Periodontics
At Hart Dental Group, we care for the health of your entire mouth. Dr. Hart provides periodontal care, which can help you improve the overall health of your gums.
When you visit our office for a routine cleaning, we will closely examine the health of your gums to see if there are any acute issues that need to be addressed. Then, if we believe you can benefit from a periodontal specialist, we will explain exactly what happens next.
What Are the Symptoms of Gum Disease?
The early stages of gum disease may not lead to any symptoms at all. That is why we believe it is important for you to schedule a visit with us at least once every six months for a comprehensive evaluation.
As periodontal disease worsens, you might notice a few symptoms. They include:
- Sores in your mouth
- Bleeding gums when you brush or floss.
- Puffy or swollen gums.
- Areas of discoloration on your gums themselves
- Your gum tissue looks a bit loose around your teeth
- The gumline might start receding
- You are adjusting the position of your bite to avoid mouth pain
- Extreme tooth sensitivity when you drink hot or cold liquids
If you notice any of these signs, reach out to us for assistance. We want to provide you with a comprehensive evaluation before the problem worsens.
How Do You Decide if You Need a Periodontics Exam?
Dr. Hart will carefully listen as you describe your symptoms, when they developed, and anything you have done to alleviate them. Then, we will provide you with a comprehensive oral exam, examining your gums closely to look for signs of gum recession and bite problems. We may also use a probe to measure the depth of your periodontal pockets to see if you have signs of severe periodontitis. Dental X-rays may be needed to look at the health of your bone underneath your gum tissue.
How is Periodontics Treated?
If you have periodontitis, we have several treatment options that we can use to address the issue. Some of the treatment options we may recommend include:
Comprehensive Cleaning
We will always start by providing a comprehensive cleaning to remove any plaque or tartar that might be present. We understand that there could be some plaque and tartar close to the gum line that is difficult to remove with a toothbrush, but we have the necessary tools and techniques to help you clean your teeth and gums thoroughly.
Root Scaling and Planing
If you have plaque and tartar forming in the pockets of your gum tissue, you may require scaling and root planning. This is a non-surgical cleaning technique, but it goes much deeper than a routine cleaning. We will use local anesthesia and numbing medicine to keep you as comfortable as possible, and we will remove any bacteria that could be present underneath your gumline. We want to keep your teeth as clean as possible so your gum tissue adheres thoroughly to your teeth.
Pocket Reduction
If you have advanced periodontitis, we may recommend pocket reduction. We will lift the gum tissue and remove any tartar that might be underneath. We can also smooth any areas of damaged tissue and remove pockets that could be hiding bacteria. Once we are done, we will place the gum tissue back in the right position and provide a safe environment for it to heal.
Laser Gum Surgery
If you are looking for a less invasive option, we may recommend LANAP laser gum surgery. This effective treatment can provide effective results but does not require as much downtime. It could also reduce your chances of dealing with tooth sensitivity once the visit is done.
Call Hart Dental Group Today for Columbus Periodontal Care
At Hart Dental Group, we believe in taking care of your entire mouth, which is why we also offer periodontic care in Grandview and Upper Arlington. If you believe you have problems with your gum tissue, address them as quickly as possible by reaching out to our team.
Dr. Hart’s straightforward, courteous, and professional bedside manner will keep you at ease as we take care of your periodontal needs. Call us today at (614) 486-1123 to schedule your appointment for periodontal care.