Periodontal Care in Irvine, CA

Have you skipped your last few dental appointments? Do you suspect gum disease as a result? Do you feel insecure about sharing this potential news with our team? We are a compassionate group and will never judge you. We only want to help restore you to better oral health.

Periodontal disease is a serious chronic condition, sometimes called gum disease. It is a staged oral health issue that requires the intervention of your Irvine dentist.

You may have heard that gum disease is bad for your teeth, but it is so much more than that!

Gum disease affects more than just the soft tissue of the gums. It attacks and damages the bones and periodontal ligaments beneath the gums, leading to severe oral health complications, including tooth loss. Periodontal disease is the number one cause of tooth loss in American adults, according to the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research.

As written, periodontal disease is a gum condition and means you have infections and inflammation in the periodontal ligaments and bones that support your teeth.

Early-stage gum disease, also called gingivitis, is curable because the infection has not reached the supporting bones. Ideally, we want to catch this form of gum disease before it advances.

When gum disease advances to the bone, it is only treatable. However, periodontal treatment in Irvine is vital to mitigate your risks for severe complications.

We can lessen the infections and inflammation with treatment to save your teeth and prevent serious complications.

Gum Disease Risk Factors Explained

Regular dental care and healthy habits can significantly mitigate your risks, even if you have a family history of gum disease or hormone changes due to pregnancy.

Risk factors include:

• Lack of Quality Dental Care
• Poor Oral Hygiene
• Family History
• Hormone Changes
• Tobacco Use
• Diabetes

Without regular dental care and oral health evaluations every six months, your dentist cannot diagnose gum disease until it has advanced to periodontitis. Additionally, regular teeth cleanings, which are part of these checkups, remove the plaque and tartar that can lead to complications like tooth decay, oral infections, and gum disease.

Skipping brushing and flossing sessions or racing through these routines can have similar consequences.

If you’re pregnant or planning a pregnancy, you must continue seeing your dentist throughout. The hormonal changes often seen during pregnancy are a risk factor for gingivitis and gum disease. It is safe to visit the dentist during pregnancy. However, always let us know if you’re expecting!

When it comes to oral cancer and gum disease (and systemic health issues), tobacco use is a huge culprit. We strongly encourage you to give up tobacco in all forms.

If you have diabetes, talk to your endocrinologist if your insulin is not well-controlled. When diabetes is not stable, you’re at risk for many complications, including gum disease.

Besides tooth loss, recent studies have shown the full-body impact of periodontal disease. It has been linked to severe systemic conditions and complications, including:

• Cardiovascular Disease
• Sudden Stroke
• Lung Health Issues
• Low Birth Weight
• Premature Labor
• Certain Cancers

 Scientists have even discovered a possible link between untreated gum disease and rheumatoid arthritis and specific types of dementia.

At Jeffrey C. Robertson, DDS, we take your oral and physical health seriously when you trust your care to our Irvine dental clinic. This is why we focus firmly on preventing and treating periodontal disease.

Remember, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that almost half of all American adults have periodontal disease. Many more are on the verge of developing the condition and may not even realize it.

Our goal is to change all this!

Our Gum Disease Prophylaxis Program and Treatments

At your routine examinations and cleanings, we look for signs or symptoms of periodontal disease. If we determine that you are at risk for developing the disease, we may recommend that you see us more often as part of our periodontal disease prophylaxis program. Patients in this program can expect to see us about every three to four months so that we can monitor progress and reduce risks.

As written, a good home care routine is necessary to prevent periodontal disease. We’ll discuss your routine with you, find ways to improve it, and recommend products to help keep your teeth and gums in great shape.

If you have periodontal disease, we will work hard to prevent its progression. Dr. Robertson will discuss your condition with you and create a customized treatment plan. This plan may include antibiotics, a deep cleaning treatment called root planing and scaling, or surgery.

While you are undergoing treatment for periodontal disease, you will likely be asked to return to our office every three to four months. These appointments help us provide regular deep cleanings to keep your condition under control and monitor your disease.

Call our office immediately if it’s been a while since your last checkup. Without regular teeth cleanings and examinations, it is possible that you could have developed periodontal disease without even realizing it. Don’t worry—we understand that many people forget to make dental appointments. Additionally, Dr. Robertson is highly skilled at treating patients who are apprehensive about dental visits and is accomplished in sedation dentistry. If this would help you at your appointment, please let us know.

Although the symptoms of red, puffy gums and bleeding when brushing are typically associated with periodontal disease, many people have the disease and don’t experience any signs at all, even up to the late stages. Sometimes, the symptoms of periodontal disease are subtle and are easily missed or attributed to something else.

If you have any of these symptoms, give us a call since you may have periodontal disease:

• Persistent bad breath
• Receding gums, which can make your teeth appear longer
• Redness in the gums
• Gum swelling or puffiness
• Bleeding when you brush or floss
• A “loose” or shifting feeling in your teeth
• A difference in the way your teeth fit together when you bite down

Contact Your Irvine Dentist Today

If you have gum disease or suspect you might have it, we want to help. We know that some people feel embarrassed by this diagnosis. Don’t be! We are a judgment-free dental team, and our only goal is to restore your oral health and reduce your risk of complications.

We are gentle and with you every step of the way. So, call our office today to schedule a cleaning and examination with Dr. Robertson.

Ask us about our senior citizen’s discount. We are also happy to accept financing through CareCredit, a medical and dental credit card that offers financing (often interest-free) to qualifying patients. A friendly team member can help you apply.