Periodontics is the branch of dentistry that focuses on the gums and supporting structures of your teeth. Healthy gums are essential for protecting your smile and preventing more serious oral health concerns. With modern treatments and advanced care, gum health can be restored and maintained for years to come. At Keystone Dentistry in Belton, MO, patients can count on trusted providers to deliver compassionate periodontal care—schedule your consultation today to get started.
What Is Periodontics?
Periodontics is dedicated to diagnosing, preventing, and treating conditions that affect the gums and bone supporting your teeth. This care is vital to keeping your teeth stable and ensuring your smile lasts a lifetime. Healthy gums are the key to lasting oral health.
- Focuses on gum health: Protects gums from infection that can damage the foundation of your smile.
- Supports bone structures: Keeps the jawbone strong to hold teeth securely in place.
- Prevents tooth loss: Stops gum disease from progressing to the point of losing teeth.
- Improves overall wellness: A healthier mouth supports better long-term health.
The Link Between Periodontal Health & Overall Health
The health of your gums impacts your overall health in significant ways. Research has shown that gum disease is connected to conditions such as heart disease, diabetes, and chronic inflammation. By protecting your gums, you’re also protecting your body.
- Connection to heart health: Gum infection may increase strain on the cardiovascular system.
- Impact on diabetes: Unhealthy gums can make it harder to control blood sugar levels.
- Inflammation link: Infected gum tissue may trigger widespread inflammation in the body.
- Whole-body benefits: Healthy gums lower risks and support better systemic health.
What Is Periodontal Disease?
Periodontal disease is an infection that slowly damages the gums and bone that hold your teeth in place. If untreated, it can progress from mild irritation to severe infection that leads to tooth loss. Early care makes all the difference.
- Gum infection: Caused by bacteria that create irritation and destroy gum tissue.
- Progressive condition: Without treatment, the infection worsens and spreads.
- Serious consequences: May cause gum recession, loose teeth, and bone loss.
- Better outcomes with early care: Treatment is simpler and more effective when caught early.
Stages & Symptoms
Gum disease begins with gingivitis and can progress to advanced periodontitis if not addressed. Each stage becomes more harmful to the gums and supporting bone. Knowing the symptoms can help you seek care sooner.
- Red or swollen gums: A sign of irritation that should not be ignored.
- Bleeding while brushing or flossing: A common warning of infection and inflammation.
- Receding gums: Gums pull away from the teeth, making them look longer.
- Loose or shifting teeth: Advanced infection weakens bone support around teeth.
Preventing Periodontal Disease
Prevention is the easiest way to maintain gum health and avoid more serious treatments. A combination of daily care and professional check-ups keeps bacteria under control. Small steps at home add up to lasting protection.
- Brush twice daily: Removes plaque that builds up on the surfaces of teeth and gums.
- Floss every day: Cleans between teeth where brushing alone cannot reach.
- See your dentist regularly: Professional exams and cleanings help detect early problems.
- Eat a balanced diet: Good nutrition strengthens the body’s ability to fight infection.
Our Periodontic Services
Periodontal care includes a variety of treatments designed to restore gum health and protect your smile. Each service is customized to your needs, whether you require preventive treatment, deep cleaning, or advanced procedures that rebuild lost bone. With personalized plans and advanced technology, our team provides the care you need to achieve healthier gums and lasting results.
Scaling & Root Planing
Scaling and root planing is a deep cleaning that removes plaque and bacteria below the gumline. This helps gums heal and reattach to the teeth, improving comfort and stability. It is often the first step in treating gum disease.
- Removes harmful buildup: Clears away plaque and tartar that regular cleaning cannot reach.
- Smooths root surfaces: Reduces rough spots where bacteria collect and grow.
- Encourages gum healing: Creates a healthier surface for gums to naturally reattach.
- Improves oral comfort: Decreases inflammation, swelling, and sensitivity in the gums.
Laser-Assisted Periodontal Treatment
Laser-assisted treatment uses modern technology to precisely target infected tissue. The laser removes bacteria while preserving healthier gum tissue. Recovery is often quicker with less discomfort compared to traditional surgery.
- Targets infection accurately: Focuses treatment on diseased areas without harming healthy tissue.
- Minimally invasive: Reduces the need for surgical incisions or sutures.
- Speeds healing: Encourages faster recovery and shorter downtime.
- Preserves gum health: Protects more of the natural gum for stronger long-term results.
Laser Gingivectomy
A laser gingivectomy reshapes or removes excess gum tissue to improve health and appearance. It eliminates areas where bacteria thrive and enhances the look of your smile. Many patients enjoy both functional and cosmetic benefits.
- Removes excess tissue: Eliminates overgrowth that can trap bacteria and food debris.
- Reduces gum pockets: Lowers infection risk by shrinking deep spaces around teeth.
- Improves aesthetics: Creates an even gumline for a balanced smile.
- Enhances health and confidence: Supports better oral hygiene and overall confidence.
Bone Grafting & Sinus Lifts
Bone grafting and sinus lifts rebuild areas of the jaw where bone has been lost. These treatments create a strong base for dental implants and help maintain facial structure. Rebuilding bone supports both function and confidence.
- Restores bone strength: Repairs weakened or damaged areas of the jaw.
- Supports dental implants: Provides the foundation needed for secure placement.
- Protects facial appearance: Helps preserve natural contours of the cheeks and jaw.
- Expands treatment options: Allows more patients to qualify for advanced restorations.
Ridge Split
When the jawbone is too narrow for implants, a ridge split can create the needed space. This treatment widens the bone to allow for stable and secure placement. It helps ensure successful long-term implant results.
- Widens narrow jawbone: Expands bone that is too thin to hold an implant.
- Supports stable placement: Creates a solid foundation for future restorations.
- Improves long-term results: Enhances implant success rates for lasting smiles.
- Strengthens smile foundation: Restores the stability needed for chewing and speaking.
Protect Your Wellness
With Healthy Gums
Healthy gums are essential for a confident smile and for protecting your overall health. With advanced periodontal care, you can prevent disease, repair damage, and lower your risk of health concerns connected to gum infection. Choosing trusted providers at Keystone Dentistry in Belton, MO, ensures you receive care that supports both your smile and your well-being. Schedule your appointment today and take the first step toward protecting your wellness with healthy gums.