Periodontal Specialist
-
- Tweet
Carol Ann Lindegren, DDS
Dentist located in Riverside, CA
Periodontal disease — or gum disease — can cause bad breath, tooth decay, and the loss of teeth and bone. Dr. Lindegren and staff stress the importance of good periodontal care. They believe it is a team effort by providing you with clean teeth, tips, and tools that work to improve your home care to avoid future periodontal issues. With proper periodontal care from Carol Ann Lindegren, DDS, in Riverside, California, you can improve the health of your mouth and protect your teeth. Schedule a dental visit with Dr. Lindegren today by calling or using the online tool.
Periodontal Q & A
What is periodontal disease?
Periodontal disease — also called gum disease — is one of the leading causes of tooth decay, bone loss, and loss of teeth in adults. Periodontal disease is caused by inflammation in the body and begins in the mouth as gingivitis. If left untreated, gingivitis can turn into periodontitis.
Periodontitis can become advanced and may destroy gum and bone tissue in the mouth and jaw. Common risk factors for developing periodontal disease include:
- Poor Oral hygiene
- Family history of periodontal disease
- Smoking
- Diabetes
- Previous diagnosis of periodontal disease
- Dry Mouth
What are the signs of periodontal disease?
At first, periodontal disease has no obvious signs. As it progresses, you may experience:
- Swollen, red, tender, or bleeding gums
- Gums that recede or move away from the teeth
- Persistent bad breath or bad taste in the mouth
- Loose teeth
- Visible pus surrounding the teeth and gums
Early detection and treatment are the keys to preventing permanent damage. Brushing your teeth twice a day, flossing daily, and getting regular dental checkups are simple ways you can protect your oral health.
How is periodontal disease treated?
To treat periodontal disease, Dr. Lindegren uses a multistep approach custom-based on your overall health and oral health needs. As the first step to treatment, Dr. Lindegren begins with hand scaling and root planing. This is a specialized cleaning technique that carefully removes plaque and calculus from the root surfaces of the teeth and the periodontal pockets near the gums.
During this procedure, Dr. Lindegren provides injections for pain relief and nitrous oxide — laughing gas — to help you stay comfortable and relaxed.
Dr. Lindegren recommends the use of medicated mouth rinses to expedite the healing process. Fluoride is provided for those with deep recession areas that may get exposed after the cleaning to ensure little to no tooth sensitivity. Your comfort is always our top priority.
If your periodontal disease is more advanced, Dr. Lindegren uses laser treatment to destroy the bacteria that cause periodontal disease. Laser therapy may be used by itself or in conjunction with hand scaling and root planing. In severe cases, Dr. Lindegren refers you to a periodontist for further treatment.
Periodontal disease can be treated effectively if caught early. Schedule a dental cleaning and exam with Carol Ann Lindegren, DDS, today by phone or with the online tool.
