Gum Treatment

Gum disease also known as periodontal disease is an infection of the tissues that surround and support your teeth. It is a major cause of tooth loss in adults. Because gum disease is usually painless, you may not know you have it. Also referred to as periodontal disease, gum disease is caused by plaque, the sticky film of bacteria that is constantly forming on our teeth.

Here are some warning signs that can signal a problem:

• gums that bleed easily
• red, swollen, tender gums
• gums that have pulled away from the teeth
• persistent bad breath or bad taste
• permanent teeth that are loose or separating
• a change in the way your teeth fit together when you bite

The early stage of gum disease is called gingivitis If you have gingivitis, your gums may become red, swollen and bleed easily. At this stage, the disease is still reversible and can usually be eliminated by a professional cleaning at your dental office, followed by daily brushing and flossing. However, as the condition progresses is called periodontitis. It can lead to the loss of tissue and bone that support the teeth and it may become more severe over time. If it does, your teeth will feel loose and start moving around in your mouth.

Research between systemic diseases and periodontal diseases is ongoing. While a link is not conclusive, some studies indicate that severe gum disease may be associated with several other health conditions such as diabetes or stroke and recent findings are linking it to Alzheimer’s.

At our office, we offer several treatments to address periodontal disease. Procedures such as scaling and root planing, root surface debridement, and regenerative procedures are all treatments that can help restore your gums back to health. Occasionally, a surgical procedure may be needed for patients with severe gum disease. Periodontists can also handle the placement, maintenance, and repair of dental implants. If you are looking for periodontal treatment, please reach out to us at 760-280-2270.