I am filled with enthusiasm as I share the next chapter of our dental care journey. It's a moment of change, growth, and continued dedication to excellence in dental health.
Our New Partnership I'm excited to announce a significant milestone in our commitment to providing you with the highest quality dental care. We have partnered with Northwest Dental of Corvallis, led by the esteemed Dr. Jonathan Smart. This partnership is a testament to our shared vision of dental excellence and our dedication to your health and well-being.
Why Northwest Dental?
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Shared Values: Dr. Smart and the Northwest Dental team embody our commitment to providing outstanding dental care.
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Enhanced Services: Together, we will offer a broader range of dental services, utilizing the latest advancements in dental technology.
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Convenience: Our collaboration means more flexible scheduling options, making it easier for you to get the care you need when you need it.
A Seamless Transition This partnership also marks the beginning of a new chapter for me as I move towards retirement. Rest assured, this decision was made with your best interests in mind. Our goal is to ensure a smooth transition and to continue offering the exceptional level of care you have come to expect.
Visit Us To learn more about what this partnership means for you and to explore the expanded services and benefits available, please visit our new website.
Your periodontal (gum) tissues are just as important as your teeth. Unfortunately, many people do not treat their gums with the same respect. At Gary R. Templeman, DDS, we offer preventive and restorative care for periodontal issues. Above all else, we believe patient education is the best way to maintain healthy gums. The following information is designed to help you better understand periodontal care.
What Is Periodontal Disease?
Periodontal disease is the result of an infection caused by the bacteria found in plaque and tartar (calcified plaque). In response to the bacteria, our immune system produces toxins that unfortunately target healthy tissue as well. Eventually, these toxins produce the infection we call periodontal disease.
Periodontal disease is broken up into two main stages: gingivitis and periodontitis. Gingivitis is the first and most common form of the disease, causing gums to become inflamed and bleed easily during brushing. The gums change to a bright red color as well. Although the gums may be irritated, there is no irreversible tissue or bone damage at this stage.
Without treatment, gingivitis will progress into periodontitis. Periodontitis is far more serious than gingivitis. At this stage, the infection spreads to the connective ligaments and alveolar (supportive) bone. The inner layer of the gum tissue also pulls away from the teeth to form deep periodontal pockets. These pockets trap food debris and bacteria, which further contributes to the disease.
As the disease progresses, the gum tissues, connective ligaments, and alveolar bone begin to deteriorate. Eventually, the teeth are no longer securely attached to their sockets. When this happens, tooth loss will occur. Periodontal disease is the leading cause of tooth loss in the United States.
Preventing Periodontal Disease
Preventing periodontal disease is very simple and straightforward. The best thing you can do is implement a strong oral hygiene routine. Be sure to brush your teeth twice a day with an ADA approved toothpaste. You should also floss your teeth once a day with the proper technique.
The next step you can take is to schedule regular checkups and professional cleanings. A routine appointment every six months is the general rule of thumb for most patients. During your appointment, Dr. Gary R. Templeman will perform a comprehensive exam to check for signs of periodontal disease. This allows us to catch any problems before irreversible damage occurs.
Treating Periodontal Disease
If we diagnose you with periodontal disease, treatment depends on whether you have gingivitis or periodontitis. Gingivitis can usually be treated with improvements to your oral hygiene. We will be able to point out certain areas that need special attention. Periodontitis is a little more difficult to treat. If we diagnose you with periodontitis, we may suggest a sort of “deep cleaning,” known as a scaling and root planing. During a scaling and root planing, we will remove any instances of plaque and tartar buildup. Next, we smooth out any rough areas on the surface of the roots. This ensures that bacteria and plaque will not re-adhere to the root below the gumline. Your gums should also return to a pink, healthy state, and fit snugly around your teeth.
Schedule Your Appointment
If you would like to learn more about your periodontal health call (541) 757-7708 and schedule your appointment today!
Gary R. Templeman DDS, 2342 NW Professional Dr., Corvallis, OR 97330, (541) 757-7708, mycorvallisdentist.com, 3/27/2024, Related Terms: family dentistry Corvallis OR,
Your periodontal (gum) tissues are just as important as your teeth. Unfortunately, many people do not treat their gums with the same respect. At Gary R. Templeman, DDS, we offer preventive and restorative care for periodontal issues. Above all else, we believe patient education is the best way to maintain healthy gums. The following information is designed to help you better understand periodontal care.