Periodontists in Denver, CO

You may have already heard of periodontal disease, but you may not know that it affects about half of US adults over the age of 30.

Periodontal (gum) disease is a chronic bacterial infection that attacks the supporting structures of your teeth including your gums and the bone beneath. If not treated promptly, gum disease will continue to do its damage and result in more serious and complicated oral health problems.

We can usually control gum disease with a thorough professional dental cleaning and improved oral hygiene habits. Dr. Litvak, Dr. Woller, and our team strongly emphasize prevention at our practice because it is the most effective way to minimize the risk of developing gum disease.

However, if we find that you have a periodontal infection, we will use state-of-the-art treatments to revitalize your gums and minimize further breakdown.

Benefits of Healthy Gums 

Treating gum disease is imperative to your dental and overall health. Along with tooth loss, bone loss, and painful abscesses, periodontal disease has also been linked to a host of other chronic health disorders including:

• Heart disease
• Chronic inflammation
• Gastrointestinal problems
• Diabetes
• Respiratory disorders
• Stroke
• Low birthweight babies

Aside from the medical benefits, if you practice good oral hygiene and visit the dentist regularly, you’re less likely to feel self-conscious about your smile, have infected gums that bleed, or have chronic bad breath. Most importantly, you’re less likely to suffer from tooth pain or the irreversible effects of periodontal disease, such as bone and tooth loss.

Gentle Periodontal Treatment in Denver

Gum disease starts when bacteria-laden plaque that builds up on your teeth is not removed with brushing and flossing. The bacteria continue to spread between your teeth and under your gums. If we don’t treat gum disease in a timely manner, small periodontal pockets open up, separating your gums from your teeth. Your teeth may loosen, and without treatment, tooth loss is a real possibility.

Our hygienists are highly trained and skilled in detecting gum disease. During your professional cleaning at our Denver dental office, they will examine your teeth and measure the depth of any periodontal pockets. In more advanced cases of periodontal disease, a simple dental cleaning may not be sufficient, and we will perform a periodontal procedure called deep cleaning, or scaling and root planing. This process involves gentle removal of plaque and tartar deposits to eliminate bacteria and promote healing.

Ongoing Care and Prevention

The first step in restoring and maintaining the health of your teeth and gums is to develop a personalized plan for treatment. Your hygienist will evaluate your unique needs and develop a plan for periodontal care that meets those specific needs. We want you to be informed about your oral health, so we will explain the steps you need to take to avoid a recurrence of gum disease.

We can’t say it often enough – serious dental problems and complex treatments can easily be avoided with regular exams, professional cleanings, and effective at-home oral hygiene care.

Schedule A Dental Exam at Our Denver Dentist Office

Have you noticed any of the signs of gum disease? Are you overdue for a dental cleaning?  Please contact our Denver dentist office at (303) 777-8850 and we’ll be happy to arrange a convenient appointment for your next exam and cleaning. We look forward to being your partner in your oral health care!