Periodontal Disease Prevention

Lubbock Periodontics

Periodontal disease, also known as gum disease, is caused when bacteria in plaque builds up between the gums and teeth. When the bacteria begin to grow, the gums surrounding the tooth can become inflamed.

If left untreated, this inflammation can cause the gums and supporting bone structure to deteriorate. This can lead to gum recession and even tooth loss. In addition, research has shown that gum disease may be associated with other diseases, such as diabetes and heart disease. 

Thankfully, periodontal disease can be prevented. Adding these habits to your daily routine can help.

• Brush your teeth. Brushing after meals helps remove food debris and plaque trapped between your teeth and gums. Don’t forget to include your tongue, bacteria loves to hide there. 
• Floss. Flossing at least once a day helps remove food particles and plaque between teeth and along the gum line that your toothbrush can’t quite reach. 
• Swish with mouthwash. Using a mouthwash can help reduce plaque and can remove remaining food particles that brushing and flossing missed. 
• Know your risk. Age, smoking, diet and genetics can all increase your risk for periodontal disease. If you are at increased risk, be sure to talk with your dental professional. 
• See Dr. Lisa Wentz. Get an annual comprehensive periodontal evaluation Dr. Lisa Wentz at Lubbock Periodontics. She will look at your teeth, plaque level, gums, bite, bone structure and other risk factors for periodontal disease. 

Identifying symptoms of gum disease early is key to protecting your teeth and gums.

General Dentist or Periodontist?

Lubbock Periodontics

It's the age old question...Who should treat my periodontal disease: my general dentist or a periodontist?

While your general dentist will be happy to advise you on effective cleaning methods and treatment options. It's a Periodontists who is going to give you the best treatment when it comes to fighting periodontal disease.

Periodontists are dental e​xperts in treating periodontal disease. They receive up to three additional years of specialized training in periodontal disease treatment in both non-surgical treatments and periodontal plastic surgery procedures. Periodontists are also experts in replacing missing teeth with dental implants.

Instead of leaving your treatment to one dental professional, you should consider having both your general dentist and a periodontist be actively involved in the diagnosis and treatment of your periodontal disease. This team approach will help your general dentist and your periodontist collaborate to tailor a treatment plan that works best for your individual case.

Why seeking treatment from a periodontists, like Dr. Lisa Wentz, may be necessary:

1. Moderate/advanced gum disease – This occurs when the gums are bleeding, swollen or red around most teeth and the jawbone has begun to recede.
2. Localized gum recession – The infection which propagates moderate or advanced gum disease often begins in one area. Gum recession may also be caused due to over brushing with a hard bristle brush, or due to a tooth that is not positioned properly.
3. Before crown lengthening – The periodontist may lengthen the crown of the tooth by removing surrounding soft tissue to provide more tooth exposure. 
4. Ridge augmentation – This procedure, often called "recontouring" may be required to correct an uneven gum line. Before embarking on treatment, a periodontist needs to treat any bacterial infections and periodontitis.

There are several ways treatment from Lubbock Periodontics may be sought. In the course of a regular dental check-up, if your general dentist finds symptoms of gingivitis or rapidly progressing periodontal disease, a consultation with Dr. Lisa Wentz may be recommended. However, a referral is not necessary for a periodontal consultation.

If you experience any signs and symptoms, it is important that you schedule an appointment with Lubbock office without delay.