Periodontics

Comprehensive Periodontics in Scarborough

senior couple at home Periodontics focuses on diagnosing and treating diseases that affect your gums. Jennifer Yu-Lopez and her team at Family Dental Care are highly skilled in conditions that damage your gums and the integrity of your smile.

Our Scarborough office is on the corner of Warden Avenue and Finch Avenue East near Bridlewood Mall, where we offer extended weekday hours and weekend appointments. With our expertise in treating periodontal diseases, you'll have a functional, healthy smile once more! Call us today to schedule a consultation!

CALL US: (416) 494-2456 REQUEST APPOINTMENT

What Are the Stages of Periodontal Disease?

Gum disease progresses in three different stages: gingivitis, periodontitis, and advanced periodontitis. Each one poses a threat to the overall health of your smile.

Gingivitis is the earliest and most easily treatable phase of gum disease. Plaque buildup causes gums to become irritated and inflamed due to toxins making their way along and below the gum line. If you have redness, swollen gums, or bleeding while brushing, address them promptly. These symptoms are the initial warning signs of the disease.

Periodontitis develops when gingivitis progresses. The gums begin to pull away from teeth, creating pockets. These tiny spaces between teeth and gums collect more plaque and other debris, which causes gum irritation and infection. Over time, this can result in receding gums, bone deterioration, and tooth loss.

Advanced periodontitis is the final and most complex phase of gum disease. The fibers and bone supporting teeth are significantly damaged, causing healthy teeth to shift and loosen. Aggressive gum disease can affect your bite, as well as the health and function of teeth. Professional intervention is necessary to save and restore your smile.

How Does Periodontal Disease Affect Your Overall Health?

Your immune system is on the defense against the toxins found in plaque, causing gum tissue to become inflamed. The progression of periodontal disease can allow bacteria to enter the bloodstream and move throughout the body.

happy young couple embracing Recent dental and medical evidence shows us that gum disease can be a significant contributor to various conditions, including:

Treating Periodontal Diseases

The effect of periodontal issues on overall health means that gum disease should never go ignored or untreated, even in its earliest form. The method for treating periodontal disease will depend on the level of infection present. Our gum disease treatments address the fundamental causes and help rebuild your health and wellness from there. Some of these treatments include:

Prophylaxis (Cleanings): Regular cleanings prevent plaque and tartar buildup and stop gingivitis from progressing into more severe problems.

Periodontal Scaling & Root Planing: Scaling removes plaque and tartar from below the gum line and any periodontal pockets. Root planing will smooth the tooth roots so gum tissue can reattach successfully.

Gum Grafting: This surgery can correct periodontal damage by removing healthy tissue from the roof of the mouth and adding it to the area where the gums have receded.

Bone Grafting: If tooth loss occurs due to periodontal disease, bone density can diminish. Bone grafting replaces what was lost and encourages the body to rebuild the area.

Socket Preservation: We can perform this technique after tooth extraction. A biocompatible membrane is placed over a bone graft to encourage regeneration.

Lasers For Gum Contouring: We use lasers in conjunction with scaling and root planing to increase your periodontal treatment success. It can also remove excess gum tissue for a more even, balanced-looking smile.

Does Gum Disease Go Away?

Gum disease is a problem that will not go away by itself. Unlike common issues like a cold, which will clear up on their own, gum disease requires professional treatment. Our services can stop the progression of the disease, and routine periodontal maintenance can keep it under control.

Periodontal Maintenance to Support Ongoing Optimal Health

Your best defense against developing gum disease is always prevention. Professional treatment can protect your gums and encourage a lifetime of optimal health. Not only are your biannual visits critical, but you will also need checkups more frequently. Diligent oral hygiene in between dental visits is also essential.

During your checkups, here's what our team does to preserve your oral health:

Digital X-Rays and Imaging: Precise images of your teeth allow us to evaluate your overall oral health. We capture images of the interior of your teeth and gums to identify any new or developing problems.
Detailed Examinations: We will evaluate the state and health of your teeth and gums often. You may need regular exams every three months, or even every month if your condition is severe. By doing more examinations, we can detect gum disease and related conditions early and treat them more effectively.
Thorough Dental Cleanings: Removing plaque and debris is one of your best methods of defense. Professional dental cleanings allow us to compare the state of your oral health to that of previous visits and make any needed adjustments.
Education: We help you understand the essential connection between oral health and overall health. This education significantly enables you to maintain healthy habits and keeps you informed about your dental health.

Experienced Periodontal Treatments Methods in Scarborough

When gum disease is detected early and treated with deep cleanings and diligent oral hygiene, there is a good chance your teeth can be saved. With periodontal procedures at Family Dental Care, Dr. Jennifer Yu-Lopez and our team can help you achieve a smile that looks and feels healthy.

You deserve to experience long-lasting oral health. Call our dental office today!