Periodontal Disease Therapy in West Hollywood
Periodontal disease is a serious condition that has negative effects on the whole body as well as the oral structure. This condition can cause tooth loss, severe structural damage, and is an overall detriment to whole-body wellness.
With expert dental care from Dr. Fugier, you can reverse the effects of this destructive condition.
The office of Eric L. Fugier, DDS, DSO, NM, offers periodontal healthcare and disease management to help our patients preserve their oral health and structural integrity. We offer these imperative services to our patients in West Hollywood and beyond.
What is Periodontal Disease?
Periodontal disease is an infection of the surrounding tooth structures, namely the gums. This can happen due to neglected hygiene or as an effect of a weakened immune system.
Often, this condition starts with gingivitis. This stage is completely reversible with a scaling and root planing procedure. If left untreated, this will advance into periodontitis – in which the inner layer of gum and bone pull away from the teeth and form infected pockets.
Some patients may be more susceptible to periodontal disease by nature or due to a preexisting condition, like diabetes. Avoid smoking as this diminishes the regenerative quality of the gum. Periodontal disease is the leading cause of tooth loss; thus, we take this condition very seriously at our practice.
It’s imperative to visit your dentist immediately if symptoms of this condition develop. Be mindful of the following symptoms as indication of periodontal disease:
• Bleeding gums – The gums should never bleed. Gum tissue is designed to hold teeth securely in the mouth and withstand normal wear and tear. Even vigorous flossing and brushing is not normal causation of bleeding gums.
• Persistent bad breath – Halitosis affects many people due to eating and brushing habits. However, if you’re otherwise healthy and proactive with your oral maintenance, it’s possible that halitosis may be caused by deteriorating gum tissue.
• Inflamed gums – Puffy, red gums are an indication of periodontal disease. The body responds to infection with inflammation.
• Receding gums – If the teeth appear longer than normal, the gum tissue around the tooth may be receding. This is a strong indication of an infection. Fortunately, after curing the disease, Dr. Fugier can reconstruct the normal gum line with a gum graft procedure.
• Loose teeth – If permanent adult teeth become loose, there is great cause for concern. Periodontal disease weakens the tissues that hold teeth in place. If not addressed quickly, it can result in extensive treatment needs and the tooth may even be lost.
What Can Dr. Eric Fugier do to Help?
At your check-ups, Dr. Fugier will administer preventive measures and watch closely for signs of developing gingivitis. If it appears that either gingivitis or periodontitis have arrived, Dr. Fugier has the means and the knowledge to correct these complications.
Gingivitis can be cured with the removal of the offensive plaque and tartar beneath the gum line. This procedure is known as a scaling and root planing. First, Dr. Fugier will scale away the damaging substances, and polish the planes of the root to discourage plaque regrowth and encourage root reattachment.
In the case of periodontitis, we will also perform a scaling and root planing, and may prescribe oral or topical antibiotics depending on the severity of infection. If the gums fail to reattach themselves, we may have to perform a pocket reduction procedure to reduce the instance of gum pockets refilling with plaque or debris.
If severe damage has already taken place, Dr. Fugier can replace lost teeth, tissue, and bone mass.
Don’t Wait – Call Dr. Fugier Today
If you or a loved one are noticing the signs of periodontal disease, don’t hesitate to call our office and schedule an appointment. Dr. Fugier can help you minimize damage and smile healthy once more. We at the office of Eric L. Fugier, DDS, look forward to working with you!
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