Periodontics

Periodontics is an area of dental specialty that helps treat periodontitis (gum disease). At Select Dental & Orthodontics in Torrance, California, the highly trained team of restorative dentists and oral surgeons provides high-quality periodontal care, including scaling and root planing, antibiotics, and gum surgery. Call or schedule an appointment online today to learn more about periodontics. 

What is periodontics?

Periodontics diagnoses and treats issues affecting your gums or jawbone. If you have gum disease, it’s vital to seek treatment right away. The sooner you take action, the less likely you are to experience more serious issues like tooth loss and bone decay.

Who can benefit from periodontics?

Consider making a periodontics appointment with the team at Select Dental & Orthodontics if you have any of the following symptoms:

• Swollen or puffy gums
• Bright red or purple gums
• Gums that bleed when brushing or flossing
• Pus between your teeth and gums
• Bad breath (halitosis)

You might also benefit from periodontal treatment if your teeth become loose or you have difficulty biting and chewing.

What happens during a periodontal visit?

At Select Dental & Orthodontics, a periodontal visit begins with a review of your dental records and a discussion of your symptoms. Next, the team takes a series of digital X-rays so they can get a better look at your gums, tooth roots, and jaw. After reviewing your X-rays, they develop a custom treatment plan.

What services does periodontics provide?

At Select Dental & Orthodontics, the team offers various periodontal services, including:

Scaling and root planing

During scaling and root planing, the team uses special tools to remove the plaque and tartar (hardened plaque) from beneath your gumline. Afterward, they smooth the base of your teeth, preventing future buildup.

Antibiotics

If you have a more serious infection that causes your gums to swell and bleed, the team might prescribe oral antibiotics. Antibiotics reduce inflammation while preventing harmful bacteria from spreading.

Gingival flap surgery

For cases of severe gum disease, the team performs gingival flap surgery. During this procedure, they make small incisions in your gum tissue and carefully fold it over. Then, they remove the plaque and harmful bacteria underneath, clean your mouth with an antiseptic solution, and stitch your gums around your teeth.

Gum grafts

If you’ve lost a significant amount of gum tissue because of recession, the team might recommend a graft. During a gum graft, they remove a small piece of tissue from the roof of your mouth. Then, they stitch it over the area where your gums are thin.

Call Select Dental & Orthodontics today or schedule an appointment online to learn more about periodontics.