Periodontics
General and Cosmetic Dentistry located in Houston and Pearland, TX
If you have red, sensitive, or irritated gums, periodontics can prevent the infection from spreading and preserve your oral health. At TLN Family Dental, general and cosmetic dentists Tammeka Nickleberry, DDS, Esther Oluwo, DDS, Taylor Provost, DDS, and Precious Ude, DDS, provide a wide range of periodontal services, including scaling and root planing and antibiotics. To make an appointment, call the nearest office in Houston, Meyer Park, or Pearland, Texas, or book online today.
Periodontics is a dental subspecialty that diagnoses and treats gum disease –– an infection of the gum tissue. Your provider at TLN Family Dental can use periodontics to treat:
Gingivitis occurs when plaque (a film of bacteria, saliva, and food particles) collects on your teeth and hardens. Over time, the buildup irritates your gums, causing them to become swollen and inflamed.
Periodontitis is an advanced form of gingivitis. When the infection spreads, it causes your gums to recede and pull away from your teeth. Without treatment, those changes can affect your bite or cause your permanent teeth to fall out.
Consider periodontics at TLN Family Dental if you experience any of the following symptoms:
As the infection worsens, you might also experience pus oozing from your gums.
At TLN Family Dental, a periodontics visit begins with a review of your dental records and a discussion of your lifestyle, including if you drink alcohol or use tobacco and how often you brush and floss.
Next, your dentist performs an oral exam, looking for plaque and tartar buildup. They also use a tool called a dental probe to measure the depth of your gum pockets. If you have pockets that are deeper than 4 millimeters, it indicates periodontitis.
Last, they order a series of digital X-rays to see if there’s any damage to your jaw or alveolar bone (the bone that anchors your teeth).
Treatment of gum disease depends on various factors, including your age, the severity of the infection, and your general health. TLN Family Dental might recommend:
The goal of gum disease treatment is to prevent the infection from spreading, reduce the risk of other problems, and improve your oral health.
To see if you can benefit from periodontics, make an appointment at TLN Family Dental by calling the nearest office or booking online today.