Gum Disease Treatment in Pecan Grove
Giving Your Smile a Strong Foundation
Believe it or not, research estimates that roughly half of all US adults over the age of 30 have some form of gum disease, ranging from mild cases to more severe conditions that can even threaten their overall health. This means if you’ve begun to notice swollen, inflamed gum tissue or light bleeding while brushing your teeth, it’s best to act quickly. At our Pecan Grove dental office, we offer gum disease treatments designed to restore your healthy gums and protect your whole smile and self. To learn more or schedule an appointment, just reach out today.
Why Choose Highline Dental for Gum Disease Treatment?
- Dedicated Dentist with Several Years of Experience
- Sedation Options Available for Nervous Patients
- Financing Available & In-House Savings Plans
What Is Gum Disease?
Proper brushing should take approximately 2 minutes each time, followed by flossing 1-2 times a day. Yet, many patients fail to follow proper oral hygiene. This can lead to inflammation of the gums due to an overwhelming presence of bacteria. This inflammation is caused by infection, which is called gingivitis (the first stage of gum disease). Gingivitis is painless for the most part but is easily identified by puffy, red gums, bleeding, and occasional sensitivity.
Periodontitis is a serious disease that often occurs in the presence of long-lasting, untreated gingivitis. It has many of the same symptoms as gingivitis, such as bleeding, puffy gums, and sensitivity. However, its distinctive feature is the loss of bone around the teeth. Patients in the early and middle stages of periodontitis are usually unaware that they even have it. In the later stages, they may start to notice their teeth becoming loose and mobile. If left untreated, severe periodontitis will result in the loss of multiple teeth.
Periodontal disease has been shown to influence diabetes, make it harder for patients to control their glucose levels, cardiac health, and - most recently - has a link with dementia and Alzheimer's disease!
Treating Gum Disease with Scaling & Root Planing
In order to treat gum disease, patients must undergo a procedure called scaling and root planing, also known as a “deep cleaning.” Although it may appear similar to a regular cleaning, the major difference is that it also involves cleaning the root structure below the gums to remove necrotic tissue that has been invaded by bacteria. Other steps may be taken to help combat the bacteria and prevent oral health from regressing. Afterward, a patient with periodontitis must be placed on a 3-month cleaning schedule until their periodontal health is stabilized.