Periodontics

Gum disease is a common dental health problem that affects nearly half of adults 30 and older in the United States. At OneSource Dental of South Tampa in Tampa, Florida, the highly trained team offers complete periodontal care to treat gum disease and eliminate your risk of severe oral health complications. Call the office to learn more or schedule an appointment online today.

What is periodontics?

Periodontics includes treatment for gum disease, which can be a serious problem when not cared for properly. OneSource Dental of South Tampa provides dental examinations to evaluate the soft tissues and underlying bone that supports your teeth. If you need periodontal care, the OneSource Dental of South Tampa team tailors a treatment plan that maximizes your results.

Why might I need periodontics treatment?

You may need periodontics care if you have the hallmark symptoms of gum disease, such as:

• Bright red gums
• Bleeding gums
• Receding gumline
• Tender gums
• Puffy or swollen gums
• Jawbone loss
• Lose permanent teeth
• Permanent tooth loss
• Bad breath
• Painful chewing
• Pus near your gumline 

The initial symptoms of gum disease may not be noticeable, which is why it’s important to see your dentist every six months for routine dental cleanings and evaluations.

What are the risk factors for gum disease?

The most common risk factors for gum disease include:

• Insufficient brushing and flossing
• Skipping professional dental cleanings
• Older age
• Family history of gum disease
• Smoking
• Chewing tobacco
• Recreational drug use
• Inadequate nutrition
• Diabetes 
• Crohn’s disease
• Rheumatoid arthritis
• Weakened immune system
• Cancer treatments
• Hormone changes
• Carrying excess body weight
• Vitamin C deficiency
• Some medications

The best ways to reduce your chance of developing gum disease include adopting healthy lifestyle habits, attending routine dental visits, brushing your teeth after meals, and flossing every day.

Is periodontics care right for me?

The OneSource Dental of South Tampa team lets you know if you need gum disease treatment after discussing your oral health history and symptoms, examining your teeth and gums, measuring the pocket depth of your gums, and reviewing the results of your dental X-rays. They determine the severity of your condition and develop an effective treatment plan.

What should I expect during periodontics treatment?

Depending on the type of gum disease you have, your OneSource Dental of South Tampa provider may suggest deep dental cleaning (scaling and root planing), antibiotics, and healthy lifestyle changes. 

You might also need gum surgery, bone grafting procedures, or laser treatment for gum disease. Bone and gum grafting restores affected soft and hard tissues to prevent further problems.

Receiving gum disease treatment in the early stages can save your permanent teeth from becoming loose or falling out. It can restore gum tissue, reduce pain, and lessen the chance of costly complications.

To get screened or treated for gum disease, call the OneSource Dental of South Tampa office or schedule an appointment online today.