Diagnose, Treat & Maintain
The word periodontal means “around the tooth”. Periodontal disease, commonly known as gum disease, attacks the gums and bones supporting your teeth. Gum disease often starts with plaque, a sticky film of food debris, bacteria, and saliva. If plaque is not removed from the teeth, it turns into calculus (tartar).
When plaque and calculus are not removed, they begin to destroy the gums and bone. Periodontal disease is characterized by red, swollen, and bleeding gums.
Exceptional Dental Care Awaits You!
Your smile is our top priority. Don’t wait to get the care you deserve.
Four out of five people have periodontal disease and don’t know it! Most people are not aware of it because gum disease is usually painless in the early stages.
Not only is it the number one reason for tooth loss, but research suggests that there may be a link between periodontal disease and other diseases, such as:
- Stroke.
- Bacterial pneumonia.
- Diabetes.
- Cardiovascular disease.
- Increased risk during pregnancy.
Smoking can also increase the risk of gum disease. Good oral hygiene, a balanced diet, and regular dental visits can help reduce your risk of developing periodontal disease.
If you suspect you might have gum disease or it’s been a while since your last dental check-up, schedule an appointment with Dr. David Rice today. Taking proactive steps now can save your teeth and protect your overall health.
“Wonderful and helpful staff, and their focus on preventative care is astounding. They do a lot of innovative work on identifying and countering the conditions that create cavities and periodontal disease, such as pH testing plaque biofilm and using tartar-sensitive chemicals to show you where your current brushing style is missing. With the knowledge I gained, I’m more optimistic about my future dental health than I have ever been before.”
Oesten N. – Patient of David A. Rice, DDS
Advanced Gum Disease Treatment Methods and Technology: the David A. Rice, DDS Difference
At our practice, we pride ourselves on our innovative approach to oral care. We harness cutting-edge dental technologies to safeguard the health of your teeth and gums like never before. One advancement we’re thrilled to offer is EMS Dental’s AIRFLOW® Prophylaxis Master unit, which enables us to deliver Guided Biofilm Therapy.
Guided Biofilm Therapy (GBT) stands at the forefront of modern dental hygiene practices. It’s a comprehensive method that’s designed to remove dental plaque, stains, and tartar from every corner of your smile. With GBT, we’re not just enhancing oral health; we’re actively warding off common dental ailments such as cavities and gum disease.
Signs and Symptoms of Periodontal Disease
- Bleeding Gums: Gums should never bleed, even with vigorous brushing or flossing.
- Loose Teeth: This can be due to bone loss or weakened periodontal fibers, which support the tooth.
- New Spacing Between Teeth: Often caused by bone loss.
- Persistent Bad Breath: Typically a result of bacteria in the mouth.
- Pus Around Teeth and Gums: Indicates an infection is present.
- Receding Gums: This is the loss of gum tissue around a tooth.
- Red and Puffy Gums: Gums should never appear red or swollen.
- Tenderness or Discomfort: Any dental discomfort is a good reason to call us!
The Vital Importance of Preventative Gum Disease Treatment
Your teeth are essential to your daily activities, including eating, speaking, and smiling.
Healthy teeth begin with healthy gums! The roots of your teeth are housed by your gums and are an active, living part of your mouth. Compromised gums can lead to dental decay and, ultimately, tooth loss.
Taking care of your gums and teeth isn’t just about a bright smile—it’s about protecting your entire body. A recent study highlights the profound effects of routine toothbrushing, not just in preventing gum disease, but in reducing serious hospital-acquired infections. Explore how a simple oral care routine can make a difference in your overall health. Read more about surprising link between oral hygiene and overall health.
Our practice shares your commitment to helping keep you safe from gum disease. By scheduling a regular cleaning you can prevent the buildup of plaque and maintain your oral health. We keep ourselves updated on the latest science of dental prophylaxis, and we use the latest technology in the industry.
A Modern Solution That Your Gums Will Love
As your dental partner, we want you to be as excited and educated about your oral health as we are! To deliver on the promise of keeping you satisfied and informed, Dr. Rice is pleased to offer the experience of Guided Biofilm Therapy (GBT) as a solution for your dental cleaning.
GBT uses the latest technology and treatment methods available in dentistry to remove plaque and calculus from the gums and teeth. As our patient, you will benefit by having your cleaning require the least minimally invasive treatment possible.
Standard dental practices use tools that scrape your teeth and chemicals that are more abrasive. Here at David Rice DDS, we help you avoid this by cleaning your teeth in a way that helps eliminate sensitive mouth pain.
Find a Guided Biofilm Therapy® Provider Near You
How Does Guided Biofilm Therapy Work?
During your routine visit to our office, we will apply Biofilm discloser. This will visibly highlight occurrences of plaque buildup on your teeth, making it easier for us to target and remove. The resulting coloration of these areas will help show you how effective your oral hygiene has been.
Next, we use AIRFLOW® technology to remove the biofilm. This instrument cleans and polishes your teeth simultaneously, and is a significantly faster removal method than traditional tools.
Afterward, we may use other tools, if necessary, to remove any additional calculus or biofilm at the gum level. We finish our treatment by applying fluoride and educating you on how to continue caring for your teeth at home.
Take Your Next Step in Fighting Gum Disease by Calling Us!
If it’s been a while since your last dental visit or if you suspect you might have gum disease, don’t wait any longer. Contact Elgin dentist Dr. David Rice today. Early stages of gum disease may not be painful or obvious, but if left untreated, it can lead to serious dental and overall health issues.
We are dedicated to helping patients in Bartlett, South Elgin, St. Charles, and Elgin live free of gum disease. Request an appointment with Dr. Rice and take the next step toward better oral health. Your gums will thank you!