Periodontal Disease Treatment
We love a great looking smile with sparkling white teeth, but pretty teeth alone don't make a smile healthy. The truth is that you just can’t achieve a healthy smile unless your gums are healthy too.
When you think about it, it makes sense. If your gums aren’t in optimal condition, they can’t do the one thing they’re designed to do, which is support your teeth. Without effective oral hygiene and regular professional cleanings, periodontal disease can develop quickly and damage not just your gums, but also your teeth.
If we don’t treat gum disease as soon as possible, you risk severe tooth decay, gum deterioration, and possible tooth loss. In turn, these problems eventually lead to the need for complex and costly dental treatment.
How Gum Disease Develops
As you go through your day, a sticky film called plaque develops on your teeth. Plaque attracts bacteria that build up between teeth and under the gums. Your body’s response to these bacteria causes your gums to become red and inflamed. Pockets form between your teeth and gums, and over time, the teeth loosen and may eventually be lost.
Even if you’re proactive about your oral hygiene, you can still develop gum disease. Brushing and flossing are obviously essential, but even your best efforts can’t eliminate all the bacteria that lead to periodontal infection. Regular professional dental cleanings are the one way to keep the disease from developing and eliminating it once it starts.
Symptoms of Gum Disease
One of the big problems with gum disease is that many people have it and don’t even know it because the infection can develop quickly and damage your teeth without any noticeable symptoms. On the other hand, you may have symptoms and be unaware that they have anything to do with gum disease. Here are a few things to look for:
- Bleeding gums when you brush and floss
- A bad taste in your mouth
- Loose teeth
- Receding gums
- Puffy, red, inflamed gums
How We Treat Gum Disease
During your regular dental cleaning, one of our trained hygienists will check your gums carefully for any signs of disease. If we find the mildest form of gum disease, gingivitis, your hygienist will perform a thorough cleaning. An antibiotic rinse and follow-up cleaning may also be recommended.
If your gum disease is more serious, our dental hygienist may need to perform a deep cleaning. This involves a thorough cleaning where plaque and tartar are gently removed from tooth surfaces below the gum line.
During a deep cleaning, rough spots on the tooth root where the germs gather will be smoothed over. This helps remove bacteria that contribute to gum disease. We will schedule more frequent cleanings in the future and discuss oral hygiene and the best practices to stop the disease from coming back.
Please Call to Schedule Your Next Dental Cleaning
Preventive care like cleanings are so simple that there’s really no reason for you to ever have to deal with gum disease and all its problems. We’re committed to helping you enjoy a healthy, beautiful smile, and cleanings and exams are essential for achieving that goal.
Please contact our Winter Haven dental office to schedule your next dental exam and cleaning. Whatever the current state of your oral health, we’re here to help you get the care you need.
Our Team
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Dr. John Park
Cosmetic and General Dentist Dr. John Park grew up in Orlando, Florida. He graduated from Trinity Prep High School and attended The Johns Hopkins University until he changed majors from engineering to pre-dental at The University of Florida. Prior to graduating, Dr. Park was accepted into Boston University School of Graduate Dentistry.
He practiced in Boston for two years before returning to Florida, where he has been providing state-of-art dentistry at our Winter Haven location since 1999. Dr. Park utilizes his in-depth training and experience to offer the most advanced dental ...
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Frequently Asked Questions
We are in-network with Delta Dental Premier, and we file all PPO and traditional insurances as well. The world of dental insurance can be complicated, and we’re always here to answer your questions and find the information you need. We want you to get the most out of your coverage, and we are here to help any way we can.
Dental anxiety is a common problem shared by millions of people and can occur for a number of reasons. For many, it’s the result of a negative dental experience in the past. Others may find it difficult to sit in the dental chair for long periods of time, or worry because they have a strong gag reflex.
Dr. Park and our team are sensitive to your concerns and have helped many patients with dental phobias. You will find that our gentle, compassionate approach and genuine concern for your well-being make all the difference in helping you deal with your anxiety.
The key to overcoming your fears is communication. It’s important for you to tell us about your anxious feelings so we can tailor your treatment to fit your needs and take all the time you need to help you relax. There’s absolutely no reason for you to feel embarrassed about your concerns, because our primary goal is your comfort and well being.
Please don’t put off dental visits because of anxiety. With our effective relaxation techniques, you will finally be able to get the care you need in a friendly, stress-free setting. If you’d like more information about our gentle dentistry, please contact our Winter Haven dental office.
Testimonial
I would recommend Dr. Park and his staff to any of my family and friends.
My husband and I have been going to Dr. Park for longer than I can remember. Probably 20 years or more. We have always been very pleased with him and his staff. They are very professional, and still make you feel very welcome. Wouldn't think of going anywhere else. I would recommend Dr. Park and his staff to any of my family and friends, or anyone who asked me to recommend a dentist.
-Martha