Periodontal Care Periodontal disease, or gum disease, is a set of inflammatory conditions and progressing stages that degrade the periodontium: the soft tissues and bone surrounding your teeth. The symptoms can range from sore gums to mouth ulcers and tooth loss. The inflammation of the gums (also called gingivitis) is the first stage of periodontal disease. Without sustained oral hygiene, over time gingivitis will lead to recession of the gums, loss of teeth, or loss of supporting dentin. If you are experiencing symptoms of gum disease, schedule a check-up with Town Center Dental today.What Does it Mean When My Gums Bleed?Gums that bleed easily when flossing or brushing may be showing signs of gingivitis or other periodontal disease. Gingivitis is a milder periodontal disease and a first-stage gum disease. Symptoms include red, tender, and swollen gums. Loss of gum attachment from teeth and bone loss are signs of more advanced gum disease and should be treated by a dental professional immediately. If you are concerned that you may be suffering from gum disease, schedule an appointment with us. Best Treatment for Gum DiseaseThere are many treatments for gum disease, depending on the stage of the disease, your health, your lifestyle, and how you may have responded to earlier treatments. Treatments range from nonsurgical therapies to therapies that restore supportive tissues and reduce bacterial growth. Nonsurgical therapies include dental cleanings, where our dental hygienist will perform plaque scrapings that help prevent the buildup of bacteria and fight gum recession. Scaling and root planing is another nonsurgical therapy where plaque and tartar below the gumline is scraped away and the rough areas on the root of the tooth are made smooth. In some cases, nonsurgical therapies are all that is needed to treat gum disease. Surgeries are needed when the tissues surrounding the teeth are unhealthy and cannot be repaired with other treatments. Antibiotic treatments may be used alone or in combination with surgeries or other therapies. Visit us to speak with a dentist about a treatment plan. Tobacco Use Causes Gum DiseaseThe American Dental Association advises that cigarette smoking can lead to a variety of adverse oral effects, including gingival recession, impaired healing following periodontal therapy, oral cancer, mucosal lesions, periodontal disease, and teeth staining. According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, smoking lowers the immune system, making a person more prone to gum disease. The use of smokeless tobacco also has negative oral effects, including gingival keratosis, gingival recession, and enamel erosion. How to Prepare for Treatment of Gum DiseaseTown Center Dental is prepared to perform most periodontal care procedures in our office. If you use tobacco consult one of our dentists about a potential treatment for ceasing your tobacco use. The time needed to perform the procedure, and the time needed to heal, will vary from patient to patient depending on the type and extent of the procedure and overall health. Local anesthetics to numb the affected area before treatment may be used in some treatments. Call us at 636-273-5866 to arrange a checkup with one of our dentists. |
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