Non-Surgical Therapy to Restore the Health of the Gums that Surround and Protect Your Teeth
We at Jepsen, Murphy & Associates Dental in Westminster, Colorado, get to know many generations of family members. Our team feels privileged that families throughout the Northglenn, Arvada, Boulder, and Thornton areas trust their oral care to us. There are numerous benefits of multi-generational family treatment. Notably, our dentists can see patterns that exist and transcend the generations–shared by grandparents, parents, and grandchildren alike. After all, some families are at increased risk of developing oral conditions such as gum disease. Noticing and understanding these patterns supports prompt, tailored interventions. A“deep cleaning” may be on the horizon for individuals with existing gum (periodontal) disease.
Non-Surgical Periodontal Therapy
All patients can benefit from professional dental cleanings. Our dental hygienists remove surface stains, bacteria, plaque, and tartar (plaque buildup) from the teeth and gum line during routine cleanings. This fundamental dental service is appropriate to prevent tooth decay and gum disease among patients with healthy mouths and who are not predisposed to conditions such as gum disease. Patients with risk factors for gum disease may require more frequent cleanings by our professionals–beyond the “standard” cleaning scheduled once every six months.
Additionally, patients with existing gum disease may need more extensive cleanings. Scaling and Root Planning (SRP) is often characterized as a “deep clean.” This non-surgical alternative to more aggressive surgical procedures involves using special instruments to “scale” or remove bacterial toxins and plaque beneath the gum line. “Planning” refers to the process of smoothing out the tooth roots. The surfaces of the tooth roots are roughly-textured. Planning helps to prevent plaque and the toxins that erode the teeth, gums, and supportive structures from collecting and sticking to uneven root surfaces.
With our precision techniques and instruments, SRP is well-tolerated and effective at resolving gingival inflammation. In fact, SRP is adequate for many patients to promote healing and reattachment of the gums to the teeth. However, SRP patients need to continue with ongoing maintenance therapies as instructed by their dentist.
Gum disease is characterized by symptoms such as bleeding and swelling. Since these signs may not present themselves until late in the disease process, it is critical to stay on top of regular checkups at our office in Westminster, Colorado. Call (303) 800-6884 to book your appointment or click on the “Schedule Now” tab on this website.
The 3 stages of gum disease are gingivitis, periodontitis, and advanced periodontitis. Gingivitis is caused by toxins irritating the gum line as a result of plaque buildup. Signs and symptoms of gingivitis includes swelling, sensitivity, and bleeding of the gums during brushing and flossing. Gingivitis can be easily reversed through professional care and good home oral hygiene. Periodontitis is categorized by irreversible bone loss that results from untreated gingivitis. The gums may begin to form a pocket below the gum line which traps food and plaque. Dental treatment and home care can help prevent from further damage, but at this stage, the results are not reversible. Advanced periodontitis is when the fibers and bones supporting the teeth destroyed. This may cause teeth to shift or loosen. Teeth may have to be removed depending on how advanced the disease has become and if treatments are not effective. You can begin by preventing gum disease with good oral health. Pick up a brochure or ask your dentist today.