4455 E. Camelback Road, Suite #E-100, Phoenix, AZ 85018
Periodontal Therapy Phoenix What is Periodontal Disease/Gum Disease?Wondering why your gums are bleeding or why there's an unpleasant smell when you talk? You might be dealing with gum disease.The biggest culprit behind gum disease is typically bacterial plaque that builds up and starts attacking the tissues that hold your teeth in place. Gum disease can be tricky because it often doesn't hurt - you might not even realize you've got it. There are different stages to watch for, and many folks don't notice their gums pulling back because it happens so gradually over time - kind of like watching grass grow, you don't see it happening day to day. That's why keeping an eye on changes in your mouth is so important! At Implant and Periodontal Wellness Center of Arizona, we're here to help you figure out if gum disease is what you're facing. Symptoms and Stages of Gum DiseaseGum disease often sneaks up on you - it's like a slow leak in your roof that you don't notice until there's water damage. The first stage is gingivitis, where your gums (the gingiva) become inflamed. You'll likely notice redness, swelling, and bleeding when you brush. If left unchecked, gingivitis can advance to periodontitis, creating pockets between your teeth and gums that trap bacteria - like having tiny food traps that collect germs. This leads to persistent bad breath, loosening teeth, and pain when you're enjoying your favorite foods. Advanced periodontitis is the most serious stage - at this point, you're facing significant bone loss and possibly tooth loss. The damage to your gums and the structures supporting your teeth is extensive, making tooth loss a real concern. The good news? Catching these warning signs early and getting treatment can stop gum disease from progressing and help preserve your smile for years to come.  Role of Periodontal TherapyHere's something reassuring - gum disease can actually be stopped in its tracks! Treatment works best when we catch periodontal disease early, before it's had time to do extensive damage. While many of our patients are diligent about brushing twice daily and flossing at least once, sometimes your at-home care routine isn't quite enough to keep your teeth and gums completely safe. That's exactly why Ronald Watkins, DDS, MS and the team at Implant and Periodontal Wellness Center of Arizona strongly suggest keeping those six-month checkups. These regular visits let us check how your gums and teeth are doing and tackle any issues when they're just getting started - like catching a weed before it takes over your garden. At Implant and Periodontal Wellness Center of Arizona, we offer a comprehensive range of gum disease treatments, including non-surgical perioscopy, implant rescue, laser treatment, scaling and root planing, gingivectomy, crown lengthening, periodontal plastic and reconstructive surgery, and surgically facilitated orthodontic therapy (SFOT), all designed to restore your oral health and enhance your smile. Non-Surgical PerioscopyNon-surgical perioscopy is more than just a cleaning - it's like having a tiny explorer for your gums! This gentle procedure uses a small fiber-optic camera that gives us an up-close view of your gums and tooth roots. This cool technology helps us spot plaque, tartar, and bacteria hiding under your gum line where regular tools can't see. If you've got sensitive gums or early-stage gum disease, you'll especially benefit from this approach. Many of our patients are surprised to learn it's much more comfortable than they expected, offering precision without needing any cutting - think of it as a microscope for your mouth that helps us keep your gums healthy without surgery. Implant RescueThink of Implant Rescue as a special repair service for dental implants that aren't performing their best. This targeted treatment addresses complications like infection, loosening, or gum recession around your implant. The process starts with figuring out exactly what's gone wrong and then implementing specific fixes to restore your implant's stability and function. When you come in for Implant Rescue, you'll get a thorough evaluation and a treatment plan designed just for your situation, aimed at protecting your investment in that dental implant. This intervention is key to ensuring your implant continues to feel comfortable and work properly for years to come. Perioscopy vs. Laser TreatmentPerioscopy uses that tiny camera we mentioned to get a magnified view of what's happening under your gums, allowing for precise cleaning without any cutting. It's particularly great if you have sensitive gums or are just starting to develop gum issues - many patients tell us they're surprised by how comfortable the whole process feels. On the flip side, laser treatment uses focused light beams to remove unhealthy tissue and bacteria. It's like having a precision tool that targets just the problem areas. The healing tends to be quicker and there's typically less discomfort compared to traditional surgery. This approach works well if you're dealing with moderate to severe gum disease but want to avoid conventional surgery. Both treatments aim to improve your oral health and stop gum disease from getting worse, giving you options based on your specific situation and what your gums need.  Scaling and Root PlaningScaling and root planing is essentially a deep-cleaning procedure that goes beyond what your regular dental cleaning can accomplish. It's designed to tackle gum disease by removing built-up plaque and tartar from below your gum line - areas your toothbrush just can't reach. This non-surgical treatment is especially helpful if you're noticing early signs of gum issues, like bleeding when you brush or swollen gums. By smoothing the tooth roots, we're making it harder for bacteria to stick around - think of it like sanding a rough wooden surface so dirt can't get trapped in the crevices. After this procedure, most of our patients notice their gums feel healthier, bad breath improves, and that tenderness starts to fade. Gingivectomy: Removal of Gum TissueA gingivectomy might sound intimidating, but it's actually a straightforward procedure that involves removing excess gum tissue to address gum disease or improve how your smile looks. If you're dealing with significant gum overgrowth or deep pockets between your teeth and gums (which can trap bacteria like food stuck between teeth), this procedure can be incredibly beneficial. By carefully removing the extra gum tissue, we reduce the places where infection can develop and often enhance the overall appearance of your smile. Many of our patients are pleasantly surprised by how this procedure can transform both their oral health and the look of their gums. Crown LengtheningCrown lengthening is a procedure that reveals more of your natural tooth structure by carefully reshaping or removing some gum tissue and, when necessary, small amounts of bone. If you have what people often call a "gummy smile" - where your teeth look short because they're partially hidden by excess gum tissue - this procedure can make a dramatic difference. By adjusting your gum line, we're not just making your smile more balanced and attractive - we're also ensuring any dental work you need will fit properly and last longer. Think of it as framing a beautiful picture - the right frame (or in this case, gum line) showcases the artwork of your teeth perfectly.  Periodontal Plastic and Reconstructive SurgeryIf you're experiencing gum recession (where your gums pull back from your teeth), uneven gum lines, or a "gummy smile," these procedures can be life-changing. By carefully reshaping or rebuilding your gum tissue, we not only improve how your smile looks but also protect the roots of your teeth from exposure - which helps prevent sensitivity and decay. It's like restoring the protective coating on your teeth that nature intended. Most of our patients who undergo these procedures are amazed at how much healthier and more balanced their smile appears, with many reporting increased confidence in their appearance. Surgically Facilitated Orthodontic Therapy (SFOT)Surgically Facilitated Orthodontic Therapy (SFOT) is like adding a turbocharger to your orthodontic treatment. This innovative approach combines surgical techniques with traditional braces or clear aligners to speed up the whole process. If you're dealing with complex dental issues like severe misalignment or crowding that might be challenging to address with braces alone, SFOT could be your answer. By strategically modifying the bone and gum tissue, we're creating an environment where teeth can move more efficiently - think of it as clearing the path so your teeth can travel to their destination faster. Many of our patients who choose this option are delighted with the reduced treatment time and often achieve better results than they would with conventional orthodontics alone. Periodontal Treatment in PhoenixThinking about addressing your gum health? Taking care of your periodontal needs opens the door to better oral health and a more confident smile. Whether you're just noticing the early signs of gum disease or dealing with more advanced issues, our dedicated team is committed to providing care that's tailored specifically to what you need. By choosing our services, you're putting your gum health in capable hands, ensuring you'll receive the most up-to-date techniques delivered with genuine care and attention. Don't wait until small problems become big ones - schedule an appointment with our experienced periodontist today at (480) 504-0506 and take that first step toward healthier gums and a brighter smile that feels as good as it looks. |
| Monday | 8–5 |
|---|---|
| Tuesday | 8–5 |
| Wednesday | 7–4 |
| Thursday | 8–5 |
| Friday | 8–12 |
| Closed for Lunch | 12–1 |