Periodontal Dentistry

Gum disease, also known as periodontal disease, is a disease of the gums caused by an accumulation of plaque in the pockets of your gums. It’s the most common type of dental disease in the United States, affecting nearly half of all Americans at some point in their lives. It’s important to see your dentist for regular checkups to catch gum disease early, as it is the leading cause of tooth loss and can lead to other health problems.

Gum disease can be hard to detect early on, as the symptoms are not always obvious. That’s why it’s important to visit a periodontist—someone who specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of periodontal disease—if you experience any of the following signs or symptoms: excessive tooth decay, bad breath, tingling in the mouth, pain when eating or chewing, or bleeding when brushing or flossing.

The periodontists at Peters Creek Dentistry can help you prevent gum disease. We identify signs early on, so we can provide treatment right away and your gum health improve.

Scaling and root planing are two techniques that are used to treat gum disease and improve the appearance of your smile. They become necessary with chronic periodontal disease, where large pockets develop between your gums and teeth. These pockets form when the gums have pulled away from the teeth due to the bacteria in the plaque buildup.

Scaling involves removing plaque and tartar along and under the gumline, while a root planer is used to smooth out tooth roots to help the gums reattach to the teeth. Both techniques are performed by dentists at Peters Creek Dentistry. It can take more than one visit depending on the severity of your condition.

Both scaling and root planing are part of a comprehensive oral health care regimen that should be regularly scheduled with your dentist at Peters Creek Dentistry in Roanoke. We will most likely suggest a regular periodontics maintenance schedule, which would entail more frequent visits to our office—four times a year versus twice a year.