Maintaining great oral health requires more than just caring for your teeth. That is why Dr. Marianne Morelli provides periodontics in Brookfield, Connecticut. Periodontics reach beyond typical dentistry to provide specialty care of the gums and other oral systems. If you would like to learn more or schedule a periodontal consultation, we invite you to call our office today at 203.775.6167.
Periodontics is the branch of dentistry that focuses specifically on the health of the gums and other soft tissues. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has found that nearly half of American adults over 30 have advanced gum disease, also known as periodontal disease, making it one of the main threats to the oral system. As such, periodontics is largely centered on diagnosing and treating gum disease. There are multiple stages to gum disease, including:
- Gingivitis: This condition starts when harmful bacteria found in plaque builds up and develops into an infection, known as gingivitis, that irritates gum tissue. Gums that are swollen, red or prone to bleeding are almost always a result of gingivitis.
- Periodontitis: If left untreated, gingivitis can grow into advanced stages that are more difficult to reverse, such as periodontitis. In addition to tender gums, this stage can also cause gum recession, bone loss and loose teeth.
While early stages of gum disease can be addressed with professional dental cleanings and consisted at-home care routines, later stages may require more in-depth and frequent visits to our office to correct. Periodontics also includes dental implant placement, which requires an advanced understanding of the full mouth and oral systems in order to obtain the ideal results. It is one of our joys to see our patients’ smiles returned to full health. To learn more about periodontics and get started on a healthier, happier smile, call or visit our office today and schedule your appointment with our Brookfield dentist.