On the surface, gum diseases such as periodontitis may appear as innocent as mildly bleeding gums during brushing and flossing. However, gum disease often starts quietly and gets progressively worse over time. If left untreated, even mild cases of gum disease can lead to severe physical and oral health complications. Gum disease and inflammation can also often lead to tooth loss, jaw bone deterioration, and even more serious health conditions, such as heart disease, stroke and diabetes. At iSmile Dental, our team offers a variety of advanced gum disease treatment options for patients of all ages and oral health histories.
If you do require gum disease treatment, we’re the team to trust.
Periodontitis, the most common form of gum disease, involves bleeding and inflammation of the gums. Although common, if left untreated, periodontitis and other types of gum disease can lead to severe and long-lasting oral and physical health complications. Here are a few common symptoms and warning signs to look out for if you’re unsure if you’re suffering from gum disease:
The good news for patients suffering from various degrees of gum disease is that the condition is absolutely treatable … and in some instances, fully reversible! The best thing you can do to prevent or eliminate gum disease flare-ups is to practice good oral hygiene. Brush twice a day and floss at least once a week, and you will be well on your way to treating gum disease … and preventing future flare-ups!
However, for more severe or advanced stages of gum disease, professional treatments may be necessary. In order to determine the severity of your gum disease condition, a consultation will be necessary with our dentists. During your initial consultation, a full oral examination will be performed, at which point our team at iSmile Dental will determine which gum disease treatments (if any) may be required.
One of the most common forms of gum disease treatment is scaling and root planing. This non-surgical approach involves removal of inflammation-producing oral bacteria above, at and below the gumline. Root planing involves smoothing of the tooth’s enamel surface, which encourages the reattachment of healthy tissue and provides long-term protection against future bacteria-induced infection and inflammation.
After gum disease has been treated with scaling and root planing, routine periodontal maintenance is generally required in order to ensure that inflammation of the gums does not return. Periodontal maintenance is generally required every three to four months, and consists of deep cleaning both on the tooth and below the gum line to thoroughly remove oral bacteria and eliminate the buildup of inflammation-producing plaque. Periodontal maintenance can be scheduled either in-office or over the phone, so contact our team today to get started on the path to complete oral health and gum disease recovery.
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