Periodontal Disease Treatments in Victoria

Periodontal disease, also known as gum disease, is a common dental problem that affects the soft tissues and bone supporting the teeth. Unfortunately, periodontal disease and other gum-related dental problems are quite common among Canadians. At Dr. Crapo & Associates, our dentists can help you prevent and treat diseases like gingivitis and gum disease. Contact us today in Victoria for more information or to schedule an appointment.
 

What Does Dr. Crapo & Associates Do?

We prevent, diagnose, and treat periodontal diseases. Our team provides a range of services, including:

 

• Comprehensive periodontal evaluations

• Scaling and root planing (deep cleaning)

• Periodontal surgery

• Bone grafting and tissue regeneration

• Placement of dental implants

• Management of gum recession

• Maintenance and follow-up care for periodontal disease
   

When to See Dr. Crapo & Associates

If you’re experiencing persistent or worsening gum disease, it may be necessary to see a practitioner with advanced training in treating such conditions. At Dr. Crapo & Associates in Victoria, your practitioners have the expertise and experience to provide the specialized care you need. 
 

Plaque, Tartar & Gingivitis

Plaque develops on your teeth after every meal. If you don’t floss or brush your teeth regularly, it solidifies and becomes calculus, or tartar, which can only be removed by a dental hygienist. Tartar buildup around the gum line encourages bacterial growth and can lead to gum infections, also known as gingivitis. Gingivitis can cause bleeding or swollen gums, but it sometimes doesn’t have such obvious symptoms. However, if left untreated, gingivitis can lead to gum disease. 

 

You can effectively prevent gingivitis and gum disease by regularly visiting your dentist and maintaining a proper oral hygiene routine, which includes regular brushing and flossing. So, take care of your gums, and they’ll take care of your teeth.
 

Symptoms & Treatments of Gingivitis & Other Periodontal Disease

Periodontal disease progresses through several stages:
 

• Gingivitis: The earliest stage is characterized by inflammation and bleeding of the gums. Treatment includes professional cleaning and improving oral hygiene.

• Early Periodontitis: Mild bone loss occurs. Treatment may involve scaling and root planing to clean below the gum line.

• Moderate Periodontitis: Increased bone loss and gum recession happen. Surgical intervention may be required along with deep cleaning.

• Advanced Periodontitis: Severe bone loss, tooth mobility, and potential tooth loss occur. It requires advanced surgical techniques and possibly tooth extraction.
   

Signs of Gum Disease

While your dentist can diagnose gum disease, if the following signs of gum disease occur between dental appointments, you should contact your dental clinic:

 

• Persistent bad breath

• Bleeding gums while brushing or flossing

• Swollen or receding gums

• Loose teeth or tooth mobility

• Pain when chewing

• Formation of deep pockets between teeth and gums
   

Diagnosing Gum Disease

Gum disease, also called periodontitis, can cause the gums to break down and separate from the teeth. If left unchecked, the point where the teeth attach to the jawbone can also weaken. Over time, periodontal disease can lead to gum recession, bone loss, and ultimately, tooth loss.

 

At Dr. Crapo & Associates, we use a special probe to examine your gums and diagnose periodontal disease during regular dental exams. Our dentists can also use dental radiographs to determine the state of your bones and the areas where your teeth connect to your gums.
 

Treating Gum Disease

At Dr. Crapo & Associates, we offer comprehensive, personalized treatment options for gum disease, tailored to the severity of your condition. For early stages like gingivitis, treatments include professional dental cleanings and improved oral hygiene routines to reverse inflammation and prevent progression. For more advanced cases of periodontitis, our skilled dentists in Victoria may recommend scaling and root planning to remove plaque and tartar below the gum line. In severe situations, surgical interventions may be necessary to restore gum health and prevent further damage.
 

What Is Periodontal Surgery?

Periodontal surgery is a dental procedure that works to restore the look and function of teeth, gums and damaged bone due to severe gum disease. The primary goal of periodontal surgery is to stop the progression of the disease and prevent further damage to the gums and bone. Our skilled dentists will guide you through this process.

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When Is Periodontal Surgery Needed?

While nonsurgical treatments can be effective in managing the early stages of periodontal disease, more advanced cases may require surgical intervention by our dentists to restore and maintain the health of the periodontal tissues.
 

Patients who may need periodontal surgery include those:

 

• With severe gum inflammation

• With red, swollen, bleeding or infected gums

• With loose teeth

• With advanced gum recession

• Who have pain when chewing

• With deep periodontal pockets

• With significant bone loss or damage around the teeth

• Who have esthetic concerns related to the appearance of their gums or teeth

 

What to Expect from Periodontal Surgery

During periodontal surgery, our dentists will remove the plaque and tartar buildup from the gum line and roots of your teeth. They may also reshape the gums and bones to eliminate any pockets where bacteria can hide and cause further infection. In some cases, bone grafts or other tissue regeneration techniques may be used to replace damaged or lost bone and tissue. Periodontal surgery is often performed under local anesthesia. At Dr. Crapo & Associates, we also offer IV sedation.

 

After the surgery, you may experience some pain, swelling and bleeding, but these symptoms usually subside within a few days. It’s important to follow your dentist’s post-operative instructions, which may include using pain medication, avoiding certain foods and practising good oral hygiene.

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Contact Dr. Crapo & Associates for Periodontal Disease Treatments in Victoria

Don’t take your gums for granted! They play a crucial role in your dental health, and it's essential to take care of them. If you have severe gum or dental issues, the team at Dr. Crapo & Associates can help. Our highly experienced and skilled dental team can assess your gums and determine the best course of action. Make an appointment at our Victoria dental office today. At our modern and clean dental clinic, we work to foster a stress-free and safe environment.