Periodontal Disease
Why gum disease is serious – & how you can beat it
Gum (periodontal) disease is an infection that eats away the bone around your teeth. It affects an estimated 75% of the U.S. population and is the leading cause of tooth loss. Fortunately, Dr. R. Eduardo del Amo and Dr. Jose R. Mellado can help. They are highly trained periodontists in South Florida with over 30 years of combined experience who can effectively treat gum disease and preserve your special smile.
Gingivitis is gum inflammation caused by deposits of plaque and tartar. It’s most often the result of poor dental hygiene and often goes unnoticed because it is usually painless. Left untreated, periodontitis may develop – plaque-filled pockets are formed between the teeth and gums, which can damage the periodontal ligament and bone sockets of each tooth. Without treatment, erosion of the bony socket may occur, causing the tooth to loosen and fall out.
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Gum disease may pose serious risks to your health
Increasing scientific evidence suggests gum disease may contribute to the development of heart disease, stroke and atherosclerosis, increase a woman’s risk of having a preterm, low-birth-weight baby and pose a threat to patients with diabetes. Also, there is a strong connection between gum disease and pancreatic cancer - the fourth-leading cause of cancer death in the United States.
Caught early, gum disease is reversible. Untreated, it poses significant risks to your smile and your overall health. If you are experiencing any of the symptoms below, get a thorough periodontal evaluation immediately.
- Puffy, red, tender or swollen gums • Bleeding gums
- Persistent bad breath or a bad taste in the mouth • Receding gums
- Pus between the teeth & gums • Loose or separating teeth
- A change in the way teeth fit together • A change in the fit of partial dentures
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How we can help you beat gum disease
Del Amo and Mellado Periodontics in Coral Gables and Hialeah, Florida use the latest surgical and nonsurgical procedures to help you overcome gum disease. Our nonsurgical care includes the management of gum disease through deep cleanings, called scaling and root planning, and through piezoelectric high-frequency Cavitron® ultrasonic cleanings, antibiotic therapy and tissue-stimulating proteins to maintain and improve gum health.
For more serious cases, we perform flap surgery pocket depth reduction, guided tissue regeneration to treat gingival recession, root coverage using connective tissue and acellular dermal grafts and state-of-the-art bone grafting and regeneration techniques.
Discover more about our surgical and nonsurgical gum disease care. Call and schedule your appointment today. Visit our Patient Education Library to read more about Periodontal Disease.
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