Periodontal Treatment in Whitby

You deserve a beautiful & healthy smile.

Dundas Street Dental Centre offers a number of treatment options to address periodontal disease in Whitby. This illness involves infections in the structures around the teeth. The actual teeth, however, are not affected. Periodontal infections typically occur in the gums, alveolar bone and periodontal ligament.

The first stage of disease of gingivitis. This involves an inflammation of the gums, which is usually caused by a bacterial infection. When gingivitis is left untreated, it will eventually progress to periodontitis.

Symptoms for periodontal disease may include the following:

Swollen or bleeding gums
Persistent bad breath
Pain when chewing
Loose teeth
Sudden tooth sensitivity
Gum recession

Periodontal disease can only be confirmed through a dental examination. Our dentists will recommend treatment methods based on the stage of infection. Gum disease should be addressed immediately because it is linked to other health conditions, including heart disease, stroke and diabetes.

Periodontal Disease Treatment Phases

Periodontal disease is typically treated in three distinct phases. If the infection is in its advanced stages, the method of treatment will be more complex. But with proper intervention, periodontitis can be cured.

Phase 1: Etiological Phase

During this phase, our team is focused on controlling the infection. The dentist will try to identify its cause, so we can tackle the cause of the problem. Two procedures are usually performed at this stage: scaling and root planing. You may require local anesthetics in the area to have root planning done. During these procedures, the dentist will thoroughly clean the teeth and attempt to remove all plaque and micro-bacteria.

Afterwards, we’ll provide the patient with instructions on how to perform at-home routine care. This will also involve taking care of your overall health. The patient will be asked to quit smoking, lower their alcohol consumption, and maintain excellent oral hygiene.
Phase 2: Surgical Phase

Should the treatment methods from Phase 1 be unsuccessful, our team will have to take a more invasive approach. If the infection is rooted deep in the tooth, surgery may be required to clean out the affected area. Ultimately, the goal of surgery is to remove defects between the teeth and bone. These gaps allow room for plaque, tartar and bacteria to accumulate. By eliminating these, there will be less opportunity for infection to occur.

Connective tissue graft is another common way to treat gum disease when there’s root exposure. Gum recession occurs when the tissue that surrounds the tooth begins to pull away. It often goes unnoticed until it becomes severe. To fix this, a flap of skin is cut from the roof of the mouth (palate), so a bit of connective tissue can be removed from under the top layer of flesh. This tissue is then stitched to the gums surrounding the exposed root. A free gingival graft is a similar process. But instead of making a flap, tissue is removed directly from the palate. This method is generally used for patients who have thin gums and require additional tissue to enlarge them.

At Dundas Street Dental Centre, we ensure all surgical procedures are conducted in a clean and comfortable setting. Patients are put under local anesthesia to avoid pain. Afterwards, our team will provide you with instructions on how to care for your teeth during the recovery period.
Phase 3: Maintenance Phase

Once the patient has been cured of periodontal disease, this final phases focuses entirely on maintenance and prevention. Periodontitis can return if patients are not careful. That’s why good hygiene and lifestyle changes are necessary in maintaining healthy teeth structure.

At Dundas Street Dental Centre, our team will spend the time making sure you know the best and most effective way to brush and floss. We’ll also recommend a dental check-up in three months, as opposed to waiting the standard six month period. This allows us to check that the disease has not returned, and ensure the patient is maintaining good oral hygiene.

If you suspect you may be suffering from periodontal disease, visit our clinic for a thorough assessment of your teeth and gums. Periodontitis is a serious condition that deserves immediate attention. Our practice is committed to ensuring the oral health of you and your entire family. So trust the professionals at Dundas Street Dental Centre to help you manage and cure this complex disease.

How can I take care of my porcelain veneers?

There’s a common misconception you must avoid many foods when eating with veneers. But that’s simply not true -- it’s possible to eat pretty much anything. Porcelain veneers can stand up to all types of chewing motions. The only foods you may want to be cautious of are hard ones, like seeds and nuts. You should also avoid foods with heavy dyes as they can cause discolouration.

When it comes to oral care, brush and floss porcelain veneers as you would natural teeth. At Dundas Street Dental Centre, we still recommend a professional cleaning and dental check-up every six months.

Although this cosmetic procedure may seem like a large investment up front, keep in mind high-quality veneers can last up to 15 years. They can also prevent the need for more invasive treatments in the future, which means you may be saving thousands of dollars in the long run.