Periodontics Palm Desert, CA
Periodontics is a specialty field of dentistry that focuses on diagnosing, treating, and preventing periodontal disease. If left untreated, periodontal disease can have disastrous consequences. A periodontist is a dental specialist that works primarily in the diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of periodontal disease.
Periodontal treatment is available at Total Care Dentistry & Implants in Palm Desert and the surrounding area. Your gum health is a reflection of your overall health. Call us today at (760) 394-3088 to schedule an appointment or learn more about our services.
Signs Indicating Need for Periodontal Treatment
The most common cause of periodontal and gum disease is plaque buildup, often the result of poor oral hygiene habits such as inadequate brushing, flossing, and rinsing. Plaque eventually leads to tartar, a substance that eats away enamel and causes inflammation and infection. Tartar can also reach below the gum line, making the teeth harder to clean and maintain.
Other common risk factors include diabetes, hormonal changes in girls and women, medications that decrease saliva flow, certain illnesses, and genetics. According to the CDC, signs or symptoms related to periodontal disease include:
- Bad breath or bad taste that will not go away
- Red or swollen gums
- Tender or bleeding gums
- Painful chewing
- Loose teeth
- Sensitive teeth
- Gums that have pulled away from your teeth
- Any change in the way your teeth fit together when you bite
- Any change in the fit of partial dentures
“The most common cause of periodontal and gum disease is plaque buildup, often the result of poor oral hygiene habits such as inadequate brushing, flossing, and rinsing.”
Types of Periodontal Procedures
Periodontists offer a wide variety of procedures, including both hard tissue procedures and osseous procedures. Osseous procedures are any periodontal procedures that reduce bacteria underneath the gums. This process is also known as osseous surgery. During this treatment, Total Care Dentistry & Implants will also smooth down any areas of bone damage or bone irregularities. Periodontal regeneration techniques may also be necessary if the bone is severely damaged, and the gums will be sewn back together.
Periodontists may also choose to manipulate the hard tissue to remove bacteria from the pockets, thus stopping the spread of periodontal disease and infection. Thanks to modern technological advances, periodontists can perform such procedures via non-invasive laser periodontal therapy, which removes any inflamed gum tissue from around the tooth's root and tartar and plaque below and around the gumline.
“Periodontists offer a wide variety of procedures, including both hard tissue procedures and osseous procedures.”
Periodontal Disease
Gingivitis, the mildest form of periodontal disease, can cause the gums to bleed easily and become red and swollen. It is typically reversible with professional treatment and good oral hygiene. According to the American Academy of Periodontology, untreated gingivitis can easily develop into periodontitis.
Receding gums are common in the early stages of periodontitis, causing small pockets to form between the gums and the teeth. Moderate periodontal disease may also bring about bleeding and pain around the teeth, along with further gum recession. Teeth may also lose bone support and become loose. Finally, persons with advanced periodontal disease will see the connective tissue holding the teeth in place deteriorating, leading to tooth loss.
“According to the American Academy of Periodontology, untreated gingivitis can easily develop into periodontitis.”
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Preventing Periodontal Disease
As mentioned above, if left untreated, periodontal disease can lead to gum recession and even tooth loss. Studies have also shown that gum disease may be linked to other systemic diseases, making it all the more important to maintain one's oral health. Fortunately, preventing periodontal disease is relatively easy.
The main way to prevent periodontal disease is to maintain a good oral hygiene routine. This involves brushing one's teeth at least twice a day, flossing nightly, and swishing with mouthwash. Those who are in at-risk groups should act accordingly and see a periodontist annually. A yearly comprehensive periodontal evaluation can assess one's gum health and ensure that patients are on the right track.
“The main way to prevent periodontal disease is to maintain a good oral hygiene routine.”
Questions Answered on This Page
Q. What are some signs that indicate a person may have periodontal disease?
Q. What are some examples of hard tissue procedures and osseous procedures?
Q. What happens as periodontal disease progresses?
Q. How can I prevent periodontal disease?
Q. What happens during periodontal surgery?
People Also Ask
Q. Why is stopping infection from spreading important?
Q. What are common signs of gum disease?
Q. How is gum recession treated?
Q. What are the risk factors for oral cancer?
Q. What are some of the signs indicating a need for tooth extraction?
Periodontal Surgery
Patients with advanced periodontal disease may require periodontal surgery. This surgery involves removing the bacteria from beneath the gums, facilitating the cleaning of the teeth, reshaping the bones supporting the teeth, and helping prevent future gum damage. Depending on the patient's case, flap surgery, bone grafting, guided tissue regeneration, soft tissue grafts, or special proteins may be necessary.
In flap surgery, Total Care Dentistry & Implants makes a small incision into the gum and lifts back a part of tissue to remove tartar and bacteria from the tooth and underneath the gums. In contrast, bone grafting repairs any damage done to the bone surrounding the tooth root. Similarly, guided tissue regeneration stimulates bone regrowth by placing a small piece of material between the gum tissue and the bone. Soft tissue grafts help restore lost tissue, while special proteins can encourage healthy bone and tissue regeneration.
“Depending on the patient’s case, flap surgery, bone grafting, guided tissue regeneration, soft tissue grafts, or special proteins may be necessary.”
Frequently Asked Questions About Periodontics
Q. Will my insurance cover periodontal treatment?
A. While the answer to this question varies on a case-by-case basis, most dental insurance policies tend to cover periodontal treatment. For the most accurate possible answer, speak to your carrier directly. Do not forget to bring your medical and dental benefit information and cards to your appointment.
Q. Can my kids develop periodontal disease?
A. It is rare for children to develop periodontal disease, though it does sometimes occur (particularly in adolescents). In any case, it is essential for patients of all ages to learn the importance of keeping a good oral hygiene routine to keep periodontal disease at bay in the future.
Q. Are there any consequences to missing teeth?
A. Yes, missing teeth are more than just an aesthetic issue. The teeth surrounding the gap may shift, and it may be more difficult for you to chew your food properly or even affect the way you speak. As such, it is crucial to address missing teeth as soon as possible.
Q. What can I expect from my first periodontal examination?
A. During your first periodontal examination, you will undergo a thorough physical examination of your mouth. Along with other things, Total Care Dentistry & Implants will check the health of your gums, the status of your teeth, and the alignment of your bite. We may also perform certain imaging tests to make an accurate official diagnosis.
Q. What else can periodontists do?
A. While most periodontists spend most of their time diagnosing and treating gum disease, they can also perform various other procedures. These include placing dental implants when natural teeth cannot be saved, monitoring implants, correcting gum recession, and coordinating comprehensive dental care along with your dentist.
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Periodontic Terminology
Call Us Today
Periodontal treatments can help prevent, curb, or treat periodontal disease and help you maintain a healthy oral cavity. Call us today at 760-394-3088 to schedule an appointment or learn more about our services.
Helpful Related Links
- American Dental Association (ADA). Glossary of Dental Clinical Terms. 2025
- American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry® (AACD). Home Page. 2025
- WebMD. WebMD’s Oral Care Guide. 2025
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