Gum Disease Treatment
Gum Disease is Common but Fairly Preventable
Gum disease is a threat to your oral health, and research shows periodontal diseases is a risk factor for heart and lung diseases. If you need treatment, don’t wait!
Don't Delay Treatment!
Do you have Bad Breath, Red, Swollen, or Bleeding Gums?
Periodontal or Gum disease is caused by plaque and tartar (bacteria) build up. Over time, dental plaque will creep beneath the gum line, forming “pockets” between the teeth and gums. It gets worst as these pockets grow, and it starts to destroy the bone, greatly impairing your teeth as well.
Periodontal disease is common but fairly preventable. An estimated 80 percent of American adults currently have some form of this disease. it is a threat to your oral health, and research shows periodontal diseases is a risk factor for heart and lung diseases. Signs of periodontal disease is usually not detected until people are in their 30s and 40s. Although teenagers rarely develop periodontitis, they can develop gingivitis, the milder form of gum disease.
Signs of Gum disease
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Persistent Bad breath
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Tender or bleeding gums
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Red or swollen gums
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Receding gums
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Loose or Sensitive teeth
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Bleeding during and after tooth brushing
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Toothache
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Changes in the way teeth fit together upon biting down, or in the fit of partial dentures
Causes of Gum disease
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Poor oral hygiene
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Smoking and tobacco use
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Family History
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Hormonal changes
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Medicines that cause dry mouth
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Diseases such as diabetes
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Genetics
Stages of Gum Disease
- Gingivitis – is the inflammation of the gums caused by the plaque and tartar (bacteria) on your teeth. The gums become red, swollen and can bleed easily. This is a mild form of gum disease which can usually be reversed with daily brushing and flossing, and regular cleaning by a dentist or dental hygienist. This form of gum disease does not include any loss of bone and tissue that hold teeth in place.
- Periodontitis – is the inflammation around the tooth which occurs when gingivitis is not treated. The bacteria creeps beneath the gum line and the gums pull away from the teeth and form “pockets” that are infected. Your body’s immune system starts fighting the bacteria as it spreads and grows below the gum line. Bacterial toxins and the body’s enzymes fighting the infection actually start to break down the bone and connective tissue that hold teeth in place. If not treated, the bones, gums, and connective tissue that support the teeth are destroyed. The teeth may eventually become loose and have to be removed.
Gum Disease Treatment
advanced treatment
Depending on the extent of the gum disease, the number and types of treatment will vary. But the primary goal of treatment is to control the infection, and the earlier you treat gum disease the better chance you have of recovery because once gum tissue is lost, it doesn’t grow back! Below are some ways our dentist may treat gum disease:
Scaling is a non-surgical approach where dental plaque and tartar deposits on tooth and beneath the gums are removed by using an instrument called a scaler. Although it’s a common practice to manually scrape away deposits, at our Buford Dental Office we use state of the art ultrasonic dental cleaners, which use ultrasound vibrations to break up dental calculus. Root planning removes rough spots on the tooth root where the germs gather, and helps remove bacteria that contribute to the disease. This gum disease treatment helps gum tissues to heal and gum pockets to shrink, with the help of prescribed medications. Deep cleaning helps prevent gum disease from spreading, and it may be able to reverse the signs of gingivitis, which is the earliest stage of gum disease.
Surgery will be needed if gum disease is not cured by deep cleaning procedures and medications. We will refer you to a periodontist who may perform flap surgery to remove tartar deposits in deep pockets or to reduce the periodontal pocket and make it easier for the patient, dentist, and hygienist to keep the area clean. A bone and/or tissue grafting procedure may be needed if the disease has destroyed part of the bone and the existing gums are too diseased to sew back together.
Preventative care is necessary to keep gums healthy after the treatment is complete. Brushing and flossing daily will help fight the dental plaque that is constantly forming around teeth. Regular dental visits are also required to remove the dental calculus you’ve missed.
If you need treatment, don’t wait!
Periodontal diseases can cause other health problems that go well beyond your mouth
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Alzheimer’s, Cognitive memory
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An increased risk of heart attack or stroke
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Lung / Respiratory disease
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Diabetes
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Gastric Ulcers
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Osteoporosis
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Preterm, low birth weight babies
FAQs
Dental anesthesia is usually administered during the procedure to control sensitivity and pain. If necessary, a medication may be given to help you relax during the procedure, and we may prescribe something for post treatment discomfort as well. Most patients can return to their regular activities following the scaling procedure.
Professional cleanings at least twice a year, proper oral hygiene (daily brushing and flossing), antibacterial mouth wash. Stop smoking and tobacco use. According to the American Academy of Periodontology, up to 30% of Americans may be genetically susceptible to gum disease. So you could be affected despite following good oral hygiene practices and other healthy lifestyle choices.