Healthy gums and teeth come from regular flossing and brushing and regular dentist visits to detect issues before they become severe. There are instances when both tooth decay and gum disease may go unnoticed if you miss your dental appointments or if you postpone your appointments due to anxiety or fear. At Brightwork Family Dentistry, Dr. Benjamin J. Crowley provides Richmond periodontics to patients who need to restore their oral and dental health.
Dr. Crowley specializes in the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of periodontal disease and the fixing of dental implants. He is also an expert in the treatment of oral inflammation. He is familiar with the latest diagnosis and treatment techniques for addressing periodontal disease and is also competent at undertaking cosmetic periodontal procedures.
Dr. Crowley usually treats problematic periodontal situations, such as those with serious gum disease or a complicated dental history. A periodontist provides a wide range of treatments, such as root planing and scaling or root debridement. He also addresses gum conditions utilizing a wide range of surgical procedures.
Who should visit a periodontist?
Some periodontal needs can be addressed by a general dentist. However, as patients are increasingly showing signs of periodontal disease and research that suggests a connection between periodontal disease and other chronic conditions associated with aging, you might need a greater understanding and increased expertise levels from a trained specialist. Individuals who exhibit severe levels of periodontal disease, or those with more complex cases, can be best managed by a specialized periodontist.
Gingivitis
Gingivitis is a gum condition that can be prevented using good oral hygiene – regular flossing, brushing, and routine visits to a dentist for examinations and cleanings. Healthy gums are firm, light pink in color, and fit tightly around your teeth. Gingivitis shows the early stages of periodontal disease and causes your gums to be red and inflamed, and might cause bleeding during brushing or flossing. The condition is mostly caused by poor oral hygiene, which causes plaque to form on your teeth. Luckily, Dr. Crowley can assist you in reversing gingivitis symptoms before it progresses to the serious stage of becoming periodontal disease. If you have any symptoms of gingivitis, schedule an appointment online, or call Brightwork Family dentistry.
When your gingivitis reaches the periodontitis stage, it means you have not taken the needed steps to prevent gingivitis. This is a serious stage where plaque has started affecting the area below your gums. While there are many phases of periodontitis, Dr. Crowley will conduct a comprehensive diagnosis to determine the severity of your periodontal disease so that you can get the right treatment.
Periodontal disease treatment
The most severe forms of periodontal disease cause the loss of teeth and bone, and sometimes, mouth wounds. Some patients with complex situations might need to have their teeth extracted and utilize dentures or dental implants. However, there are various non-invasive, early-stage treatments for periodontal disease, such as root planing and scaling. If you qualify for root planing and scaling, the key to preventing the condition is maintaining excellent oral hygiene.
To schedule a consultation with Dr. Crowley, call or schedule an appointment online at Brightwork Family Dentistry.