Protect Your Smile through Preventive Periodontal Care

Dr. Bruce Wilderman provides basic periodontal care during every dental cleaning and examination at his Philadelphia, PA, practice. In addition, he can perform scaling and root planing in combination with laser dentistry to stop gum disease in its earliest stages. Gum disease is a bacterial infection that negatively affects the soft and hard tissues within your mouth. When detected early, side effects are generally treatable and reversible. At Artistic Expressions Dentistry, Dr. Wilderman believes in providing the latest dental techniques and treatments available to make care more comfortable and help patients achieve healthier and more attractive smiles.

Why Preventive Periodontal Care Is Important

Gum disease, also known as periodontal disease, is a bacterial infection that attacks the gums and supportive bone tissue. If left untreated, it can negatively impact the tooth roots and lead to significant tooth loss and jawbone regeneration.

According to studies conducted by the American Dental Association, your oral health has a direct impact on your overall physical health. When tooth decay and gum disease are left untreated, they can lead to serious health conditions, such as diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease, and stroke.

Since Dr. Wilderman checks for periodontal disease during every dental exam, preventive care every six months can help protect your long-term oral health, and add years to your life.

What Causes Gum Disease?

The number one leading cause of periodontal disease is poor oral health. However, it has been known to affect even those who follow the most diligent oral hygiene program, especially if there is a family history of gum disease. Other causes include smoking, age, hormone imbalance, medications, and a weakened immune system.

Gum disease is a bacterial infection that attacks the gums and bone tissue

Side effects to be aware of include:

  • Red and inflamed gums
  • Sensitive gums
  • Dental pain
  • Bleeding gums
  • Gum recession
  • Bad breath
  • Shifting teeth

Scaling and Root Planing

During your routine examination, Dr. Wilderman will perform a thorough evaluation and cleaning of your teeth and gums. Using advanced technology, he will administer digital x-rays to help detect tooth decay, gum disease, and structural issues of the jawbone. Since the beginning stages of gum disease are often undetectable, it is important to maintain your dental exam schedule. This allows Dr. Wilderman to detect changes from previous visits.

At Artistic Expressions Dentistry, we emphasize preventive dental care and want to keep your teeth and smile healthy for many years to come.

If the beginning stages of gum disease are detected, he will perform a deep dental cleaning and implement a nonsurgical scaling and root planing treatment. Before doing so, he will use a high-powered dental laser to trim away a small amount of unhealthy gum tissue from around the tooth. Since it trims and cauterizes simultaneously, treatment is minimally invasive and no anesthesia is required.

Once the infected tissue has been removed, Dr. Wilderman will use a dental instrument known as a scaler to remove plaque buildup from the base of your tooth and below your gumline. He will then use a root planing device to smooth the surface of the tooth to eliminate any pockets between the gums and around the teeth to prevent food and bacteria from becoming trapped. This also allows the gums to regenerate healthy tissue and fit more securely against the tooth.

Maintain Your Healthy Smile

At Artistic Expressions Dentistry, Dr. Wilderman emphasizes preventive dental care and wants to keep your teeth and smile healthy for many years to come. If you are experiencing dental pain, sensitivity, or bleeding in your gums, you may have the beginning signs of periodontal disease. Contact us today to schedule your dental examination.

Dr. Wilderman on cover of suburban life

Artistic Expressions Dentistry

Dr. Bruce Wilderman has been providing comprehensive cosmetic dentistry services since 1986. By combining a true sense of artistry with state-of-the-art technology, he can provide stunning results. At Artistic Expressions Dentistry, we are proud to be affiliated with:

  • The American Dental Association
  • The American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry

For more information about our services, contact our practice online or call (215) 340-1199 today.

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