Periodontal Care

Healthy gums are an absolute vital part of good oral health. Without healthy gums, you run the risk of losing your teeth. But that’s not all. Gum disease has also been linked to other more serious conditions, such as heart disease and diabetes. At North Austin Dentistry, we understand how important gum health is, which is why we offer periodontal care to our patients from throughout the Austin, TX, area.

What You Should Know about Gum Disease

There are many signs of gum disease, including swollen and/or tender gums, gums that bleed easily, and receding gums. While it’s true that gum disease may be the result of poor oral hygiene habits, there can be other reasons as well. Some diseases, such as diabetes, can put you at a higher risk for developing gum disease, for example. Changes in hormone levels can affect your gums. Reactions to certain medications may compromise your gum health. Whatever the reason may be, if you are experiencing problems with your gums, we can check for signs of gum disease. The good news is that if gum disease is caught in the early stages, it’s quite easy to treat.

Periodontal Care and Treatment

If you have gum disease, the type of treatment that Dr. Miller will recommend will depend to a large extent on how advanced your gum disease has become. If you are in the early stages, a simple deep cleaning – followed by more vigorous at-home hygiene habits – may resolve the issue. If you’re in the latter stages, you may require prescribed medication or oral surgery. During your regular routine exam, your hygienist may measure the depths of pockets that form in the gum tissue around your teeth to determine if you are showing any of the early signs of gum disease. After that, Dr. Miller can make his recommendations after a thorough exam.