Periodontal disease not only negatively affects the appearance of the smile, but can have a dramatic impact on the health. This inflammatory disease, sometimes referred to by patients as gum disease, is a common issue for individuals who do not take good care of their smile with regular brushing and flossing after meals. Periodontal disease and tooth decay are the two primary reasons dentists encourage patients to care for their smile for health and longevity.
When periodontal disease occurs, patients need to seek treatment. Dr. Michael Stern of Smile Brighter Willoughby Hills assists Cleveland area patients with addressing this problem when it occurs. The first step is early diagnosis. The sooner the disease is caught, the faster it can be dealt with and the more likely it is to be reversed in the earlier stages. Gingivitis, the initial stage, can be treated with a simple cleaning, though as it progresses, it cannot be cured, only controlled. Our team encourage patients to be serious about notifying their dentist as soon as they see a problem occurring.
After diagnosis, treatment is discussed. The extent of treatment will vary depending on the stage at which the condition has reached. The later stages of periodontal disease will require more invasive solutions such as laser, non-surgical gum treatment. Patients are often worried about the cost of treatment, but this cannot be determined until patients have a consultation appointment and thorough examination. Dr. Michael Stern can provide an overall idea as to the cost of services, but this may change depending on how well patients care for their smile after treatment. To maintain a lifetime of beautiful smiles, we encourage our patients to work closely with their dentist and visit regularly for optimum results.
Periodontal disease should not be ignored. Patients in and around the area of Cleveland are welcome to visit the team of Smile Brighter Willoughby Hills to educate themselves further on the advantages of quality services through our state-of-the-art dental facility. Contact Dr. Michael Stern today to book your first appointment with us and learn about maintaining oral health and wellness.