dental servicesDental Services

Apex, Cary, and Raleigh, North Carolina

Did you know that gum disease is one of the most widespread chronic ailments currently affecting the American population? Data released by the Centers for Disease Control found that 47.2 percent of American adults age 30 and over suffered from gum disease. That represents approximately 64.7 million people!

At Triangle Periodontics, Dr. Otis Washington has made it his professional mission to combat gum disease by establishing a comprehensive program of periodontal care.

What is gum disease?

Gum disease is an infection that develops in the tissue of your gums. Bacteria builds up in the mouth, eventually forming plaque, which sticks to the teeth if not removed through good oral hygiene and professional dental cleanings. Eventually, this plaque infects your gums and jawbone. The initial stage of gum disease is gingivitis, which is characterized by gums that are red, puffy, sore or bleed easily. Left untreated, gum disease progresses into a stage called periodontitis, during which pockets develop between your gums and teeth. Once gum disease advances to periodontitis, permanent damage has been done to your teeth and your oral health.

Eventually, gum disease can cause tooth loss, also leading to deterioration of your supporting bone structure. Gum disease patients also can be at greater risk of cardiac disease, stroke, and diabetes.

Gum disease treatment

Your best defense against gum disease is to prevent the disease from ever starting. It starts with good oral hygiene: brush your teeth twice each day, floss daily, and visit your dentist once every six months for a professional cleaning and thorough examination of your oral health. Certain other conditions, such as diabetes, can increase your risk factor for gum disease. Pregnant women also have a high likelihood of developing the disease and should make sure to receive regular dental care. Other factors that may make you more vulnerable to gum disease can include smoking or using other forms of tobacco, side effects of certain medications, crooked teeth, old failing dental work or bridges that do not fit properly, or simply the natural aging process.

If you have gum disease, professional treatment is crucial. The disease will not just go away on its own, nor can brushing, flossing or any other over-the-counter method treat it.

At Triangle Periodontics, we provide gum disease treatment with the following procedures:

  • Scaling and root planing – Also known as repetitive therapy, this is a combination of procedures. First, an ultrasonic cleaning device completely removes plaque and tartar from your teeth. Then, we smooth the rough surface and roots of the affected teeth, making it easier for the gum tissue to heal and reattach.
  • At-home periodontal trays – These allow patients to receive treatments for gum disease with prescription-grade medication that is administered at home in trays that are customized to fit securely and comfortably in the mouth.
  • Periodontal surgery – We can perform surgery to reduce the size and depth of the pockets that form as a result of periodontitis. This frees the affected teeth of bacteria, plaque, and tartar, allowing the gums to reattach to the teeth. We offer surgical and non-surgical treatment of gum disease. In some cases, we can use a precise dental laser that allows us to conduct surgical procedures in less time with less discomfort and less bleeding than traditional surgery.
  • Sedation dentistry – Every person with gum disease should be treated, even those who have significant fear or anxiety over going to the dentist. For these patients or those who have other pre-existing conditions that may hinder their ability to receive dental care, Triangle Periodontics also offers sedation dentistry through the use of laughing gas or IV drip, which calms the patient allowing lengthy procedures or multiple procedures to be performed with no discomfort or anxiety.
  • Crown lengthening – If you have a “gummy smile” that causes your teeth to appear too small, we can provide you with crown lengthening treatments to reshape your gum line as well as make your teeth look longer. The results are a fabulous new smile that makes you feel confident.
  • Gum recession and tissue grafting – If you have suffered the devastating effects of gum disease or are battling gum recession in general, we offer both surgical and non-surgical techniques of repairing your receded gums. Repairing receded gums not only improves the aesthetics of your smile but your oral health as well.
  • Ready to learn more? Let Triangle Periodontics treat your gum disease. Contact us at 919-782-9536 today to schedule an appointment.

Triangle Periodontics is proud to serve patients in the areas of Apex, Cary, and Raleigh, North Carolina.