What is Gum Disease?
Gum disease, also known as periodontal disease, is an infection of the gums that can lead to a variety of overall health issues.
Typically gum disease is by poor oral hygiene habits that allow plaque to build up and then harden on the teeth. Once plaque has hardened it begins to erode away at your gum line and create pockets of infection.
If gum disease goes untreated it can cause bleeding and inflamed gums, a receding gum line, bacteria-filled pockets between the teeth and gums, and eventual bone loss.
Gum Disease Therapy
Periodontal treatment methods depend upon the type and severity of the disease. Our dentists will assess your situation and work with you to create a customized treatment plan.
Once your periodontal treatment has been completed, our dental team will recommend that you have regular dental examinations and preventive therapy, usually four times a year.
- Preventive Gum Therapy
If the disease is caught in the early stages, preventive therapy will be recommended.
Regular hygiene cleanings and exams are important for maintaining the health of your gums.
By practicing good oral hygiene at home and eating a balanced diet, you can also significantly reduce your chances of ever getting gum disease.
- Non-Surgical Gum Therapy
For patients with mild gum disease, a deep cleaning performed by a dental hygienist may be enough to reverse it.
The dental hygienist will scrape away the plaque and tartar around and below the gum line, and smooth out any rough areas left behind through a process called scaling and root planing.
- Surgical Gum Therapy
If you are diagnosed with advanced gum disease, more invasive surgical treatments may be necessary to reverse it.
There are a few different types of surgical gum therapy such as gum grafting and bone grafting.
Cosmetic Gum Therapy
If your gums rest too low or too high on your teeth and you are unhappy with your smile, you may be a candidate for gum grafting surgery. This cosmetic dental procedure can help to even out an uneven gum line and reduce the perceived length of the teeth to give you more confidence in your smile.
Placing Dental Implants
Dental implants may be a recommended part of your periodontal treatment if you are missing teeth. Once a dental implant is placed, the gums have healed, and a tooth replacement is added, this procedure can provide a number of oral health benefits.