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Periodontal Disease

Periodontics & Dental Implants located in Baton Rouge, LA

Periodontal Disease services offered in Baton Rouge, LA

If you have bright red, sore, bleeding, or receding gums, you could have periodontal disease (gum disease). At Baton Rouge Periodontics & Implants in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, Jenny Herman, DDS, Barry Biner, DDS, and their experienced staff, diagnose and treat gum disease to restore or replace diseased soft tissues and improve the health of your smile. Call the Baton Rouge Periodontics & Implants office at the first sign of gum disease, or request an appointment online today.

What is periodontal disease?

Periodontal disease, also known as gum disease, is a common oral health problem that affects about half of adults 30 and older. It occurs when bacteria cause infection, inflammation, and other gum problems that may lead to troublesome complications when left untreated. If you experience symptoms of periodontal disease, see the Baton Rouge Periodontics & Implants experts right away.

What are the symptoms of periodontal disease?

The symptoms of periodontal disease include:

  • Bright red gums
  • Bleeding gums
  • Receding gumline
  • Tender gums
  • Swelling
  • Pus near the gumline
  • Loose permanent teeth
  • Missing permanent teeth
  • Bad breath

When detected in its early stage, gum disease is easier to treat. Once the gums recede too much from your teeth, additional treatments are often needed to restore affected tissues.

What are the risk factors for periodontal disease?

The main risk factors for periodontal disease include:

  • Older age
  • Family history of gum disease
  • Poor oral hygiene habits
  • Smoking or chewing tobacco
  • Recreational drug use
  • Hormonal changes
  • Poor nutrition
  • Vitamin C deficiency
  • Obesity
  • Some medications
  • Weakened immunity
  • Cancer treatments
  • Chronic diseases

Chronic conditions that may increase your chance of developing gum disease include HIV, AIDS, leukemia, diabetes, Crohn’s disease, and rheumatoid arthritis.  

How is periodontal disease treated?  

Baton Rouge Periodontics & Implants offers numerous gum disease treatments, including:

At-home oral hygiene guidance

Ways to reduce your risk of gum disease or help treat it include brushing your teeth twice daily, flossing every day, and seeing your dentist at least every six months for professional cleanings. Use mouthwash if your dentist recommends it, and avoid chewing tobacco or smoking.

Scaling and root planing

Scaling and root planing involves dental cleanings that remove bacteria and tartar in hard-to-reach areas. These procedures use a laser, ultrasonic device, or other dental instruments to clean and smooth surface areas beneath your gums.

Antibiotics

Oral or topical antibiotics reduce bacteria that contribute to periodontal disease. 

Dental implants

Dental implants are artificial tooth roots that anchor bridges, dentures, or crowns to replace missing permanent teeth because of gum disease. 

Gum or bone restoration

Baton Rouge Periodontics & Implants offers numerous procedures to restore gum tissue or bone. Examples include pocket reduction surgery, bone grafting, soft tissue grafts, and guided tissue regeneration. 

The practice uses the pinhole surgical technique (PST™), a cutting-edge procedure that makes tiny holes in gum tissue to stimulate gum cell growth.

Laser-assisted new attachment procedure (LANAP®) uses a laser to remove diseased tissues and stimulate new soft tissue generation. 

To get treated for periodontal disease at Baton Rouge Periodontics & Implants, call the office or request an appointment online today.