Dentist in San Francisco, CA explains available treatments for periodontal disease
Patients seeking a dentist in San Francisco, CA who offers several available treatments for periodontal disease are encouraged to book an appointment at the practice of Dr. Leo Arellano. We offer a variety of services for periodontal care as well as general, cosmetic, and restorative treatments.
There are three avenues of periodontal care:
- Diagnosis
- Treatment
- Prevention
Diagnosis
First, our team of professionals need to make a proper diagnosis to determine what treatment options are best suited for the specific situation. Periodontal disease has many different stages. The earlier stage is known as gingivitis and is characterized by several concerns including red or swollen gums, bleeding gums, and halitosis. The later stages cause irreversible damage to the smile, including the loss of gum tissue, bone, and natural teeth. Determining the stage that the condition has reached is crucial in determining the best treatment.
Treatment
Treatment is crucial for patients with periodontal disease. Without treatment, the condition will continue to worsen and result in damage that cannot be reversed. Treatment can also assist in controlling the disease, since it cannot be “cured” in the traditional sense. Treatment options for gingivitis include a thorough cleaning of the teeth and gums, which can remove bacterial as well as plaque and tartar. Patients with the later stages known as periodontitis will require a more invasive procedure such as scaling and root planing. Scaling and root planing remove bacterial plaque and tartar from all surfaces of the teeth and gums. Additionally, for patients with a severe infection, antibiotics are often applied or prescribed to a patient. This helps in killing the infection that is causing the problem and bringing the smile back to health.
Prevention
Patients need to understand that periodontal disease is a condition that is preventable. If patients take good care of their smile, they will greatly reduce their risk of developing the condition in the first place. While brushing and flossing after every meal will help, so will visiting Dr. Leo Arellano on a regular basis. Patients without periodontal disease should see the dentist every six months for a cleaning and evaluation, while patients who have been diagnosed with it may need to visit more often. Periodontal patients should see the dentist every three months for treatments to monitor the condition.
Who is a candidate for periodontal disease treatment?
Any patient who has been diagnosed with periodontal disease is encouraged to visit us for immediate treatment. Treatment is necessary to bring the smile back to health and to monitor the disease, so it can be controlled appropriately. Dr. Leo Arellano and his team welcome new patients into the practice for comprehensive, quality dental care and solutions for treating various conditions.
What if the condition has reached more severe stages?
When periodontal disease has been left alone without treatment for an extended period, patients will notice immense changes in their smile that cannot be reversed. This may include shrinking gum tissue, bone loss, and even loose or missing teeth. These need to be treated as soon as possible for the best health and function of the smile. First, our team will assess the patient and get a proper diagnosis, and then provide immediate treatment to control the infection. Once the patient’s oral health has improved, certain periodontalrestorative procedures may be discussed. This includes the referral to certain specialists for procedures such as bone and gum grafting. Additionally, patients who are missing teeth will need to work with Dr. Leo Arellano to learn about the options available to them for replacement, including solutions such as partial dentures, full dentures, dental bridges, and dental implants. Discussing these restorative procedures is the first step in restoring the smile after tooth loss and improving the functionality and appearance of the smile.
Patients can schedule an appointment today
At the practice of Dr. Leo Arellano, patients can enjoy a wide variety of general, cosmetic, and restorative dentistry solutions. Individuals in and around the area of San Francisco, CA can enjoy these services by booking a consultation visit. The practice is conveniently located at 3030 Geary Boulevard and can be reached at 415-881-4343.