Periodontal Care in McMinnville

What is Periodontal Care?

Periodontal care is a specialized area of dental medicine that focuses on the health and treatment of the structures supporting your teeth, including your gums, the periodontal ligament, and the alveolar bone. In essence, it’s about keeping the foundation of your smile strong and healthy. The need for periodontal care arises when these structures become compromised due to periodontal disease, commonly known as gum disease. This condition, if left untreated, can lead to discomfort, gum recession, and, in severe cases, tooth loss.

Dr. Frances Golly at All About Smiles in McMinnville, OR, provides comprehensive periodontal care to halt the progression of periodontal disease and help patients maintain a healthy smile.

The Periodontal Care Treatment Process

The periodontal care process involves a combination of in-office treatments and at-home care. The primary goal is to control the infection and create conditions that allow your gums and bone to heal.

Initial Evaluation and Diagnosis

Initial Evaluation and Diagnosis

The first step in periodontal care is a thorough evaluation of your oral health. Dr. Frances Golly will examine your gums, teeth, and bone structure using advanced diagnostic tools. This comprehensive assessment allows her to identify signs of periodontal disease, such as inflammation, bleeding, gum recession, or bone loss. She will also review your medical history, as certain systemic conditions like diabetes can influence gum health.
Deep Cleaning and Scaling

Deep Cleaning and Scaling

Once a diagnosis is made, the next step is deep cleaning, also known as scaling. This procedure involves removing plaque and tartar deposits on your tooth surfaces and below your gumline. Specialized instruments are used to gently and effectively clean your teeth and gums. This process not only treats the existing infection but also prevents future periodontal disease by creating a clean, healthy environment in your mouth.
Root Planing

Root Planing

The final step in the treatment process is root planing. This procedure smooths the roots of your teeth to prevent bacteria and plaque from adhering to them. By eliminating these potential hiding spots for harmful bacteria, root planing helps to prevent the recurrence of periodontal disease.

The Benefits Of Periodontal Care

Periodontal care is essential not just for your oral health, but for your overall well-being too.

Prevention of Tooth Loss

One of the most significant benefits of periodontal care is the prevention of tooth loss. Gum disease, if left unchecked, can cause your gums to recede and your teeth to become loose. By treating the disease early and effectively, periodontal care can save your natural teeth and keep your smile intact.

Improved Oral Health

Periodontal care can significantly improve your oral health. By eliminating harmful bacteria and reducing inflammation, treatments like scaling and root planing can alleviate symptoms like bad breath, bleeding gums, and discomfort while chewing. Over time, these improvements can enhance your overall quality of life.

Positive Impact on Overall Health

There’s a strong link between oral health and overall health. Research suggests that gum disease can increase the risk of systemic conditions like heart disease, diabetes, and respiratory diseases. By managing gum disease, periodontal care can have a positive impact on your overall health and wellbeing.

How Does Invisalign Work?

  • Remove stains and discoloration to brighten your smile
  • Repair cracks or fractures
  • Fill gaps between teeth
  • Correct overcrowding
  • Correct teeth shape
  • Replace missing teeth
  • Replace outdated metallic restorations like fillings and crowns
Porcelain Veneers

Porcelain Veneers

Veneers that are custom crafted to each tooth provide an artist’s touch to your smile. Veneers can offer a solution for nearly any goal you hope to achieve for your smile. Today’s modern materials combined with our passion for cosmetic excellence result in a smile that will amaze you each time you look in the mirror.
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Composite Fillings

Composite Fillings

Veneers that are custom crafted to each tooth provide an artist’s touch to your smile. Veneers can offer a solution for nearly any goal you hope to achieve for your smile. Today’s modern materials combined with our passion for cosmetic excellence result in a smile that will amaze you each time you look in the mirror.
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Teeth Whitening

Teeth Whitening

Veneers that are custom crafted to each tooth provide an artist’s touch to your smile. Veneers can offer a solution for nearly any goal you hope to achieve for your smile. Today’s modern materials combined with our passion for cosmetic excellence result in a smile that will amaze you each time you look in the mirror.
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Porcelain Crowns

Porcelain Crowns

Veneers that are custom crafted to each tooth provide an artist’s touch to your smile. Veneers can offer a solution for nearly any goal you hope to achieve for your smile. Today’s modern materials combined with our passion for cosmetic excellence result in a smile that will amaze you each time you look in the mirror.
Learn More