Periodontal Treatment in Bingham Farms, MI

The Importance of Healthy Gums

Your gums act as a seal around the roots of your teeth and provide a barrier against bacteria. When the health of your gums is in jeopardy, your teeth can become vulnerable to infection. Periodontal disease (gum disease) is an infection of the gums that results from poor hygiene. Poor gum health can also lead to a host of problems that extend beyond your mouth. Heart disease, stroke, and diabetes can all result from untreated oral problems.

When food and debris are left in your mouth, the naturally occurring bacteria are free to feed and grow to an unhealthy degree. Without proper oral care like brushing, flossing, and rinsing after meals, bacteria can form a sticky film called plaque on the surface of your teeth. Left untreated, plaque will harden into a calcified tartar which can only be removed with special dental tools.

Over time, plaque and tartar can eat through the enamel of your teeth and damage the soft tissue of the gums. This can cause a receding gumline, cavities, and even tooth decay which, if left untreated, can lead to infection, tooth loss, and other health problems. At Smile Creator of Bingham Farms, our dedicated team is trained to gently clean away bacteria from your teeth and gums and effectively treat the symptoms of periodontal disease.

Signs of Gum Disease

During your routine check-ups, Dr. Kosinski will inspect your gums and teeth for signs of gum disease. If you notice any of the following warning signs, Dr. Kosinski recommends scheduling a visit sooner rather than later, as delayed treatment can require more expensive and invasive procedures.

Halitosis: persistent bad breath or a consistent bad taste in your mouth
Inflammation: red or swollen gums
Sensitivity: tender or bleeding gums; sensitive teeth
Pain: pain while chewing or toothaches
Deterioration: receding gums, loosened or missing teeth

Effective Solutions With Dr. Kosinski

Smile Creator of Bingham Farms offers a variety of treatment options for periodontal disease depending on your unique situation. Dr. Kosinski will always begin with non-surgical and non-invasive options. However, surgery may be required in some cases to restore your smile and prevent further damage.

Non-Surgical Periodontal Therapy

For mild to moderate cases of periodontal disease, scaling and root planning may be most effective. It is a virtually painless procedure that serves to deeply clean your teeth.

During this treatment, Dr. Kosinski uses an ultrasonic cleaning device to remove any plaque or tartar and thoroughly clean your teeth and gums. He’ll smooth out the surface of your teeth and roots which helps prevent bacteria from building up on the enamel.

Surgical Periodontal Care

In some cases, serious damage to the gums makes a surgical procedure necessary to treat periodontal disease and prevent further harm. Treatments may include:

Pocket Depth Reduction: This procedure is a deep cleaning of your infected gums which can reverse the effects of gum disease and restore them to health.
Guided Tissue Regeneration: This procedure not only deeply cleanses your gums but also reshapes the bone that holds your teeth in the proper position.
Soft-Tissue Graft: This procedure is used in more severe cases. In addition to cleaning the gums of infection, healthy gum tissue is taken from another part of your mouth to strengthen and rebuild the infected areas.

Periodontal Maintenance

Keeping your mouth clean and free of infection is crucial to ensure lasting benefits after your treatment. Dr. Kosinski normally recommends scheduling biannual visits for a cleaning and checkup every six months.

Oral Hygiene Tips

In addition to regular visits, following an effective at-home oral care routine can help maintain the health of your gums. Here are some tips for preserving your healthy smile:

Use fluoride dental products. This includes toothpaste and mouthwash. Generally speaking, you can use any fluoridated toothpaste you prefer.
Brush your teeth twice a day. Dr. Kosinski recommends brushing with a soft-bristled toothbrush. Remember, brushing harder doesn’t necessarily clean better and may cause damage to your enamel.
Floss at least once a day. Preferably at night so that you don’t go to bed with food caught between your teeth.
Rinse with mouthwash after meals. It’s important to keep your mouth free of loose food and debris. Getting into the habit of rinsing your mouth after eating can be an easy way to prevent plaque buildup.

Frequently Asked Questions

What’s the difference between periodontal disease and gingivitis?

Can periodontal disease be treated at home?

What’s the difference between periodontal disease and gingivitis?

Gingivitis is the first stage of periodontal disease. Both are identified by gum inflammation that results from the buildup of plaque and tartar on teeth. Gingivitis is characterized by bleeding or swollen gums but, since it’s not typically painful, can sometimes go unnoticed. If left untreated, gingivitis will progress to more serious stages of periodontal disease.

Can periodontal disease be treated at home?

Unfortunately, no. The only stage of periodontal disease that can be reversed without professional intervention is gingivitis. Once it escalates to the later stages of periodontal disease, a patient’s recovery will require the treatment of a professional like Dr. Kosinski.

Visit Dr. Kosinski for Healthy Gums

Our expert team strives to provide high-quality and thorough care to all our patients. Don’t put off your periodontal treatment. Schedule your consultation with Dr. Kosinski today by calling us at (248) 646-8651.