Periodontics
What Is Periodontics?
Understanding Periodontics: The Science of Gum Health
Periodontics is a branch of dentistry that focuses on the health of the supporting structures around your teeth — your gums and jawbone. This type of care helps maintain a strong foundation for your smile and addresses periodontitis, also known as gum or periodontal disease.
Periodontal work is often performed by a periodontist, a dentist who specializes in the field. However, our patients don't need to make a separate trip to a specialist: Dr. Moncada has the training and resources to effectively prevent, diagnose, and treat gum disease right at our dental office in Orlando, FL.
How Periodontal Disease Progresses
Gum disease is progressive; thankfully, our team in Orlando, FL, can offer periodontal care for multiple stages of periodontal disease:
Gingivitis
This occurs when plaque builds up below the gumline, which may result in swollen, tender gums and bad breath. Good oral hygiene and cleanings can prevent or reverse gingivitis.
Periodontitis
Periodontitis symptoms include those of gingivitis, as well as a metallic taste in the mouth, receding gums, enlarged spaces between the gums and teeth, and even loose teeth.
How We Address Periodontal Disease
Dentists and periodontists alike use several techniques to treat periodontitis and restore your smile. One approach is to place small pads treated with antibiotic solutions between the teeth and gums, helping to reduce plaque and combat the disease. From scaling and root planing to dental implant placement, here's what else our team in Florida can do for our patients.
Scaling and Root Planing
If build-up develops below the gums, a routine dental cleaning may not be able to reach it. Enter scaling and root planing, a conservative treatment option for gum disease that involves our dentist using tools or sonic instruments to clean plaque from above and below the gumline. Tooth roots are then smoothed to prevent bacteria from becoming trapped.
Laser Dentistry
In more advanced cases of gum disease, we can supplement scaling and root planing efforts with laser therapy to restore your periodontal health. Our Orlando, FL, dentist can use a soft tissue laser to kill harmful bacteria in the gums and remove already-infected tissue. Fortunately, this technique is not nearly as invasive as standard oral surgery.
Restorative Options
If you have missing teeth or require extractions due to gum disease, our dentist can provide you with high-quality restorations that provide form and function to your smile. Depending on your circumstances, we may recommend dental crowns, bridges, or dentures. Dental implants may be used to provide additional support to these restorations.
Frequently Asked Questions About Periodontics
Will periodontal treatment hurt?
No. Dr. Moncada and her Orlando, FL, staff use gentle techniques, local anesthetics, and sedation to make you as comfortable as possible during your periodontal procedure.
What can I do to prevent periodontal disease?
While not all cases of gum diseases can be avoided, practicing good oral hygiene is recommended. Brush and floss twice daily, refrain from using tobacco products, and visit your dentist regularly to maintain your periodontal health.
Will I need dental implants?
Depending on the severity of your condition, it's entirely possible to treat your gum disease without needing to extract any teeth and place restorations. However, if it's necessary, we can replace missing teeth with implant-supported crowns, bridges, or dentures. Implants fuse to your jawbone, promoting the health of structures surrounding your teeth.
Do I need to visit a periodontist?
If you’re concerned about the health of your gums and jawbone, you can turn to our Florida practice instead of finding a periodontist. We have helped many patients just like you by developing customized treatment plans and providing treatment right here in our Orlando, FL, office.
What Patients Have to Say About Our Orlando, FL, Team
Jose Delgado
Orlando, FL
2023
Excellent, friendly and professional, I recommend them 100%, from the moment you enter until you leave the attention is excellent
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Gloria Silva
Orlando, FL
2023
Sincere congratulations to the entire Windermere team, the receptionists have excellent customer service. Dr. Susana is very nice and professional, she really did an amazing job for me. Highly recommended!!!
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