Periodontics
What is Periodontics?
Healthy gums are the foundation of a healthy smile. Periodontics focuses on preventing, diagnosing, and treating gum disease while protecting the structures that support your teeth. With modern treatments and preventive care, it’s easier than ever to keep your gums strong, your smile healthy, and small concerns from developing into bigger problems.
At Center Point Dental, Dr. Flaherty and Dr. Stuart are dedicated to helping patients maintain excellent gum health. Using advanced technology and a gentle, personalized approach, they provide everything from routine gum care to treatment for periodontal disease. Their goal is to protect not only your teeth but also your overall oral health.
Periodontal care is about more than treating disease—it’s about preserving the natural beauty of your smile, supporting long-term health, and ensuring comfort at every stage. At Center Point Dental, we’re here to give you the tools and care you need to keep your gums and smile strong for life.
Is it time for Periodontics treatment?
At Center Point Dental, our periodontal care begins with a personalized approach to understand the health of your gums and supporting structures. From preventive cleanings and early gum disease treatment to more advanced therapies, Dr. Stuart and Dr. Flaherty provide comprehensive care to protect your smile at every stage. Their goal is to keep your gums healthy, your teeth strong, and your smile comfortable and confident—so you can enjoy lasting oral health for years to come.
Gingivitis
Gingivitis is a mild, early stage of gum disease. Symptoms may include red or swollen gums, sensitivity to temperature, chronic bad breath, or minor bleeding. Very often, none of these symptoms seem particularly worrisome. However, if the tartar is not removed, gingivitis develops into a much more severe form of gum disease.
Periodontitis
Periodontitis develops when gingivitis is left untreated. Plaque bacteria trigger the body’s immune response, causing gums to swell and the jawbone to break down. As bone recedes, gums pull away from the teeth, exposing more of the tooth structure. Plaque and tartar then move below the gum line, leading to loosened teeth and a higher risk of decay.
FAQ's
1. What is periodontitis?
Periodontitis is an advanced stage of gum disease that develops when gingivitis is left untreated. It causes gum inflammation, bone loss, and can eventually lead to loose or missing teeth.
2. What are the symptoms of gum disease?
Symptoms can include red or swollen gums, bleeding when brushing or flossing, persistent bad breath, gum recession, or teeth that feel loose.
3. How is periodontitis treated?
Treatment involves three important steps:
Step 1: Daily home care. Consistent brushing and flossing are essential. Talk to us about proper techniques and routines.
Step 2: Deep cleaning and scaling. Once tartar has built up, it can’t be removed at home. Our team will perform a deep cleaning to remove tartar and bacteria, restoring your gums to health.
Step 3: Repeat. Ongoing home care and regular dental checkups are critical to maintaining long-term gum health.
4. Can gum disease be reversed?
In its earliest stage (gingivitis), gum disease can often be reversed with proper care. Once it progresses to periodontitis, it can’t be fully reversed, but it can be managed and controlled with treatment.
5. Why is treating gum disease important?
Healthy gums support healthy teeth and overall wellness. Treating gum disease not only prevents tooth loss but also reduces risks linked to conditions like heart disease and diabetes.