At Kennebec Dental Excellence, we believe in educating patients on the benefits of a healthy smile.
Not only is a healthy smile beautiful, but it is also free from decay and disease. However, if problems arise, such as a diagnosis of periodontal disease or gingivitis, you must take action as soon as possible to bring your smile back to health.
What Is Periodontal Disease, & What Are The Common Causes?
Our doctors describe periodontal disease as an infection of the gums and other areas around the teeth. This disease is caused by plaque and bacteria that accumulate on your teeth and are not removed through daily brushing and flossing.
What Can Happen If I Do Not Treat Periodontal Disease After A Definitive Diagnosis?
Without treatment, periodontal disease, also known as gum disease, can spread to the bone supporting your teeth and the tissue surrounding them. In addition, the infection from periodontal disease can spread through the body and affect other organs and is known to be linked to conditions such as diabetes, heart disease, and an increased risk of stroke. Treating the infection and managing the condition over time will ensure a healthy smile – AND a healthy body as well!
What Treatment Should I Consider For Periodontal Disease Or Even Gingivitis?
Our practice offers a comprehensive range of treatments to help you treat and manage periodontal disease. These treatments may include deep cleaning (also known as scaling and root planing), administration of antibiotics, or oral surgery. Our goal is always to provide efficient care while also ensuring you have all the information you need to make an informed decision regarding your dental health.
Address Periodontal Disease Today To Restore The Health Of Your Smile!
If you have been diagnosed with periodontal disease, it is critical that you take the proper steps to treat the infection and bring your smile back to health. If you live in the Waterville, Maine area and want to speak to a professional about treatment options, call us to request a consultation or visit our office in Winslow, Maine. We are open to new and current patients at our office, serving patients in and around Bangor, Skowhegan, Augusta, Gardiner, and Belfast, ME.
Recognizing The Early Warning Signs
Because the early stages of gum inflammation are often completely painless, many patients are unaware that an infection is developing beneath the surface. Detecting gingivitis before it progresses into irreversible periodontitis is the most effective way to preserve your natural teeth and prevent the need for complex surgical interventions. We strongly encourage you to schedule an evaluation with our team if you notice any changes in your oral tissues during your daily brushing routine.
- Gums that appear noticeably red, swollen, or feel unusually tender to the touch.
- Frequent bleeding when brushing or utilizing dental floss between your teeth.
- Persistent bad breath or a metallic taste in your mouth that does not improve after using mouthwash.
- Teeth that suddenly feel loose or a noticeable shift in how your upper and lower jaws fit together when you bite down.
- Visible recession where the gumline pulls away from the enamel, exposing the sensitive tooth root.
Advanced Diagnostics For Accurate Treatment
To provide the highest standard of care, we utilize modern diagnostic tools during your comprehensive periodontal evaluation at our clinic in Winslow, ME. Our team will gently measure the depth of the pockets between your gums and teeth using a specialized periodontal probe. Healthy pockets typically measure between one and three millimeters; anything deeper indicates that bacterial plaque has migrated beneath the gumline where a toothbrush cannot reach. We also capture high-resolution digital x-rays to closely evaluate the density of your jawbone and ensure the infection has not compromised the foundational structures supporting your smile.
Maintenance & Long-Term Periodontal Health
Managing periodontal disease is an ongoing collaborative process between our dedicated professionals and your diligent at-home efforts. Following a deep cleaning or scaling procedure, your gums will need time to heal and reattach securely to the roots of your teeth. Instead of standard six-month check-ups, patients managing this chronic condition typically transition to a specialized periodontal maintenance schedule.
These frequent visits to our practice in Winslow, ME allow our hygienists to carefully remove microscopic calculus before it triggers another inflammatory response. We will continuously monitor your pocket depths, apply targeted antimicrobial treatments if necessary, and provide personalized advice on utilizing advanced tools like water flossers or interdental brushes. By staying proactive and committed to your prescribed maintenance plan, you can successfully halt the progression of the disease and enjoy a comfortable, fully functional smile for decades.