Periodontics in Woburn, MA
Keep Your Gums Healthy and Disease-Free
Periodontics is designed to prevent and treat gum disease and optimize your health.
When plaque and bacteria accumulate around the gumline, it leads to inflammation known as gingivitis. Gingivitis is a common and mild form of gum disease (periodontal disease) that can be easily reversed with a professional cleaning and improved oral health habits.
However, if left untreated, gingivitis progresses to a much more severe form of gum disease. This is known as periodontitis.
Periodontitis is a chronic infection that attacks the bone and soft tissues below your gumline that support your teeth, causing serious consequences such as tooth loss. It can even threaten your overall health and lead to long-term complications.
Our in-house periodontist specializes in the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of periodontal diseases. Schedule an appointment today to get your gum health back on track!
Periodontal Care: Key Facts You Need to Know
Symptoms
Here are the primary signs of gum disease you should never ignore:
Treatment
We’ll start your treatment by performing a complete clinical exam with digital imaging and periodontal charting. Based on the extent of your gum disease, your treatment options may include:
Maintenance
Once your gum disease is under control, here’s how you can maintain your healthy, beautiful smile:
Periodontal Surgery Options
While we always opt for less-invasive treatments as the first line of defense, a surgical solution is needed for more severe cases to prevent irreversible damage.
Here are some surgical options offered by our expert dentists:
Soft Tissue Graft
A soft tissue graft procedure repairs exposed areas of a receding gum line, reducing sensitivity and preventing further damage. The tissue is taken from either your palate or from a tissue bank from an outside source.
Pocket Reduction Surgery
During pocket reduction surgery, hardened tartar is removed from deep below your gumline. The gum tissue is carefully sealed back around the tooth, eliminating any pockets where harmful bacteria may accumulate.
Bone Grafting
When your bone structure is damaged due to trauma or extensive periodontal decay, a bone graft may be necessary. These grafts encourage bone regrowth, restoring the structure, stability, and functionality of your teeth. Bone grafting may also be required to prepare for the placement of dental implants.
Guided Tissue Regeneration
Guided tissue regeneration is another option available when the existing bone structure is damaged. During this procedure, we'll remove harmful bacteria from below your gum line. Next, special membranes or proteins are added to stimulate the surrounding tissues, encouraging your body's natural regenerative process.
It’s a great office, starting from the front desk, hygienists, right through to all the doctors. Everyone is professional and friendly.
Jody (Actual Patient)
Have Questions About Periodontics?
- What causes periodontal disease?
Gum disease is typically caused by poor oral hygiene. However, there can be underlying health factors that can put you at higher risk. These include:
- Smoking
- Hormonal changes
- Diabetes
- Certain medications that reduce the flow of saliva
- Illnesses such as AIDS
- Genetics
- Why should I be worried about periodontal disease?
If left unchecked, periodontal disease has severe consequences to both your oral and overall health.
Periodontal disease leads to tooth loss and irreversible damage to your bone structure. The bacteria that accumulates under your gumline can enter your bloodstream, traveling to other areas of your body. Periodontal disease has been linked to an increased risk for other health issues, such as heart disease, stroke, diabetes, pregnancy complications, and respiratory disease.
The good news is these health issues can be avoided under the close care of a periodontist. Seek treatment as soon as possible.
- What are the signs and symptoms of periodontal disease?
Here are a few warning signs that you may have periodontal disease:
- Persistent bad breath
- Red or swollen gums
- Tender or bleeding gums
- Painful chewing
- Loose teeth
- Sensitive teeth
- Receding gums or longer appearing teeth
If you notice any of these symptoms, seek help as soon as possible. The earlier you treat gum disease, the less likely you’re to experience permanent damage.
- What's the difference between a dentist and a periodontist?
A periodontist is a dentist with specialized training in the underlying bone and tissue structure that supports your teeth. This makes them experts at preventing, diagnosing, and treating periodontal diseases. If you have a severe or complex case of periodontal disease, a general dentist will likely refer you to a periodontist.
In addition to several top-notch dentists, we also have an in-house periodontist, making our office exceptionally well qualified to treat a wide range of periodontal issues.
- Is periodontal disease contagious?
Periodontal disease is caused by an inflammatory reaction to bacteria below your gumline. Most experts agree…Opens in a new window to perio.org answer… that it’s not likely to be directly contagious.
However, the bacteria can live in your saliva and potentially be spread through contact. That means it’s a good idea to avoid kissing or sharing utensils with someone with periodontitis. If you notice warning signs that a partner or family member may have gum health issues, you may want to encourage them to seek help from a periodontist.