Periodontal Treatment
Periodontal Treatment
Periodontal disease, commonly known as gum disease, is a serious infection that damages the soft tissue and bone supporting your teeth. At Rappaport Dental in Jacksonville, we understand that gum health is fundamental to your overall wellbeing. Research shows that periodontal disease is linked to heart disease, diabetes, and other systemic health conditions, making treatment essential for both your oral and general health.
Our holistic approach to periodontal care addresses not just the symptoms but the underlying causes of gum disease. We provide comprehensive treatment options that restore gum health while considering how your oral health impacts your entire body. Early intervention is key to preventing tooth loss and protecting your overall health.
Periodontal Treatments
Gum Disease Treatments
Periodontal treatments form the foundation of healthy smiles, and comprehensive gum disease treatment Jacksonville residents trust begins with understanding the connection between your gums and overall health. Gum disease affects millions of US adults and can lead to serious complications including tooth loss, heart disease, and respiratory problems. When you notice warning signs like bleeding gums or swollen gums, prompt treatment becomes essential for preserving both oral health and your general wellness.
At Rappaport Dental, we understand that healthy gums serve as the foundation for a beautiful, functional smile. Our comprehensive approach to gum disease treatment combines advanced periodontal therapy with patient education to help Jacksonville FL and Orange Park residents achieve lasting oral health
Understanding Gum Disease and Its Impact on Oral Health
Gum disease, also called periodontal disease, represents a degenerative condition primarily caused by bacteria found in dental plaque. These harmful bacteria inflame and infect the gum tissue, creating an environment where the gums gradually begin to pull away from teeth. When left untreated, this progressive condition can result in bone loss, tooth loss, and significant gum tissue recession that affects both function and appearance.
The development of gum disease often begins silently, making regular dental visits crucial for early detection. Poor nutrition, certain health conditions, and inadequate oral hygiene contribute to an environment where bacteria thrive along the gum line. Many patients don’t realize they’re developing gum disease until symptoms become noticeable, which is why understanding the progression from early stage gum disease to advanced forms remains essential for prevention.
Early intervention significantly improves treatment outcomes and helps prevent gum disease from advancing to severe cases that require more intensive periodontal surgery. The connection between gum health and overall wellness has become increasingly clear, with research linking untreated periodontal disease to heart disease, diabetes complications, and other systemic health conditions.
Recognizing Signs of Gum Disease and Bleeding Gums
Bleeding gums often represent the first warning sign that many patients notice, typically occurring during brushing or flossing. While occasional minor bleeding might seem normal, consistent bleeding disorders or gums that bleed easily indicate inflammation and infection that require professional attention. Swollen gums, tender gums, and persistent bad breath frequently accompany bleeding, creating a pattern of symptoms that dental professionals recognize as early signs of periodontal disease.
Common signs of gum disease extend beyond bleeding and may include loose teeth, painful chewing, and gum recession that makes teeth appear longer than normal. The mild form of gum disease, known as gingivitis, can often be reversed with improved oral hygiene and professional treatment. However, when symptoms progress to include loose teeth or significant recession, more advanced treatment approaches become necessary.
Patients in Jacksonville FL should pay attention to changes in how their teeth fit together, persistent bad breath that doesn’t improve with brushing, and any areas where infected tissue appears red, swollen, or painful. Early stages of gum disease respond well to conservative treatment, but recognizing these warning signs and seeking prompt care prevents progression to severe cases requiring surgical intervention.
Perio Protect
Perio Protect® is a comprehensive, non-invasive treatment for gum disease that is designed to improve your oral health and promote your comfort during your treatment. Perio Protect involves chemical plaque removal, which is used in combination with traditional procedures for removing plaque and bacteria, such as scaling and root planing.
During the chemical plaque removal portion of this treatment, our dentist will provide you with custom-made Perio Trays. These trays are uniquely designed to fit your mouth and deliver the prescribed medical solutions to the infected areas of your gingival crevices and periodontal pockets. We will provide you with detailed instructions on how to use your Perio Tray.
The prescribed medications delivered by your Perio Tray will help to manage the biofilm in your mouth, preventing these communities of bacteria from regenerating between your appointments at our office. After you have begun your Perio Protect treatment, our dentist may use other procedures or further chemical removal treatments to treat oral wounds caused by gum disease before continuing your treatment with scaling and root planing or another manual periodontal procedure.
Scaling & Root Planing
You may be surprised at the ways you can develop gum disease. Oral hygiene and personal habits are major factors, as are hormonal changes. But by far the leading cause of gum disease is a buildup of plaque and tartar on your teeth.
If you have periodontal disease that has become more severe, our dentist and team typically recommend scaling and root planing. This treatment is a deep cleaning treatment that removes damaging bacteria from beneath the gumline.
The first step of this treatment is called scaling. During this step, our dentist and team remove plaque and tartar, also known as dental calculus, from the teeth. This prevents bacteria from establishing colonies and gaining further hold in your mouth.
The second step is root planing. The roots of the teeth are thoroughly cleaned as we remove bacteria and smooth the areas to prevent infection or inflammation.
Our dentist and team usually use local anesthesia during this treatment to help your experience be as comfortable as possible. We may also suggest splitting the treatment into multiple visits so that one area of the mouth can be focused on at a time. Scaling and root planing is sometimes used in conjunction with other periodontal treatments, such as antibiotic treatments, to help us achieve the best results. At Rappaport Dental, our dentist will discuss the treatment plans with you so you can get the most out of periodontal treatments and halt the disease.
Why Jacksonville Chooses Rappaport Dental?
For over 30 years, Jacksonville has trusted us with their smiles. We combine advanced technology with personalized care to create a dental experience that puts you at ease. Our same-day crown technology means fewer appointments for your busy schedule, while our comprehensive services cover everything from routine cleanings to dental implants and clear aligners.
What sets us apart is our commitment to understanding your complete health picture — not just your teeth. Dr. Drew Rappaport and our team take the time to listen to your concerns and explain your options clearly, ensuring every visit is comfortable, transparent, and tailored to you.
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