November 10, 2018

gum disease atlanta gaIf you are a parent trying to balance the requirements of a child that has special needs, even the simplest task can seem overwhelming. Many children and adults with special needs are anxious when receiving oral treatment from a dentist or periodontist. Because of this, it’s important to consult a specialist for periodontal treatment to ensure that the patient is comfortable, calm and safe.

A specialist is also high-qualified and skilled in a variety of treatment options and can design a treatment plan that doesn’t waste any time or money. Studies show that children with special needs are almost twice as likely to have dental problems that are untreated, and we are here to help parents find the right tools to help their child.

What Is Gum Disease and How Does It Start?

More than 3 million Americans each year are treated for gum disease, also known as gingivitis and periodontitis. While the condition is fairly preventable, it is usually caused by poor oral hygiene and can lead to tooth loss. Left untreated, this condition can also lead to heart disease, stroke, diabetes and other serious health problems.

Gum disease can be caused by illness, medication, hormonal changes, bad habits like smoking, family history and poor oral hygiene habits. For patients, there are some things that can be fixed at home and others that are out of your control.

How Is It Treated?

Treatment depends on how advanced the disease is. If it is treated earlier, simple options like scaling and root planing or a professional dental cleaning can do the trick. If it is advanced, you may need surgical treatment such as a bone graft, soft tissue graft, pocket reduction surgery or guided tissue regeneration.

At Matthews Periodontics, we know how terrifying some of these treatments can be, particularly to those who have special needs and may not completely understand the risks of gum disease in Matthews, NC. Periodontist, Dr. Kiya Green offers sedation dentistry and a variety of options to make all patients comfortable. Call Matthews Periodontics today to learn more about how we can help prevent gum disease.

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