Periodontal Care in Southfield, MI

Prioritize Your Gum Health

Properly caring for your gums is essential for achieving and maintaining pristine oral health. When bacteria from your teeth penetrate your gums, an infection known as periodontal disease can develop. If you suffer from periodontal disease, also known as gum disease, Dr. Daniels-Dixon offers treatments to help reverse its effects and get your gum health back on track. 

Learn all you need to know about gum disease and the treatments we offer to both prevent and treat the condition at Dixon Family Dental. 

What Is Periodontal Disease? 

Periodontal disease, more commonly known as gum disease, is an infection that develops in your gum tissue due to insufficient oral hygiene. When plaque begins to build up, it hardens into tartar — which is almost impossible to remove without a professional cleaning. If tartar doesn’t get removed, it can lead to gum disease. 

There are three stages of periodontal disease:

  • Gingivitis: This is the earliest stage of gum disease where the infection can be easily treated with a thorough deep cleaning at our Southfield dental office. During this stage, you may notice your gums becoming red and inflamed. When treated promptly, gingivitis can be reversed without any lasting effects.
  • Periodontitis: When gingivitis is left untreated, it develops into periodontitis as the infection spreads from the gums to the jawbone. You’ll notice that your gums start receding to form pockets, making it easier for bacteria to build up. Without treatment, periodontitis can cause severe pain and other health complications. 
  • Advanced Periodontitis: Without treatment, your gums will continue to recede further. This causes the pockets to deepen and harbor more infection. During this stage, your teeth may loosen and eventually fall out. 

Gum Disease Symptoms

If you’re suffering from the early stages of gum disease, you may not notice any symptoms. However, it’s important to seek treatment as soon as you experience any of the following signs: 

  • Red and swollen gums
  • Bleeding gums
  • Receding gum line
  • Persistent bad breath
  • Painful or tender gums, especially when chewing
  • Loose or shifting teeth
  • Widening gaps between teeth
  • Sensitive teeth

If you notice any of these symptoms, please contact our Southfield office at (248) 552-0223 so we can schedule your appointment.

The Risk Factors of Gum Disease

Gum disease is the leading cause of tooth loss in Americans and is among the most common oral health conditions. You may be at a higher risk if you don’t properly care for your oral hygiene by brushing twice a day, routinely flossing, and visiting your dentist twice a year. 

In addition, the following factors may increase your risk of developing periodontal disease:

  • Diabetes
  • Smoking
  • Severe, consistent stress
  • Medications that reduce saliva production
  • Certain health conditions, like cancer or AIDS
  • Genetics — a family history of gum disease

Periodontal Disease Treatments

At Dixon Family Dental, we want our patients to enjoy the benefits of healthy gums and smiles. Dr. Daniels-Dixon offers personalized periodontal disease treatments to ensure all cases can be efficiently resolved. 

Scaling and Root Planing

Scaling and root planing is a professional deep cleaning method used for patients suffering from mild to moderate gum disease. During these cleanings, Dr. Daniels-Dixon will use an ultrasonic dental tool to thoroughly clean your gums and remove build-ups of plaque and tartar. 

We’ll smooth out any rough surfaces of the tooth and roots to prevent bacteria from settling on the freshly sanitized area. This will provide a healthy and clean surface that promotes gum reattachment.

ARESTIN® Gum Therapy

In addition to a deep cleaning, ARESTIN may be applied to help ward off any bacteria and stop further infection. ARESTIN is designed to reduce the pocket depth of your gum tissue, decreasing the amount of bacteria in your mouth. We’ll apply it directly to the pockets between your gums and teeth. This treatment will fight your infection for about two weeks, helping restore your oral health. 

Periodontal Treatment Aftercare

We want you to get the most out of your treatment. Dr. Daniels-Dixon provides some tips to follow and information on what to expect after a periodontal cleaning:

  • Don’t eat anything until the numbness/local anesthetic wears off
  • Avoid acidic, sugary, and chewy foods
  • Use over-the-counter pain relievers to reduce any discomfort
  • Take any medications as prescribed
  • Rinse with saltwater
  • Some swelling or discomfort is normal
  • Minor bleeding is normal

Frequently Asked Questions

Get the Care You Need at Dixon Family Dental 

No matter what condition your gums may be in, our dental team is here to help. Get the periodontal care you need to protect your smile at Dixon Family Dental. To schedule an appointment or learn more about our gum disease treatment solutions, call our Southfield office at (248) 552-0223. You can also get in touch by filling out our online contact form, and one of our team members will get back to you shortly.

Dixon Family Dental

Advance Office Building
23077 Greenfield Rd. #210
Southfield, MI 48075

Office Hours

Monday
9am – 6pm
Tuesday
9am – 6pm
Wednesday
9am – 6pm
Thursday
Closed
Friday
9am – 6pm
Lunch
1pm – 2pm
Menu