Periodontics

A routine dental checkup by our Torrance dentist can help detect the early and advanced stages of periodontal disease. This disease is also commonly known as gum disease, and without treatment it can eventually lead to tooth decay and loss. Early symptoms of gum disease include red, swollen gums that tend to bleed during brushing. This first stage of periodontal disease is known as gingivitis. It will progress into the next stage, periodontitis, if it is not treated by our Torrance periodontist. Early detection helps to make treatment easier and also decreases the risk of further damage being done to your teeth and gums.

Due to the buildup of plaque and tartar on your teeth, periodontitis causes the gum line to pull away from the teeth. The receded sections of your gums become infected, causing pockets to form that hold the infection. Just as with gingivitis, the gums are typically inflamed and tend to bleed easily. Advanced periodontitis destroys the bone tissue as the gum line recedes, causing teeth to become loose and eventually fall out. In addition to inflicting serious damage to your smile, tooth loss can also cause facial deformities.

Periodontics Torrance

Periodontal disease is completely treatable. After periodontal disease has been detected and diagnosed, a procedure known as scaling and root planing is commonly used by our Torrance periodontics expert in order to treat it. The removal of plaque, tartar, and infection from above and below the gum line allows the pockets holding the infection to reduce in size and heal. A variety of additional treatments may be recommended by our expert in periodontics in Torrance to help reverse periodontal disease. These can include dental-approved toothpaste, specially designed dental mouth rinses, or antibiotics.

Advanced periodontal surgeries may be required if infected pockets do not heal or reduce in size. Pockets that are not reduced make it more difficult to clean teeth properly and thus make it harder to avoid further infection and bone degeneration. A good oral hygiene program can be created to help ensure that periodontal disease does not return and cause further damage. Daily brushing and flossing, along with regular visits to our periodontist in Torrance, are effective measures in preventing the onset of periodontal disease.