Periodontal Disease in Annapolis, MD

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, almost half of American adults suffer from some degree of gum disease—also called periodontal disease—which, left untreated, can lead to tooth loss or systemic health issues. The Chesapeake Bay Dentistry team works to eliminate the risks for our patients or treat their symptoms should gum disease arise.

Our dentist gently but thoroughly treats this disease in his Annapolis dentist office using skill, kindness, and the latest technologies. And Dr. Polizois and his compassionate support staff are with you throughout the process.

We are a judgment-free dental office and only want to restore your oral health with kindness and skill.

If you suspect periodontal disease or have already been diagnosed, we invite you to reach out to a support member to schedule a consultation and begin the treatments that can save your smile.

Meanwhile, check out the information below. These are the questions we hear most often from patients and potential patients seeking periodontal treatment in 21401.

• What is periodontal disease?
• What are the risks?
• What are the symptoms of periodontal disease?
• How do you diagnose periodontal disease?
• How do you treat periodontal disease in Annapolis, MD?
• Do you offer dental sedation near Loretta Heights, MD?
• How can I lower my risks through oral hygiene?

Periodontal disease is a series of infections and inflammation in the gum area. These complications can destroy bone and weaken the ligaments that support your teeth, making chewing and brushing difficult and painful.

While there may be a predisposition genetically for gum disease, the disease itself and its progression are preventable through proper dentistry and an excellent brushing and flossing schedule at home.

Our dentist or hygienist can provide guidelines to help you with your at-home routine, which is crucial to your success—whether lowering your risks or working to restore better oral health following a diagnosis.

Periodontal disease has been linked to systemic health conditions, and lowering your risks is crucial.

What are the risks?

When thinking about periodontal disease, consider the risks for developing the condition and the risks that set in if you are diagnosed.

Your risks for developing periodontal disease increase significantly when you skip preventive dental exams and teeth cleanings. Exams catch gum disease in its early stages—gingivitis—when it is still reversible. Periodontitis, however, is only treatable. And regular teeth cleanings in Annapolis, MD lower your risks for developing gum disease.

It’s also important to brush and floss your teeth at least two times every day and always before you sleep at night. You should never go to bed without a clean mouth as oral health conditions like cavities and gingivitis can develop or start to develop during sleep.

It’s also important to give up smoking and tobacco use.

If you already have gum disease, seeking treatment is crucial. Recent studies have linked periodontal disease to heart problems, stroke, rheumatoid arthritis, Alzheimer’s disease, and low birth weight in babies. Treatment can significantly lower these risks.

What are the symptoms of periodontal disease?

Gingivitis and periodontal disease can exhibit similar symptoms—especially early on. For this reason, regular dental checkups are critical. Additionally, symptoms may not show up right away or be so gradual that you don’t notice until the case is advanced.

If you have periodontal disease, you may notice:

• Bleeding gums, especially when brushing or flossing
• Gum recession or gums pocking away from teeth
• Bad breath or a bad taste in the mouth
• Loose or shifting teeth
• Pain when brushing, flossing, or eating
• Red, swollen gums
• Periodic or ongoing toothaches

Research has shown that poor oral health may contribute to systemic health problems. It’s important to remember that infections can spread where they may!

Dr. Polizois is here to help you combat periodontal disease, and he holds no judgments. Our compassionate dentist simply wants to save your smile and your health.

Periodontal screenings play a large role in preventative dentistry, which is why Dr. Polizois recommends regular dental visits and professional teeth cleanings.

Healthy gums fit snuggly around teeth. When pockets develop, our hygienist or dentist notes the first signs of periodontal disease. They share their findings with you, and your dentist creates a treatment plan that addresses your particular level of disease.

When gums recede away from teeth, this creates pockets for bacteria and serious dental infections. Gum disease damages tissue, periodontal ligaments and leads to bone loss. Eventually, periodontal disease will claim your teeth.

Intervention by our top Annapolis, MD dentist is crucial for salvaging your teeth and stopping the spread of infection.

How do you treat periodontal disease in Annapolis?

Our periodontal program is top-notch, and we provide specialized dental cleanings—deep cleanings below the gumline–to bring you back to better oral health. Scaling and root planing means helping your gums reattach to your teeth with contouring and removing disease.

We may also customize a treatment schedule based on the extent of your periodontal disease.

Our top Annapolis, MD dentist will keep you relaxed and comfortable throughout all periodontal treatments, offering pillows, blankets, nitrous oxide, and oral sedation to help you feel at ease.

Do you offer dental sedation near Loretta Heights, MD?

Your sedation dentist in Annapolis, MD is very gentle but also understands dental phobia and anxiety. We never want to see you forego dental care for these reasons, which is why we offer sedation dentistry.

Sedation dentistry in our dental office relies on one or more options to produce the desired relaxation level. Your dentist may opt for one option or two, depending on your need.

Nitrous oxide is a calming gas administered through a nasal mask. It produces feelings of relaxation and disconnection. These effects wear off as soon as your dentist removes the mask, making it okay for you to drive home from your appointment safely.

Oral sedation is a pill you take approximately one hour before your dental procedure. It allows you to follow directions from your dentist, but you may forget the majority of your procedure. You will need a friend or family member to drive you to and from your dental appointment.

Your dentist can combine these methods for ultimate relaxation and treatment ease, but the first step is a chat—and possible medical history conversation—with your dentist. We want to make sure we choose the best option for you.

How can I lower my risks through oral hygiene?

If you’ve been diagnosed with periodontal disease or would like to take measures to prevent the disease, we recommend the following at-home strategies:

• Brushing your teeth at least twice per day
• Flossing at least twice per day
• Following any at-home instructions provided by Dr. Polizois

The way you brush and floss your teeth is also important. Be sure to clean every tooth on all surfaces, spending a few minutes on your smile overall. You should also use a clean piece of floss as you move between your teeth—and never tug!

Based on the extent of your periodontal disease, Dr. Polizois will give you the best preventative tips to use at home.  

If you’ve been diagnosed with periodontal disease, or if you’ve noticed symptoms, don’t wait to see our dentist and hygienist. Contact us today to schedule a gum evaluation.