Periodontal Care
Periodontal Care
Understanding and Preventing Gum Disease
Periodontal disease (also known as gum disease) affects over half of adults in America today and is the leading cause of tooth loss in adults over the age of 35. While symptoms of gum disease are more clear in their later stages, where the disease may develop into a root canal, tooth decay or the need for a tooth extraction, attending your six month appointment allows Dr. Latourelle to monitor your dental health and cure early signs of gum disease before they become a larger problem. If it’s been six months or longer since your last visit to the dentist, give us a call to schedule your appointment.
While gum disease may go undetected for months, ask yourself if you have one of the following symptoms of periodontal disease:
- red, swollen or tender gums
- gums that bleed after brushing or eating
- gums that pull away from the teeth
- persistent bad breath or pus between teeth
- change in bite or in the fit of partial dentures
If gum disease progresses without the professional care of a dentist, endodontic therapy such as a root canal may be necessary, or the tooth may fall out over time, affecting your bite or increasing your risks for further tooth loss or decay. At your appointment Dr. Latourelle will monitor your dental health and treat small problems before they develop into larger or more expensive dental issues.
At our dental practice in Wyomissing and Mount Penn our patients experience better dental health year-round. With our unique approach to patient education we help each of our patients get a feel of what to expect from their treatment plans and provide meaningful advice for taking care of their smiles at home. Along with regular brushing and flossing, smiles in our community stay healthy and happy at every appointment.
Scaling and Root Planing
When gum disease advances into its more advanced form, periodontitis, or leads to decay inside and around the gums of the teeth, a process known as scaling and root planing or conventional periodontal therapy may be used to clean and restore the gums and teeth. This process of deep cleaning reaches below the gum line to remove the dental plaque and calculus that causes inflammation or infection.
Comprehensive Exams
Dr. Latourelle takes into account your current general health, medical history and background before partnering with you to discuss your personal treatment plan. Whether you’re relaxing in a cozy ergonomic dental chair or holding your child’s hand through a gentle cleaning, we aim to provide a positive experience at your appointment no matter your dental needs. If you believe it’s time to make a trip to your local dentist, give us a call to schedule your appointment.
“We Strive To Treat Every Patient Like Family.”
At our dental in Wyomissing and Mount Penn, we believe in serving our communities with honest and compassionate dental services. Our strength is in our quality of care as we take the extra time to get to know our patients and their needs on an individual level.
Michael D. Latourelle, DMD
