Eliminate Gum Disease for a Stronger, Healthier Smile

Gum disease is a serious condition that causes severe oral health issues. If left untreated, periodontal infection can even lead to tooth loss. Because early stages of gum disease often have no noticeable symptoms, it is crucial to maintain your oral health by attending regular dental cleanings and examinations. At Smile 360 in Austin, TXDr. Vincent Ip provides comprehensive periodontal disease treatment to address and prevent gum disease, as well as prepare patients for restorative treatments. 

The Importance of Periodontal Care

Gum disease is not usually painful, but it can wreak havoc on your mouth. When plaque and tartar harden, it is easier for bacteria to spread below the gum line. Once there, bacteria can create pockets around the teeth, leading to gum recession. Left untreated, it can even lead to tooth loss. 

When you devote time to regular periodontal care, you are investing in the future of your overall health.

Scientific research has demonstrated a link between oral and overall health. When bacteria is present in the mouth, the same bacteria is also usually present in the bloodstream, which carries the infection throughout your body. As a result, periodontal disease is often connected to heart disease, strokes, and diabetes. When you devote time to regular periodontal care, you are investing in the future of your overall health.

Illustration demonstrating progression of periodontal disease and decay.
Left untreated, gum disease can quickly undermine the health of the gums, teeth, and surrounding soft tissue. 

Treatments in Periodontal Therapy

Periodontal treatments can range from non-invasive cleanings to complex surgical treatments, depending on the severity and extent of your condition. 

Antibiotic Treatment

Because periodontal disease is caused by bacteria, your doctor can prescribe antibiotic therapy to eliminate the source of the problem. In most cases, it is used in conjunction with other treatments, such as scaling and root planing. 

Scaling and Root Planing

Scaling and root planing is a non-surgical treatment used to correct mild to moderate periodontal disease. Dr. Ip or one of our dental hygienists can clean deep into the gum line to remove the plaque and tartar deposits containing bacteria. The tooth root surfaces are then smoothed to discourage bacterial colonies from reattaching in the future.

Pocket Irrigation

When periodontal pockets are present around the teeth, they are prone to trapping food, debris, and bacteria. If a flare-up occurs, our team can flush the area out with an ultrasonic instrument or irrigate it with an antibacterial mouth rinse.

Pocket Reduction Surgery

Sometimes called osseous surgery, this procedure cleans the root surfaces to reduce the pocket size between the teeth and gums. In some cases, we may also alter and reposition the gum tissue during the surgery for a more aesthetic result.

If you have otherwise inexplicable bad breath or loose teeth, you may need periodontal treatment.

Gum Contouring

Although often used as a cosmetic procedure to reshape excess gum tissue, gum contouring is also used to remove infected tissue from the gum line. 

Soft Tissue Grafting 

The gum recession that often results from periodontal disease can leave the tooth roots exposed and vulnerable to decay and other issues. To protect the area, the doctor can perform a tissue grafting procedure to replace the gum tissue that has pulled away from the teeth. 

Prophylaxis

This is a routine dental cleaning provided for patients who have successfully completed treatment. Sometimes called periodontal maintenance, this procedure helps keep teeth and gums healthy after infection is eliminated.

Boost Your Oral Health Today

If you have otherwise inexplicable bad breath or loose teeth, you may need periodontal treatment. To schedule a consultation with Dr. Ip, call our office at (512) 444-4746 or contact us online.

Dr. Ip

Smile 360

At Smile 360, our mission is to provide patient-centered dental care in a friendly environment. Dr. Ip has been a practicing dentist since 2006 and is proud to be affiliated with a number of prestigious organizations, including the:

  • Academy for Sports Dentistry
  • American Dental Association
  • American Academy of Dental Sleep Medicine, Diplomate
  • Academy of General Dentistry, Fellow

For more information about our services, contact our practice online or call (512) 444-4746 today.

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Austin Office

1509 S Lamar Blvd
Ste 675
Austin, TX 78704

Open Today 9:00am - 5:30pm

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