When gum disease advances beyond its earliest stages, it requires professional intervention and ongoing management. At El Paso Modern Dentistry, Dr. Enrique Darancou and our dedicated team provide comprehensive periodontal care in El Paso to help patients understand the serious risks of gum disease and effectively manage this condition through both in-office treatments and at-home maintenance strategies.
Periodontal Disease and Why Treatment Matters
While periodontal disease affects millions of Americans, its prevalence doesn’t diminish its potential dangers. Left untreated, gum disease can have devastating consequences that extend far beyond your mouth. The bacteria associated with advanced periodontal disease can enter your bloodstream, triggering inflammatory responses. This systemic inflammation has been linked to serious health complications, including heart attacks, strokes, Alzheimer’s disease, and even lung cancer. In severe cases, complications from untreated gum disease have proven fatal. These sobering facts underscore why seeking prompt periodontal care in El Paso is essential for protecting your oral health and our overall well-being.
Prevention: A Partnership Between You and Your Dental Team
Preventing gum disease requires collaboration between our practice and your daily habits at home. Proper oral hygiene serves as your first line of defense. You should brush your teeth twice daily for two minutes each session using a soft-bristled toothbrush positioned at a 45-degree angle to your gums. Always use fluoridated toothpaste to strengthen your enamel while cleaning away bacteria. Flossing at least once per day is equally critical. Start with an 18-inch segment of floss and use a fresh section for each tooth, carefully working the floss between teeth and underneath the gumline to dislodge trapped bacteria and food particles.
Beyond your at-home routine, regular professional care through our family dentistry services plays a vital role. We recommend scheduling checkups and cleanings every six months to catch potential problems early and keep your gums healthy.
Recognizing the Stages of Gum Disease
Gum disease progresses through two primary stages, each requiring different approaches. The earliest stage, gingivitis, presents symptoms including red or swollen gums, bleeding when you brush or floss, and gums that appear to be pulling away from your teeth. One particularly deceptive characteristic of gingivitis is that it often develops painlessly, which means many people ignore warning signs simply because they feel fine. The good news is that gum disease can be completely reversed with proper treatment and improved oral hygiene when caught at this stage.
However, once the condition advances to periodontitis, the damage becomes irreversible. At this stage, the infection has begun destroying the bone and connective tissue that support your teeth. Without ongoing periodontal care in El Paso, periodontitis can lead to tooth loss and serious health complications. Like diabetes or hypertension, advanced gum disease becomes a chronic condition requiring consistent management rather than a one-time cure.
Advanced Treatment Options at El Paso Modern Dentistry
Dr. Enrique Darancou offers comprehensive periodontal care tailored to each patient’s needs. Managing periodontitis typically begins with scaling and root planing, often called a “deep cleaning.” During the scaling phase, we meticulously remove all hardened calculus (tartar) accumulated on your teeth and beneath your gumline. This calculus harbors bacteria and toxins perpetuating the inflammatory process, damaging your gums and bone.
Root planing follows scaling and focuses on smoothing the surfaces of tooth roots. This procedure serves dual purposes: it eliminates rough spots where bacteria tend to colonize and creates smooth surfaces that encourage gums to reattach to teeth. By removing bacterial deposits and smoothing the root surfaces, we halt gum disease progression and create favorable conditions for healing.
Depending on the severity of your condition, we may also recommend antibiotic therapy to combat the bacterial infection more aggressively. These antibiotics can be administered orally or applied directly to the periodontal pockets. Additionally, patients with active periodontitis often benefit from more frequent maintenance appointments—sometimes every three to four months instead of the standard six months—to keep the disease under control and prevent further deterioration.
Integrating Periodontal Care with Comprehensive Dental Services
Periodontal health forms the foundation for all other dental treatments. Healthy gums support cosmetic dentistry procedures and are essential before pursuing restorative dentistry options. In cases where periodontal disease has caused severe damage, tooth extractions may become necessary before beginning rehabilitation. Our comprehensive approach to dental services ensures we address periodontal issues as part of your treatment plan.
Making Quality Periodontal Care Accessible
Financial concerns shouldn’t prevent anyone from receiving necessary periodontal treatment. We offer an in-house membership plan to make quality dental care more affordable for patients without traditional insurance. This plan includes preventive visits and discounts on treatments, making it easier to maintain your periodontal health throughout the year.
Periodontal Care in El Paso
If you’ve noticed warning signs of gum disease or simply want to ensure your gums remain healthy, don’t wait to seek professional care. The earlier we can intervene, the better your outcomes will be. Book your appointment online today and experience the difference expert periodontal care can make for your smile and health.
At El Paso Modern Dentistry, we’re committed to helping you achieve and maintain optimal periodontal health. With advanced treatment options, personalized care plans, and a focus on patient education, we’ll partner with you to protect your gums, preserve your teeth, and safeguard your overall health for years to come.