Periodontist in Oakville, ON

Periodontics, also known as periodontology, is an area in dentistry that focuses on gum disease, and dental issues that pose a threat to the tooth-supporting structures (periodontium).

Periodontitis is a type of gum disease. It can damage not only the gums but also the bone lining the teeth socket. The infection can go unnoticed until it enters an advanced stage, leading to tooth loss.

Many people suffer from periodontitis due to poor dental hygiene habits that encourage bacteria and plaque build-up around the teeth and gums. If you suspect you have periodontal disease, visit Shore Side Dentistry where Dr. Peter Taylor can provide you with advice on treatment of gum disease.

Unfortunately, periodontitis will not go away by itself. Even following good oral hygiene may not be enough to prevent the infection from causing more damage. Therefore, gum disease treatment requires professional intervention. At our dental office on Lakeshore, Oakville, we treat periodontal disease with care and obtain excellent results for our patients.

Periodontal disease can be reversed if you seek treatment early. Your oral health can return to optimal, and your beautiful smile preserved.

Your Oakville Periodontist at Shore Side Dentistry will determine the treatment plan for you after putting you through a dental evaluation. Generally, though, here are some of the treatments that the dental surgeon may recommend:

Dental scaling – Using specialized deep cleaning tools, the dentist will scrape off the plaque and tartar build-up above and below your gum line.

Root planing – In addition to scaling, the dental surgeon may need to perform root planing. The procedure smoothens the rough root surfaces for effective reattachment of gums to the teeth.

Flap surgery – In some cases, the dental surgeon will need to lift back your gums to remove tartar deposits from the roots of your teeth.

Bone and gum grafts – The dental surgeon will recommend this treatment option when your bone or gum tissues have been severely damaged. Bone or tissue is added to the affected areas to encourage regeneration.

Medication – As a part of your treatment plan, your dental surgeon in Oakville will write you a prescription, which may include antibiotics. This prescription may include a mouthwash, antibiotic gel or microspheres, etc.

Gum infection is largely preventable if you embrace diligent oral care. The rule of thumb says to brush your teeth at least two times a day, floss daily, and visit your dentist every six months for professional cleanings.

If you have received gum disease treatment, your commitment to oral care needs to heightened. You’ll need to practice proper oral care and follow the dental surgeon’s instructions. Otherwise, there is a risk that the gum disease might develop again.

Periodontal treatment doesn’t have to be painful. Your dental surgeon in Oakville can administer a local anesthetic to numb your gums. You may feel a little discomfort when the dentist is injecting you with the numbing medicine. If the treatment involves some form of surgery, the doctor will also prescribe pain relief medications.

Periodontitis starts as gingivitis, which is the inflammation of the gums. At this stage, a patient begins to experience bleeding when brushing teeth.

Without proper oral care, the condition develops into an early periodontal disease. This second stage is usually associated with gum recession and periodontal pockets that harbor bacteria. Bone loss may also occur.

If this progresses to the third stage (moderate periodontal disease), the symptoms will worsen. A patient may have to deal with sore and bleeding gums. Their teeth may become loose.

If the disease gets to the advanced stage, it destroys the tooth-supporting structures. Meaning, a patient is at risk of losing their teeth. Even if the teeth stay in place, chewing becomes painful. Another common sign of advanced periodontal disease is persistent bad breath that no amount of brushing can solve.

Dental scaling, polishing, and root planing won’t hurt, but you may experience some discomfort. The dental surgeon will apply a topical or local anesthetic to reduce the effect, depending on how much deep cleaning is needed. You may experience sensitivity, minor bleeding, and swelling after deep cleaning.

When shopping for toothpaste specially formulated to fight periodontal disease, it’s wise to look for products that the Canadian Dental Association (CDA) recommends. This recommendation by the CDA shows that the ingredients in such toothpaste are safe, and that they work. To see what oral care products are recommended by the CDA please click here.

Of course, the easiest way to finding the best toothpaste for periodontal disease is to ask our experienced Oakville dental surgeon, who treats gum disease, for recommendations.

Dr. Tina Kokosis is our Specialist Periodontist. She provides services in all areas of periodontics and implant dentistry.

In addition to being a specialist Periodontist, Dr. Kokosis is also a part-time clinical instructor at the University of Toronto Faculty of Dentistry. Dr. Kokosis is a DDS from the University of Western Ontario, a Master of Science in Periodontics from Columbia University New York, and is a Fellow of the Royal College of Dentists of Canada.

At Shore Side Dentistry in Oakville ON, we are your periodontics specialist. We offer comprehensive periodontal treatment to assist you in maintaining healthy teeth and gums for life.

The cost of periodontal or gum disease treatment in Oakville varies depending on the complexity of dental treatment required. At Shore Side Dentistry we follow the rate guide of the Ontario Dental Association (ODA). We also accept all major insurance plans.

If you are worried that you may have gum disease or gingivitis? Call or email us to book a consultation. Don’t put off visiting our Lakeshore Oakville dental office any longer, schedule your appointment today for healthy smiles with our dental services!