The First Choice For Dental Implants & Periodontics
Welcome to the Office of Barry P. Levin DMD PC
Periodontist Fairless Hills PA 19030
What Is Periodontal Disease?
Are your gums swollen? Bleeding? Do your teeth feel like they are covered in a sticky film? Then you may have periodontal disease also known as gum disease. Periodontal disease is an infection of the gums. Bacteria or plaque forms around the gumline causing redness, irritation, and even bleeding, however these symptoms do not have to be present for periodontal disease to occur. Without seeking proper treatment from a qualified Fairless Hills Periodontist, the gumline will start to separate from the teeth and cause pockets or spaces for plaque and tartar to form. As it progresses the gums can deteriorate and eventually lead to tooth loss.
When areas of the gums and jawbone that retain the teeth are affected it may be time to seek periodontal treatment. Redness, swollen gums, and receding gum lines are all signs that you may have gum disease. It is imperative to not delay treatment as gum disease can destroy supporting jawbone and cause your teeth to loosen and fall out.
How Can I Prevent Periodontal Disease?
The best way to prevent periodontal disease is to brush and floss regularly. However, this is not a substitute for regularly scheduled checkups and cleanings. It is important that periodontal maintenance occurs on a regular basis, and it is especially important if you have a dental implant. The best advice is to follow the instructions of a local, board certified periodontist near Fairless Hills. Please alternate visits with your general dentist and our office every three to four months.
What Can I Change About My Habits?
Bacteria can accumulate around implants as well as natural teeth. Implants should be cleaned with special instruments that only your dentist or periodontist use for treatment. If your teeth are already showing signs of early stage gum disease it may be time to pick up the phone and call your local periodontist near Fairless Hills Dr. Barry P. Levin.
Besides having good oral hygiene habits, it is important to recognize other ways of preventing periodontal or gum disease. Lifestyle choices, medication, and even stress can all have an affect on the health of your gums. This includes, but is not limited to:
- Poor nutrition
- Smoking
- Drug use
- Diabetes
- Clenching/Grinding of the teeth
Don't Choose Just ANY Periodontist in Fairless Hills!
If you have been diagnosed with periodontal disease, there are several options for treatment depending on the severity of your condition. Non-surgical treatments are always explored first before we move on to more aggressive procedures.
Non-Surgical Treatment
Scaling and root planing is one of the most effective treatments for periodontal or gum disease. Since there is no surgery for this type of procedure it is one of the most common periodontal practices to battle early stage gum disease. If you address your gum disease before it becomes severe, scaling and root planing may be the only treatment you need.
Surgical Treatment
In some cases of moderate or advanced periodontal disease, surgical therapy is indicated. Once the patient is completely comfortable with local anesthetic and/or sedation, the gums are gently reflected. All root surfaces are meticulously cleaned and periodontal defects in the surrounding bone are corrected. This is often done with “regenerative” therapy, where bone grafting is performed to rebuild bone lost from the disease process.
Are you still looking for a board-certified periodontist in the Fairless Hills area? Contact Dr. Barry Levin’s office today by calling 215-635-0465 and take the next step on regaining your confident smile! Proudly offering gentle dental care in Jenkintown, Abington, Elkins Park, Cheltenham, Glenside, Willow Grove, Wyncote, Bucks County, Montgomery County and surrounding areas.