Periodontics: Maintain Healthy Gums with High-quality Periodontal Therapy
Randal S. Elloway DDS, Inc. is committed to your oral health, and that includes helping you maintain healthy gums. Dr. Randal S. Elloway and team offer top-tier periodontal services to ensure you achieve optimal gum health. Don’t wait until damage happens. If you notice bleeding, swollen, or receding gums, visit our Red Bluff or Chico office for periodontal care.
What is periodontal disease?
Gum or periodontal disease is an infection of the gums and surrounding structures. The primary cause of gum disease is plaque, which builds up in your mouth when you fail to brush and floss your teeth properly. Insufficient oral hygiene leaves food particles, which mix with saliva and harmful bacteria to form a sticky, colorless film that clings to your teeth.
Over time, the bacteria in the dental plaque irritate your gums and cause gingivitis, the earliest form of periodontal disease. The symptoms of gingivitis include:
- Bleeding gums, especially when brushing and flossing
- Red gums
- Swollen gums
- Sensitive teeth
- Bad breath
Gum disease is progressive. When you fail to treat gingivitis, it progresses to periodontitis, which is bad news for your oral health. This advanced gum disease occurs when the infection spreads deeper into the supporting bone and tissues. At this point, gum tissue starts to recede, pockets form around the teeth, and bone loss occurs, resulting in loose teeth or even tooth loss. Worse yet, the infection can seep into your bloodstream, triggering systemic illnesses.
How do we treat gum disease?
We offer several periodontal treatment options, depending on the severity of your infection. After examining your gums, the dentist can recommend:
- Standard cleanings: We can reverse gingivitis with standard cleanings and good at-home oral hygiene. This is the only reversible stage of gum disease because the infection is at the surface level.
- Deep teeth cleaning: This non-surgical treatment involves two procedures. Scaling removes plaque and tartar from beneath the gums, including the deep pockets. Root planing smoothes the root surfaces to remove rough patches that attract harmful bacteria. Planing also encourages gums to reattach to your teeth.
- Laser dentistry: This state-of-the-art gum disease treatment uses light energy to remove harmful bacteria and diseased tissues. Patients love laser-assisted gum disease treatment because it’s precise, minimally invasive, and results in quick recovery.
Our office is the premier choice for periodontics in Chico, Red Bluff, and the surrounding locations. Don’t let gum disease ruin the smile you’ve worked so hard to maintain. Reserve an appointment today with Dr. Elloway and his team to reclaim your healthy gums.
How do I prevent gum disease?
The best dental problems are the ones that never occur. We emphasize prevention to keep your gums healthy and strong.
These preventive steps include:
- Good oral hygiene: Brush your teeth twice daily with fluoride toothpaste. Don’t forget to floss between teeth.
- Eat healthy foods: Avoid sugary and acidic foods. Instead, consider fruits, veggies, dairy products, and calcium-rich foods. Also, keep your mouth hydrated.
- Avoid tobacco use: Tobacco contains toxins that impair the ability of your gums to heal and renew.
- Dental visits: Visit your Chico dentist every six months for regular cleanings and check-ups.
Who offers gum disease treatment near me?
Do you suspect gum disease? Take action before the disease causes irreversible damage. Call our Red Bluff office at (530) 527-6777 or Chico office at (530) 877-4994 and reserve a periodontal consultation with Randal S. Elloway DDS, Inc.
