Our Services
Periodontics
Healthy gums are the foundation of a lasting smile. This guide to periodontics in Royal Oak, Michigan, explains how gum care protects your teeth, what treatments involve, and what you can expect at each step. At Royal Oak Smiles, patients receive clear information and practical guidance to support gum health.
Periodontics Explained
Periodontics focuses on the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of diseases that affect the gums and the bone supporting your teeth. If you are asking “what is periodontics,” it includes care for gingivitis (early inflammation) and periodontitis (advanced infection that damages bone). Plaque bacteria, tobacco use, genetics, diabetes, certain medications, and inconsistent home care can all contribute to gum disease.
Untreated periodontitis may lead to tooth loss and can influence overall health. Research links active gum infection with higher risks for heart disease and challenges controlling blood sugar. Early evaluation and consistent care shorten healing time, reduce costs, and help you avoid more complex treatment later.
How Periodontics Can Help You
Personalized gum care aims to control infection, rebuild stability, and make daily care easier. Benefits can include:
- Reduced bleeding, swelling, and tenderness in the gums.
- Fresher breath as bacterial buildup is removed.
- Stabilized gum line and protection against further recession.
- Preserved bone support to lower the risk of tooth loss.
- Improved comfort when chewing and brushing.
- Clear home-care strategies that fit your routine.
For many, non-surgical periodontal therapy is enough to control infection. When needed, procedures like gum grafting can cover exposed roots and improve comfort and appearance. Understanding the benefits of gum grafting helps patients choose the right option when recession is present.
The Periodontal Treatment Process
A typical care plan begins with a comprehensive evaluation. Our periodontist will assess gum measurements, review X-rays, and identify periodontal disease stages to determine the best approach.
Non-Surgical Therapy
The first step often involves scaling and root planing, a deep cleaning that removes plaque and tartar above and below the gumline. Smoothing the root surfaces helps gums reattach and reduces pocket depths. Antimicrobial rinses or localized antibiotics may be added to target remaining bacteria.
Re-Evaluation and Maintenance
Gums are re-evaluated several weeks after therapy. Many patients transition to a periodontal maintenance schedule, typically every three to four months, to keep bacteria under control and prevent relapse.
Surgical Options When Needed
If deep pockets or bone defects remain, surgical care may be recommended. Options can include flap (osseous) surgery to reshape bone, regenerative procedures to encourage new attachment, crown lengthening for restorative needs, or gum grafting to treat recession. Each plan is tailored to the location and severity of disease.
What to Expect During Care
Visits for scaling and root planing are completed with local anesthesia for comfort. It is normal to notice mild soreness or temperature sensitivity for a few days. Surgical procedures may require a short healing period with specific dietary and activity guidelines.
Consistent home care supports lasting results:
- Brush twice daily with a soft brush and fluoride toothpaste.
- Clean between teeth daily using floss, interdental brushes, or a water flosser.
- Use recommended antimicrobial rinses as directed.
- Limit tobacco and manage health conditions such as diabetes.
- Follow your periodontal maintenance schedule to monitor healing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Watch for bleeding when brushing or flossing, swollen or tender gums, persistent bad breath, recession, tooth looseness, and changes in your bite. Early care helps prevent tooth loss.
This non-surgical treatment uses specialized instruments to remove plaque and tartar above and below the gums. Roots are smoothed to limit bacterial buildup and support gum reattachment.
Many patients improve with non-surgical periodontal therapy. Surgery is recommended if deep pockets or bone defects persist after initial treatment, or when recession needs grafting for coverage and comfort.
Most periodontal maintenance visits occur every three to four months. The interval depends on pocket depths, bleeding levels, home care, and medical factors such as diabetes or smoking.
Local anesthesia keeps procedures comfortable. Mild tenderness is common for a few days. Using recommended rinses, over-the-counter pain relief, and gentle brushing supports healing.
Active periodontal infection is associated with systemic inflammation and can impact conditions like diabetes and heart disease. Controlling gum disease supports overall wellness.
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