Periodontics Is A Priority At Our Office To Keep Your Gums Healthy
Willow Creek Dentistry in Rochester, New York, treats more than the teeth. Drs. Chris Calnon, Scott Koopman, and Molly Hatala also prioritize periodontics. This branch of dentistry focuses on supporting the health of the tissues that surround and support the teeth. These tissues include the gums and the underlying bone.
Why is gum health so important?
The gums protect the teeth, forming a tight seal around the base of each tooth. They help to “anchor” the teeth in the jawbone; shield underlying bone and ligaments; and act as shock absorbers when you chew, bite, and otherwise use your teeth. The health of your gums can also affect your overall health.
What is the connection between my gums and my overall health?
Healthy gums help to keep harmful bacteria in check. The bacteria associated with unhealthy or damaged gums can travel to distant organs and systems via the bloodstream. Many studies have linked these bacteria and related inflammation to an increased risk of developing various systemic conditions, including diabetes, heart disease, stroke, and respiratory issues. So, preventing damage to the gums is good for the health of your teeth as well as for the health of the rest of your body, too.
How do gums become damaged?
Food that is not removed from the teeth, gums, and other parts of the mouth promotes the build-up of plaque, that sticky and colorless bacterial film. Plaque triggers a process that can erode both the teeth and the gums that surround them.
How do I keep my gums healthy?
The most important thing you can do for your gum health is maintain good oral care. Good care is a combination of consistent, thorough daily brushing and flossing and routine check-ups at our office. During these check-ups, our professional hygienists remove bacterial plaque that standard toothbrushes and floss miss. Our skill and specialized instruments also remove stubborn, hardened plaque or tartar. No check-up would be complete without a thorough exam. During these exams, Drs. Calnon, Koopman, or Hatala assesses the condition of your gums. They want to identify problems early, when they are easiest to treat successfully.
What are you looking for during exams?
In periodontics, we look for signs of gum disease. Gum disease gets worse without treatment. What starts as mild gingivitis can progress to more serious periodontitis, which affects the health of the bone surrounding the teeth. The nature of your symptoms and what we find during your exam can provide clues into the extent or severity of damage to your gums. For instance, early gum disease, or gingivitis, may appear as dark, swollen gums that bleed easily. In later-stage periodontitis, the gums pull away from the teeth. As the disease progresses, the spaces between the teeth and gums widen and can make your smile look “toothy.” Since periodontitis breaks down the supportive tissues, you may notice that your teeth become loose in their sockets.
Can gum disease be reversed?
Gingivitis can be reversed. However, more advanced gum disease causes irreversible damage. So, treatment for early disease generally aims to halt its progression and preserve the gums. In later-stage disease, the focus is on regenerating lost tissue. The recommended treatment depends on the degree of damage. Early on, we may recommend changes in your oral care routine. A “deep cleaning” or scaling and root planing may be appropriate. Periodontitis treatment generally requires specialized instruments and techniques to remove damaged tissues and encourage natural healing and the reattachment of the gums to the teeth.
While common, gum disease is also highly preventable with consistent at-home care and routine professional care at the office of Willow Creek Dentistry. Call (585) 889-2559 to schedule your appointment in Rochester, NY, today.
Meet Our Dental Team
Our experienced team of dentists is committed to delivering high-quality, patient-centered care backed by advanced training and ongoing education.
Together, our doctors bring decades of combined experience, advanced clinical training, and active involvement in professional organizations. Their shared commitment to continuing education and modern dentistry ensures patients receive the highest standard of care in a comfortable, trusted environment.
