Best Periodontic Care in Novi, MI

Gum disease, also known as periodontal disease, is an extremely common bacterial infection of the gums and bones that support the teeth. Usually brought on by poor oral hygiene habits, periodontal disease can impact more than just your oral health. In fact, several studies have shown that it may increase your risk of heart disease, making periodontic care an essential part of maintaining your overall health.

Early symptoms of periodontal disease include red, swollen gums that tend to bleed easily. If left untreated, gum disease can ultimately lead to tooth loss. If you spot the slightest sign of periodontal disease, contact My Family Dental in Novi, MI, to schedule an appointment. Our periodontic care team will screen your gums for signs of disease and perform any necessary treatment to keep you and your gums healthy.

Treatment Options for Periodontal Disease

At My Family Dental in Novi, MI, our dentists can perform various periodontal treatment procedures to restore your gums to a healthy state. Our two main options are scaling and root planing, also known as deep cleaning, or antibiotics. The treatment used will depend on the severity of your condition and your personal preferences. Below are descriptions of our most commonly used treatments.

Antibiotics & Infection Control

For minor infections, we apply a topical antibiotic to reach the small spaces where bacteria can hide. This periodontal treatment only takes a few minutes but works long after you leave our office. You may need another application after 3-4 months, but this is an effective way to kill any bacteria in your mouth to give your gums a fresh start after infection.

Scaling & Root Planing

If your condition goes beyond the surface of your gums, you may need scaling and root planing, a treatment that targets the plaque and bacteria located below the gum line. With scaling, we use an ultrasonic cleaner to break up and remove plaque and tartar deposits around your gums. Once scaling is completed, our root planing procedure gently smooths out the rough surfaces of your teeth’s roots. We will discuss these options with you at your initial appointment.

Preventative Care

Maintaining good oral health and hygiene is the main way to prevent periodontal disease. Scheduling regular exams and cleanings with the team at My Family Dental in Novi, MI is one way to do this. As a preventative measure against gum disease, we strongly recommend that patients of all ages complete an in-depth dental exam and cleaning every six months. That way, we can address oral health concerns before they become more serious.

Frequently Asked Questions About Periodontic Care

Bleeding or otherwise unhealthy gums can be a cause for concern, leading you to have many questions about what to do next. Below are some common questions we hear from patients experiencing these concerns. If you have any other questions regarding your periodontic health, please share them with us at your appointment. Our team will do its best to answer them.

How can I prevent periodontal disease?

Periodontic disease is typically caused by poor oral health habits, so practicing proper oral hygiene can prevent this type of infection. These habits include regular brushing and flossing to keep your gums and teeth clean. To further maintain your oral health and hygiene, we offer dental cleanings and exams as preventative measures.

What are the symptoms of periodontal disease?

Common symptoms of periodontal disease include:

Bleeding when flossing or brushing your teeth
Bright red or red-purple gums
Swollen gums
Gums that are tender to the touch
Shiny appearing gums
Mouth sores
Loose teeth

Upon noticing these signs, contact My Family Dental in Novi, MI, for an appointment. We can assess your symptoms, diagnose any potential gum disease, and pursue treatment options that work for your specific concerns.

What causes periodontal disease?

Gum disease is typically caused by bacteria. However, there are certain health conditions and lifestyle choices that increase your risk of gum disease, for example:

Health conditions like diabetes, HIV, cancer, or pregnancy
Certain medications
Smoking
Poor oral hygiene habits such as not brushing and flossing regularly
A family history of periodontal disease

Your personal risk factors may vary. However, we are willing to discuss these with you along with preventative actions you can take to reduce your risk of periodontal disease at your initial appointment.

Schedule Your Periodontic Treatment

Whether you need treatment for an ongoing periodontic health concern or just want to take preventative measures, the team at My Family Dental in Novi, MI, can help. Our experienced dentists can handle any gum health concern you may have. Schedule an appointment today to learn how our periodontal treatment can improve your smile and overall health.

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