The health of the gums plays a vital role in maintaining a vibrant and lasting smile. At Stein Dental Care, our dedicated periodontal services focus on the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of gum disease. Dr. Stein and our experienced dental team in Nashville, TN are committed to providing comprehensive and compassionate care to ensure your gums are strong, healthy, and contribute to your best overall health!
Our top periodontal treatments in Nashville include:
Deep Periodontal Cleanings
At Stein Dental Care, our dedication to ultra-thorough periodontal care, which includes deep dental cleanings to address and manage periodontitis, a more advanced form of gum disease. This specialized cleaning process involves two key stages, scaling and root planing.
Scaling involves our skilled hygienists carefully removing plaque accumulation from all tooth surfaces above the gum line. This is typically achieved using a handheld ultrasonic scaler. The second crucial step to your periodontal cleaning is root planing. Utilizing the same advanced ultrasonic scaler, the hygienist will carefully remove tartar deposits that have formed below the gum line and around the roots of your teeth. This deeper cleaning helps to smooth the tooth root surfaces, making it more difficult for bacteria to adhere and promoting gum healing.
Undergoing a deep cleaning in the earlier stages of a gum infection offers significant advantages compared to more intensive treatments for periodontitis, such as gum surgery. Top advantages of treating your smile with a periodontal deep cleaning include:
- Treatment and prevention of gum disease. Deep cleans address existing gingivitis or periodontitis and help prevent its progression.
- Enhancing overall oral health. Contributes to a healthier and more stable oral environment.
- Improve gum and tooth aesthetics. Can reduce gum inflammation and improve the appearance of your gum line.
- Combat persistent bad breath. Removes bacterial buildup that often contributes to chronic halitosis.
If you're experiencing symptoms of gum disease, such as red, swollen, or bleeding gums, don't hesitate to contact Stein Dental Care. Our dedicated team is here to provide the comprehensive care you need for a healthy and comfortable smile.
Do I Need a Periodontal Deep Cleaning?
At Stein Dental Care, Dr. Stein conducts thorough examinations for signs of periodontitis during your initial visit and as part of your regular six-month checkups. One notable indicator of potential gum disease is gum recession, where the gum line pulls back, making your teeth appear elongated.
Beyond gum recession, other symptoms may suggest the need for scaling and root planing to effectively treat gum infection. These signs include:
- Gums that bleed easily during brushing or flossing
- Swollen gums, often appearing puffy or inflamed
- Red or purple gums, indicating inflammation and potential infection
- Persistent bad breath that doesn't improve with regular brushing
- Pus leakage emanating from under the gum line, a sign of active infection
- Discomfort or pain during chewing
- Loose teeth, indicating significant bone loss due to advanced gum disease
Gingivectomy
At Stein Dental Care, we offer gingivectomies as a precise and effective surgical procedure to reshape gum tissue. This surgical treatment can address both cosmetic concerns and functional issues related to excessive or uneven gum lines with the careful removal of excess gum tissue. Dr. Stein may recommend this procedure to:
- Address the appearance of a "Gummy Smile": When too much gum tissue covers your teeth, it can make them appear short and disproportionate. A gingivectomy can reveal more of the natural tooth structure, creating a more balanced and aesthetically pleasing smile.
- Enhance oral hygiene: Excess gum tissue can create deep pockets around the teeth, making it difficult to effectively remove plaque and tartar through regular brushing and flossing. Removing this excess tissue can reduce these pockets and improve access for cleaning, thus helping to prevent gum disease.
- Treat periodontal disease: In some cases of gum disease, a gingivectomy may be necessary to remove diseased gum tissue and create a healthier environment for the remaining gums to reattach to the teeth.
A gingivectomy may also be performed to provide better access to tooth structure for other restorative or cosmetic treatments, such as crown placement.
If your smile requires treatment with a gingivectomy, local anesthesia will be administered to ensure you remain comfortable throughout the treatment. Following the procedure, you will receive detailed post-operative instructions to promote proper healing and minimize discomfort as your smile heals.
Advanced Periodontal Treatment for Healthier Smiles
If you're experiencing any of the signs and symptoms of periodontal disease, it's important to schedule an evaluation at Stein Dental Care. Early detection and treatment, including deep dental cleanings when necessary, are crucial for managing gum disease, preserving your oral health and advocating for your total-body wellness.
