Periodontal and Implant Associates, Inc.

Periodontal Disease

The goal and objective of a periodontal checkup is to examine the health of your gum tissue. We measure the small pockets that surround your teeth using a specific periodontal ruler that Periodontal and Implants Associates, Inc. will insert between each tooth and the gum. Every tooth is surrounded by soft tissue. This tiny ruler is narrow and calibrated with lines marked in millimeters. We measure the perimeter of each tooth and check the depth of every pocket. The depth of these pockets tells us the condition of your gum tissue. Pocket depths of 1-3 millimeters, with no bleeding, show us your gums are considered healthy. If your pockets measure deeper than 3 millimeters, it can indeed indicate a problem.

Beginning with your very first visit with Periodontal and Implants Associates, Inc., our entire dental team is committed to establishing a relationship with you, acknowledging your unique individual needs, and striving effortlessly to provide personalized oral health care to meet your goals.

We focus on creating the ultimate stress-free and comfortable dental experience. Your health and comfort are our top priorities, and we will do what is necessary to help you understand your symptoms and your treatment options in a relaxed environment. Call Periodontal and Implant Associates, Inc., at (256) 734-8588 with any questions or to make an appointment for an exam for periodontal disease.

What Exactly is Periodontal Disease?

Periodontal disease, or gum disease, is the direct result of infection and inflammation of the gums and even the bone that surrounds and supports your teeth. In the earliest stage, called gingivitis, your gums become red and swollen, and they may even bleed. In a more serious stage, which is called periodontitis, your gums will begin to pull away from your teeth, bone can be lost, and your teeth might even loosen and fall out. Periodontal disease is most often an issue in adults. Periodontal disease and tooth decay are the primary issues impacting dental health. A recent CDC report states this in the US:

  • Around 50% of adults over the age of 30 have some stage of periodontal disease.
  • Periodontal disease increases with age, with over 70% of adults 65 years and older having some form of periodontal disease.

What Causes Periodontal
Disease or Gum Disease?

There are millions of bacteria in your mouth every single day. This is how we start digestion. If the bacteria are not kept in check with daily brushing and flossing, they will immediately infect the gum tissue surrounding the tooth, resulting in inflammation around the tooth, forming gum disease. When the bacteria remain on your teeth long enough, they will form a clear sticky film called plaque, which will harden into tartar, also called calculus. Tartar build-up spreads below the gum line, which now makes the teeth even more difficult to clean. At this point, only your dental health professionals at Periodontal and Implant Associates, Inc. can remove the tartar and halt the periodontal disease progression.

Why Should You Get a
Periodontal Exam?

Every adult should thoroughly evaluate the state of their periodontal health twice a year to receive accurate information about the condition of their mouth, teeth, and gums.

If you have one of the following, it can be a warning sign for gum disease:

  • Bad breath or a bad taste that lingers and will not go away.
  • Your gums are red or swollen.
  • Your gums are tender or bleeding.
  • It is painful to chew.
  • You feel loose teeth.
  • Your teeth have become more sensitive.
  • Your gums are pulling away from your teeth, creating pockets.
  • A change in how your teeth come together when you bite.
  • A change in the fit of partial dentures.

By scheduling an exam every six months as advised, both Periodontal and Implant Associates, Inc., and you will know the history of your mouth and what is considered healthy, and we are able to detect any changes, like periodontal disease, which would need additional treatment.

Research has now proven that there is a correlation between periodontal disease and other chronic conditions, like diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and respiratory disease. This is a sound reason to treat any inflammation that causes periodontal disease promptly, so your entire body stays healthy.

What is a Periodontal Exam?

A periodontal examination is a way to assess your periodontal or gum health by examining:

  • The condition of your teeth.
  • The amount of plaque buildup.
  • The health of your gums.
  • Your bite alignment.
  • Your bone structures.
  • Any personal risk factors.

When your team at Periodontal and Implant Associates, Inc. performs this evaluation, we evaluate these six areas to determine if periodontal disease is present.

How is the Exam Performed?

The exam consists of the six focal points listed above. One primary key component is measuring your pocket depths. We will share these results at your exam, because these numbers allow us to diagnose if there is any infection around your teeth. These numbers help us determine what treatment plan is best suited for your individual needs.

Good Oral Hygiene Leads to Good Overall Health

Our objective is to keep those pocket depths at 3 millimeters or less to keep healthy gum tissue and avoid periodontal disease. Your gums should never bleed, which is a crucial sign. Consider brushing with an electric toothbrush since they are programmed for the desired two minutes. Also, floss daily. Other possibilities to improve your home care are water picks and interproximal cleaners. Together with your consistent daily practices at home and regular professional cleanings, exams, and periodontal evaluations at Periodontal and Implant Associates, Inc., we can keep your mouth healthy together.

We Change Lives One Smile at a Time

It is our mission at Periodontal and Implant Associates, Inc. to educate and provide every patient with the best periodontal and dental care found in Alabama. The attention to detail by our entire dental team achieves quality and successful dental results with healthy and beautiful smiles for all patients. We collaborate to realize a shared vision of excellence. We are committed to:

  • Listening to those we have the opportunity to serve.
  • Earn the trust and respect of every patient, profession, and community.
  • Exceeding your expectations.
  • Ensure a creative, challenging, and compassionate professional environment.
  • Striving for continuous improvement at all levels.

You can find Periodontal and Implant Associates, Inc. at 315 Second St. SE, Cullman, AL, 35055. Or give us a call today at (256) 734-8588.

Periodontal and Implant Associates, Inc.

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