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healthy gums

Periodontal Services
What is Periodontal Disease?

Periodontal health is about taking care of the gums and jaw bone that support the teeth. Periodontal disease occurs when destructive bacteria found in dental plaque organize beneath the gum line and cause inflammation as the body tries to fight off infection. (This is why your dental hygienist always recommends flossing; cleaning between the teeth and gums helps to disrupt this bacteria and weaken it.)

If left undisturbed, the bacterial process develops into a serious infection and continues its work, destroying connective tissue and the underlying jaw bone. When bone is destroyed, teeth will become loose and eventually fall out.

Periodontal Specialty Care at Dental Care Center of Macon

If periodontal disease is detected early, it can often be managed with non-surgical gum therapy and maintenance visits to remove toxins and stop the progress of infection.

Our practice Periodontist, works with our general dentists to assist patients with chronic periodontal disease. Periodontal specialists can perform surgical treatments such as regenerative procedures and tissue grafts to help periodontal patients restore health to their smile.

periodontal disease illustration

The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) estimates that over 47% of Americans age 30 and older have some form of periodontal disease.

  • At your dental checkup, your hygienist and dentist will measure the ‘pockets’ between your teeth and gums to look for signs of bleeding or infection. Combined with diagnostic dental x-rays, this periodontal assessment will help them provide you with recommendations to protect your oral health.

Common signs of periodontal disease are bleeding and swollen gums, persistent bad breath and gum recession.

  • In most cases, periodontal disease does not hurt. Studies show that harmful bacteria and inflammation associated with periodontal disease can have a negative impact on other health conditions, such as heart disease or diabetes.

Periodontal disease is the most common cause of tooth loss in adults.

  • Bone, gum tissue and teeth lost due to periodontal disease will not grow back on their own. Our dentists and periodontal specialist may recommend surgery, tissue grafting, dental implants or other dental procedures to restore function and health to the mouth.

Don't let gum disease stop you from smiling.

Contact Dental Care Center of Macon to schedule a new patient examination and consultation with our Periodontist.

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