Periodontics

Raynham, MA

Healthy gums are the foundation of a strong, confident smile. Periodontics focuses on caring for the tissues and bone that support your teeth, helping to prevent and treat gum-related conditions. At East Coast Dental Design in Raynham, MA, we offer advanced solutions to protect and restore your oral health. Call today to schedule your periodontic consultation and get started on a healthier smile.

What Is Periodontics?

Periodontics is a dental specialty that addresses gum health and the structures that hold your teeth in place. It becomes essential when these tissues are affected by infection, inflammation, or recession. The goal is to stop damage and help restore your oral foundation.

Focuses on gum and bone health: Addresses infections and damage in the tissues that support your teeth.
Restores stability: Helps preserve natural teeth and support daily function.
Stops progression: Reduces the risk of future dental complications and long-term damage.

The Link Between Periodontal Health & Overall Health

Your gums do more than support your smile. They influence your whole-body health in ways many people don’t realize. Studies have found links between gum disease and conditions like heart disease, diabetes, and respiratory illness.

Protects heart health: Reduces the presence of harmful bacteria that may impact cardiovascular wellness.
Improves blood sugar control: Helps stabilize glucose levels in patients with diabetes or pre-diabetes.
Reduces systemic inflammation: Limits how bacteria from the gums affect other organs.
Lowers overall health risks: Decreases your likelihood of chronic health conditions tied to oral infections.

What Is Periodontal Disease?

Periodontal disease is a chronic infection caused by bacteria that collect along and below the gumline. Over time, this condition can damage the soft tissue and bone that support your teeth. If left untreated, it can even lead to tooth loss.

Caused by bacterial buildup: Begins when plaque hardens into tartar beneath the gums.
Leads to tissue and bone loss: Weakens the foundation that supports your teeth.
Can develop silently: Often progresses with little or no noticeable discomfort in early stages.

Stages & Symptoms

Gum disease often develops slowly, and early signs are easy to miss. Redness, swelling, and bleeding during brushing are some of the first symptoms to appear. As it advances, it can affect your bite and lead to tooth movement.

Red, swollen, or tender gums: A sign of early gum irritation and inflammation.
Bleeding when brushing or flossing: Often a warning that gingivitis is developing.
Receding gums or longer-looking teeth: Signals gum loss and increased tooth sensitivity.
Loose or shifting teeth: May point to advanced damage to bone or connective tissues.

Preventing Periodontal Disease

Good habits make a big difference in protecting your gums. Brushing, flossing, and visiting your dentist regularly can reduce your risk of developing gum disease. Staying aware of symptoms can also help you act early.

Maintain excellent oral hygiene: Disrupts daily buildup of plaque and reduces bacterial growth.
Visit your dentist regularly: Professional cleanings remove tartar that at-home care can’t reach.
Avoid tobacco products: Smoking weakens your immune system and slows gum healing.
Stay alert to changes: Early detection makes treatment easier and more effective.

Our Periodontic Services

We offer customized periodontic care to meet your needs at every stage of gum health. Whether you need a preventive approach or surgical treatment, we’re here to guide you through every step. We’ll work with you to identify the right combination of treatments based on your gum health.

Scaling & Root Planing

This deep cleaning procedure removes plaque and tartar from beneath the gumline and smooths root surfaces to promote healing. It’s often used when gum pockets deepen or early signs of disease appear. The process helps your gums reattach and stay healthy.

Removes buildup below the surface: Targets bacteria deep under the gumline to prevent further infection.
Smooths root surfaces: Makes it easier for the gums to reattach to clean tooth surfaces.
Minimally invasive: A nonsurgical option that can reverse early-stage periodontal disease.

Antibiotics

Sometimes additional help is needed to control infection, and that’s where antibiotics come in. These medications can be applied directly into gum pockets or taken orally depending on your needs. They work hand in hand with other treatments to promote recovery.

Reduces bacterial load: Lowers the number of harmful bacteria in periodontal pockets.
Supports healing: Helps your body recover faster and reduces inflammation.
Complements other care: Boosts the effectiveness of cleanings or surgery.

Gum Surgery

For more advanced cases of periodontal disease, surgery may be recommended. It helps reduce pocket depth and reshape the gum tissue for better access and cleaning. This approach can help stop disease progression and preserve your natural teeth.

Reduces deep pockets: Lowers the depth of spaces where bacteria can collect.
Reshapes gum tissue: Improves appearance and makes oral care easier.
Improves hygiene access: Makes brushing and flossing more effective at home.

Gum Grafting

Gum grafting replaces lost tissue along the gumline and protects exposed tooth roots. It’s often used to treat gum recession or improve the look of your smile. The procedure uses tissue from another area to strengthen and rebuild your gums.

Covers exposed roots: Helps protect against sensitivity and further enamel erosion.
Restores natural appearance: Rebuilds a healthy-looking gumline for a more balanced smile.
Prevents further recession: Adds thickness and strength to weak or thinning gum tissue.

Bone Grafting

When gum disease leads to bone loss, bone grafting may be needed to restore the structure of your jaw. This procedure helps create a solid foundation for natural teeth or future implants. Over time, your body builds new bone in the treated area.

Restores lost bone volume: Replaces areas affected by resorption or infection.
Improves implant success: Ensures a strong foundation for future tooth replacement.
Promotes natural regeneration: Encourages your body to rebuild bone over time.

Crown Lengthening

Crown lengthening removes excess gum or bone tissue to expose more of your natural tooth. It’s used for cosmetic reasons or to prepare a tooth for a crown or filling. The result is a balanced smile and easier access for future care.

Prepares teeth for restorations: Exposes more tooth surface to support crowns or fillings.
Improves smile aesthetics: Reduces the look of a “gummy” smile and enhances symmetry.
Creates cleaner margins: Reduces the chance of bacteria gathering near restorations.

Keep Your Smile Grounded In Strength

Gum health is the foundation of a confident, functional smile. With trusted providers, personalized care, and modern treatment options, East Coast Dental Design in Raynham, MA, is here to help you regain control of your oral health. Whether you’re looking to treat existing issues or take preventive steps, we’ll guide you every step of the way. Call today to schedule your periodontic visit and take the next step toward lasting wellness.