General dentist in Arden, NC describes the advantages of periodontal disease therapy

When patients do not take care of the health of their smiles, they are putting themselves at risk for a wide range of dental concerns, including the development of tooth decay and periodontal disease. The development of these conditions requires immediate treatment to minimize their effects. Arden, NC area patients who visit the team at Family Dental Health of South Asheville with periodontal disease are urged to learn about the advantages of undergoing periodontal disease therapy.

What is periodontal disease?

Also known as gum disease, periodontal disease is an infection that begins in the gum tissues and can spread. The infection is usually caused by bacteria that develops due to poor oral hygiene habits, and often becomes a serious issue if left untreated. Dr. Christopher Port is a general dentist in the community who offers diagnosis and treatment for those who have concerns about their oral health and wellness.

How do I know if I have periodontal disease?

The symptoms of this condition will begin as relatively minor issues but can progress into more serious problems. Dr. Christopher Port encourages patients to visit their general dentist at least once every six months for a cleaning and examination to maintain oral health and wellness, and to catch problems early enough for successful intervention. However, if you are exhibiting any of these signs or symptoms, we encourage you to make an appointment:

• Bleeding gums during brushing and flossing
• Pain and discomfort in the mouth
• Persistent halitosis (bad breath)
• Red, swollen gum tissues
• Pockets between the gums and teeth
• Loose teeth

The earlier the condition is caught, the more likely it can be treated. Periodontal disease is a condition that cannot be cured. Instead, it can be treated and maintained. Periodontal therapy is highly recommended to patients at any stage as it can help make them more comfortable, improve the appearance of the smile, and can reduce the risk of serious bone, tooth, and soft tissue loss.

The advantages of periodontal disease therapy by a general dentist in Arden, NC

Treatment is discussed once patients have received a proper diagnosis after a thorough examination from their dental professional. The stage the condition has reached will help Dr. Christopher Port determine how to treat the problem. The earlier stage, known as gingivitis, can be addressed with a deep cleaning. Dr. Christopher Port may apply some antibiotics to the gum tissues to help in controlling the infection directly. However, if patients have the later stages of periodontal disease, treatment may vary. It may include a more invasive procedure known as scaling and root planing, which should be done every three months until the infection is under control. Antibiotics may be applied directly or may be prescribed as a pharmaceutical for patients to take orally for a specific period. Patients should come into the office regularly for a routine evaluation to monitor how the condition is doing and to learn how to prevent the problem from becoming a bigger issue.

Prevention of periodontal disease

Periodontal disease is a condition that is generally preventable. When patients take appropriate steps to care for their smile by visiting the dentist regularly and brushing and flossing after every meal, they are taking the time to invest in their smile for a lifetime. Additionally, visiting the dentist every six months for a cleaning and evaluation allows our professionals to monitor the smile and make note of any concerning changes that may be happening. In addition, patients can ask about cosmetic treatments that are readily available to help in enhancing the smile’s appearance, such as porcelain veneers or professional teeth whitening. Dr. Christopher Port is here to help patients feel confident in their smiles while ensuring they take good care of it for better oral health. Prevention and top-notch dental care will ensure patients have a beautiful smile for life!

Ready to discuss your options for treatment?

Contact the team of the Family Dental Health of South Asheville to have our dental professional, Dr. Christopher Port, help you determine the type of treatment most appropriate for your specific stage of periodontal disease. The practice is conveniently located at 600 Julian Lane, Suite 610 and can be reached by phone at for an appointment.