When there are signs of periodontal disease, it is always the best course to act to correct and offset its spread. Periodontal disease (or more commonly known as gum disease) will continually worsen and lower your oral health. In time, major dental problems will occur including:
- Dental bleeding while eating, brushing or flossing
- Continual bad breath despite systematic brushing, flossing and mouth washing
- Gum recession, loosening of teeth and oral bone loss
- Overall health decline; especially when other health conditions exists such as diabetes, heart disease, osteoporosis
Dr. Chua encourages all to understand to relation that is evident between a healthy mouth and overall wellness. In many cases, your mouth can be a first warning system that other problems, such as cancer, is affecting your health. Consequently, Silver Smile Dental performs comprehensive checkups of your palate, gums, tongue, and cheeks during our oral cancer exams.
Laser Assisted New Attachment Procedure (LANAP)
In times past, the approach to ridding your gums of the effects of periodontal disease was to perform invasive gum surgery. This involved removing sections of the infected gums and suturing the gum. Although the treatment is effective, it also completely changed the look of the patient’s smile.
Sometimes gum surgery is necessary. However, in many scenarios laser-assisted new attachment procedures (LANAP) can work without surgery. The laser rids the gums of infected cells without damaging healthy cells. It also, simultaneously, destroys bacteria that is causing periodontal disease. There is significantly less pain, the results are long-lasting, and recovery time is minimal.
Periodontal Maintenance
Once Dr. Chua has proceeded with the initial process of your periodontal treatment, the disease will subside. However, it is extremely important to follow up with regular maintenance to prevent the disease from returning. Please be advised that no matter how meticulous you are with cleaning your teeth, there will be some bacterial plaque that is missed. Dr. Chua and staff can removal all plague and other build-up to maximize your oral health during regular visits.