintenance and home care, periodontal disease can recur. This makes ongoing professional care and excellent home hygiene crucial.
Does periodontal disease affect overall health?
Research has shown links between periodontal disease and other health conditions such as heart disease, diabetes, respiratory diseases, and pregnancy complications.
Is periodontal treatment painful?
Most patients report minimal discomfort during treatment. We use local anesthesia for procedures like scaling and root planing to ensure your comfort.
How can I prevent periodontal disease?
Prevention includes brushing twice daily, flossing daily, eating a balanced diet, avoiding tobacco products, and having regular dental checkups and professional cleanings.
Schedule Your Appointment
Don’t wait until periodontal disease causes irreversible damage. Early intervention is key to preserving your natural teeth and maintaining your overall health. At Creekside Park Family & Cosmetic Dentistry, Dr. Christopher Anton and Dr. Angela Anton are committed to helping you achieve optimal gum health with personalized treatment plans.
You can schedule your periodontal evaluation by filling out our convenient online appointment request form ot calling us directly at 346-560-5916
