What is periodontal therapy?

Conditions such as gingivitis and periodontitis can result in significant damage to the teeth and gums. These dental issues are also entirely avoidable with proper care and maintenance of the smile. Dr. Blanca Fernandez and her team at Highland Dental Clinic in South Lakeland, Florida, work with individuals to help them if these conditions develop.

What is periodontal disease?

Periodontal disease is an infection often referred to as gum disease. It causes inflammation of the soft tissues of the mouth, specifically the gums, that can spread if not diagnosed and treated by a dental professional. With periodontal therapy, patients can maintain their oral health with time and keep the condition from worsening–and causing more damage to the smile!

Why is diagnosis and treatment of periodontal disease important?

If you have been diagnosed with periodontal disease, at any stage, by Dr. Fernandez, she will often recommend that you consider periodontal therapy. This is a treatment designed to target the bacteria contributing to the infection. Antibiotics may be administered directly to the gums or even taken orally to fend off bacteria and get the smile back to health.

Without a proper diagnosis or treatment, patients are putting their smiles–and bodies–at risk! The bacteria associated with periodontal disease can enter the bloodstream, leading to a higher risk of other serious conditions such as premature birth in pregnant women, heart attacks and heart disease, and even strokes. Patients with conditions like diabetes may also experience elevated blood sugar levels that can become more difficult to control when paired with the vicious cycle of periodontal inflammation. This is why treatment with services such as scaling and root planing may be used for patients with a recent diagnosis of periodontal disease to get the infection under control and manageable.

Work with a dental team in South Lakeland, Florida, that has your oral health in mind!

It is vital that you know and trust your dental team to help you achieve and maintain your oral health and wellness. If you are in or around South Lakeland and want to connect with a dentist focusing on oral health and wellness, call Dr. Blanca Fernandez! Call the front office team at (863) 457-1954 to request an appointment at our office, located at 5163 US Highway 98. We accept new patients and welcome you to our state-of-the-art dental facility for oral healthcare!