At the practice of Dr. Clint Bruyere, patients in and around the community of Longview, TX can enjoy a healthy smile for life. Periodontal disease is a serious condition that can develop when patients do not take proper care of their teeth and gums. This infection cannot be cured and can only be controlled. Therefore, it is important to avoid development of the issue. Patients who have received a diagnosis of periodontal disease will want to work with their dentist to discuss appropriate treatment.

Treatment of periodontal disease

Before patients can consider a treatment for their condition, they first need to determine the stage at it has reached. Periodontal disease in its earlier stages is easier to treat with a thorough cleaning and examination by our staff. This stage is known as gingivitis. Signs of gingivitis include:

• Bleeding gums
• Swollen gums
• Halitosis
• Red soft tissues

Avoiding treatment of gingivitis can cause the condition to reach the later stages and become more difficult to address. These stages are known as periodontitis. Periodontitis can result in bone loss and shrinking gum tissue, which eliminates the proper foundation for the natural teeth, causing these teeth to become loose. When patients have lost teeth from their condition, it is far past the point it can be easily treated.

Periodontal disease in the later stages requires a treatment called scaling and root planing. This is a more invasive but thorough cleaning of the teeth and gums and is the first step in controlling the infection. Many of these patients will benefit from the application of antibiotics or even a prescription for oral antibiotics. When these treatments are performed together, the infection will be addressed faster. Once the condition has been controlled and the infection is gone, patients can then work with their dentist to determine the ways they can restore the smile.

Tooth and gum loss

Tooth and gum loss are extremely common in patients who have the later stages of periodontal disease. Gum loss may be improved with gum grafting, during which the gums are restored after shrinking. With tooth loss, patients have a few different options. Because most patients with periodontal disease have lost substantial bone in the jaw, they may not be considered appropriate candidates for dental implants unless they consider bone grafting. These patients may be better suited for solutions such as dental bridges and dentures. Dental bridges are ceramic restorations that are made to “bridge the gap” between the teeth after tooth loss and are a more permanent option than dentures. Dentures may be full or partial dentures, depending on how many teeth are being restored. Dentures are economical, easily removable, and are made to look completely natural when in place. They can restore appearance and function of the smile in an effective manner.

Preventative care

The key to avoiding periodontal disease is to be prudent when it comes to preventative care. Periodontal disease can be avoided when patients maintain their oral health over the years. This means brushing the teeth after every meal, flossing at least once a day, and visiting the dentist on a regular basis for cleanings and examinations. When signs of this condition begin to form, the dentist can work with the patient to treat it and keep it from becoming a much bigger issue in the future. Dr. Clint Bruyere and his team are dedicated to helping others in ensuring periodontal disease and tooth decay do not form in the smile and result in expensive procedures to repair.

Visit Dr. Clint Bruyere today for periodontal care

Periodontal disease is a condition that can impact the smile in a negative and permanent manner. Our team of professionals welcome patients into our practice in Longview, TX to learn about how to prevent the condition, diagnose it, and receive effective treatment to control it. Call Dr. Clint Bruyere and his team of professionals at the practice, conveniently located at 444 Forest Square, Suite G and book the visit by calling (903) 708-6116. We encourage patients to take the first step in learning more about effective care and preventative solutions for better oral health and wellness.

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