Periodontal Disease and Its Treatment

Roderick Garcia, DMD, received his training from Tufts University School of Dental Medicine in Boston. He has been practicing cosmetic and family dentistry for over three decades at his practice in Albuquerque, New Mexico. Roderick Garcia, DMD, and his experienced staff treat a variety of conditions, including periodontal gum disease.

Periodontal disease occurs when bacterial plaque accumulates on the teeth and under the gumline. As a result, patients experience inflammation of the gums and potential damage to the soft tissue and bone that supports the teeth. In severe cases, the gums pull away from the teeth, forming pockets that become infected. The body responds to the infection with natural immune functions, which can wear down connective tissue and bone even further. Left untreated, the teeth of a patient with periodontal disease will become loose and eventually need to be removed.

After diagnosis, the primary goal is to control the infection. A patient can help in this endeavor by utilizing good, daily dental habits such as regular brushing and flossing. In addition, patients are encouraged to quit smoking. Sometimes it is necessary for a trained dentist to perform a scaling and root planning procedure in which the tarter is scraped off the teeth and roots. Medication and surgery may also be required. Periodontal scaling will reduce most gum pockets to a manageable level going towards ideal periodontal health however when the gum pockets do not shrink enough with periodontal scaling then periodontal surgery is required. When we perform periodontal surgery the surgery is under an hour with very minor discomfort. The gum pocket reduction results are maintained with 3 month visits to our office for dental cleanings and good home care. Providing our patients optimal dental health since 1983. Roderick A Garcia DMD Cosmetic and Family Dentist 505-634-5059 www.roderickgarciadmd.com