Gum Disease Treatment

Gum Disease Treatment

Are your gums, red, swollen or bleeding? You could be suffering from Periodontal Disease, an inflammatory disease caused by bacterial infections.

Did you know the prominent cause of tooth loss in adults is Periodontal Disease? This is also the most common infectious disease in the world. ‘Periodontal’ literally means ‘around the tooth’ and relates to disease of the gums which can result in bleeding and many other conditions. In polar opposite to this, healthy gums are pale pink, smooth and firm. However, if an infection develops in between teeth; the gums will begin to pull away and pockets form where bacteria and plaque can fester and decay the tooth, ultimately resulting in tooth loss and the need for extensive dental treatment.

Why is treatment necessary?

Periodontal Disease has often been labeled the ‘silent disease’ due to the fact that most people are unaware they have it. Many patients only become aware of their symptoms once the disease is fairly advanced. By recognizing the signs early on, you can avert further deterioration of the gums and prevent tooth loss. The best way to do this is to visit Dr. Laura Fathi and her team at her Thousand Oaks dental practice at least twice a year. During your regular appointment she can evaluate your mouth for oral issues such as abrasions, lesions, tooth decay, plaque build-up and she can also remove tartar which is a solidified substance caused by plaque.

Symptoms of Periodontal Disease

Periodontal disease can result in many symptoms which can impede the function and aesthetic appearance of the mouth.

  • Bleeding gums while brushing or flossing your teeth
  • Withdrawal of gums away from teeth
  • Pain while chewing
  • Red, sore, swollen gums
  • Buildup of calculus (tartar)
  • Bad breath or bad taste within the mouth
  • Loss of teeth

I brush and floss every day, I don’t need to worry right?

Unfortunately you can get periodontal disease even if you are diligent with your oral health regimen. This is why it’s so important to visit Dr. Laura Fathi at least twice a year to maintain your oral health.

Treatment Solutions…

Previously, extraction was virtually the only option for those patients suffering from Periodontal Disease. However, today through continual developments, every possible step is taken to save all natural teeth. Dr. Laura Fathi utilizes laser therapy to treat periodontitis, however as periodontitis is relatively unpredictable treatment can become difficult. Part of the solution will involve you dedicating yourself to a stricter oral hygiene regimen to prevent aggravation of your periodontitis.

Perio Protect is an effective, sensible approach to treat bacteria that cause gum disease. At the heart of the Method is the adjunctive Perio Tray® delivery of medication. The basic idea is to get medication under the gums and into the pockets where bacteria grow and keep it there long enough for the medication to work, all in a comfortable, non-invasive way. That’s why the Perio Tray is such an important advancement.

The Perio Tray is easy to use.

You put the medication into the trays, wear the trays at home as instructed by Dr. Laura Fathi and, well, that’s it, until you return to Dr. Laura Fathi for a recall visit. It’s comfortable, it works well, and it’s convenient. The Perio Protect Method’s combination of Perio Tray delivery with thorough cleanings from a dental office is the least invasive approach available, and research shows better results than cleaning alone.

Perio-Protect-123

Perio Trays are custom fit for individual use. They have a special seal and extension system that correspond to the conditions of the gums around each tooth. The seals and extensions help direct and maintain medication under the gums to the site of the infected pockets. For most people, treatment time amounts to minutes each day. As healing occurs and conditions improve, Dr. Laura Fathi will modify your frequency and duration of usage, gradually decreasing patient usage until the infection is under control and the disease is well managed. You can then follow a homecare maintenance schedule to keep the bacteria at bay.

Contact Us

Call us @ 805-496-6177 or fill out the form below to contact us, we will reply shortly.

Our Location

Find us on the map

Hours of Operation

Our Regular Schedule

Monday:

Closed

Tuesday:

8:00 am-5:00 pm

Wednesday:

8:00 am-5:00 pm

Thursday:

8:00 am-5:00 pm

Friday:

8:00 am-4:00 pm

Saturday:

Closed

Sunday:

Closed