Gum disease is a serious gum infection that damages the soft tissue and, without treatment, can destroy the bone that supports your teeth.
Gum disease is a serious gum infection that damages the soft tissue and, without treatment, can destroy the bone that supports your teeth. Periodontitis, gum disease, can cause your teeth to loosen or lead to tooth loss. If left untreated you will also experience gum recession. Periodontitis is common but is preventable. Current studies show that 47% of American adults over the age of 30 have some form of gum disease. Over the age of 65 the numbers jump to 70%.
The family friendly and caring staff at Northside Dental share a common philosophy and that is to treat you as a person first, as a patient second. We champion the value of your overall health, comfort, time, anxiety levels, you budget, and your lifestyle. We will work with you in the development and implementation of your personalized dental treatment plans. We also consider ourselves as an important element of your overall health program team. Call us today at 317-848-9838 to schedule your appointment or stop in at 15026 Greyhound Ct. Carmel, IN 46032.
Periodontal therapy refers to a range of surgical and non-surgical techniques that are designed to address periodontal disease, gum disease and gum recession which appears as an infection or inflammation of your gums and can result in jawbone deterioration.
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The Three Stages of Gum Disease
Periodontal disease is a progressive issue that will gradually increase in severity. If you develop gum disease it happens in the following order:
- Gingivitis: The first and earliest stage of periodontitis, gingivitis usually develops due to bacterial plaque that builds up along your gums. Gingivitis is typically evident by sensitive gums that are red, puffy, and bleed easily. Gingivitis can be stopped and reversed with proper cleaning and improved oral health care, but if it is not treated quickly, it will develop into a more severe form of periodontitis.
- Early Periodontitis: Early periodontitis, the second stage, is caused by the continued build-up of bacterial plaque and develops when your gingivitis is left untreated. Early periodontitis has the same symptoms as gingivitis, just more severe. Your gums will become painful and more sensitive and brushing and flossing can result in excessive bleeding. Unlike gingivitis, which can be treated with a deep cleaning and improved self-care practices, early periodontitis will now require more intensive interventions, such scaling, root planing or even laser gum treatment.
- Advanced Periodontitis: The third stage; this is when the bacteria, plaque, and toxins have developed to the point that your gum tissue is now being destroyed. If you have progressed to this point you will have developed small pockets between your gums and teeth, which act as perfect spots inviting even more bacteria to grow. Because of the additional bacteria, these pockets expand which cause gum recession. If left untreated long enough, this recession will result in bone loss.
Proper Oral Hygiene Prevents Gum Disease
Gum disease can be avoided provided you simply practice good oral hygiene habits. Our oral hygiene team at Northside Dental can give you a refresher course. Though not a guarantee, if you adhere to the health industry suggestions, you can either reduce or eliminate your need for periodontal therapy:
- Brush your teeth twice daily and practice good brushing technique. In addition to brushing regularly, it is also important to brush effectively. We will help you with proper brushing techniques.
- Floss at least once a day. If you are someone who avoids flossing, we can suggest flossing alternatives, such as interdental brushes or floss picks.
- Understand your diet. One of the best ways you can prevent gum disease issues from developing is to avoid foods that are sugary or high in starch. If you enjoy soda or sugary beverages, try to use a straw to limit the exposure of sugar to your teeth. It is also beneficial to rinse your mouth with water following meals. By doing so you can dislodge food remnants, which, if left alone can create future tooth decay.
Schedule your regular dental exams. Gum disease is a perfect example of an unchecked dental issue that can result in advancing problems and the progression of decay. Schedule an exam at Northside Dental every six months and we can prevent these issues together from even developing.
Options for the Treatment of Gum Disease and Gum Recession
Northside Dental can offer a range of surgical and non-surgical periodontal therapy options that can effectively reverse the impact of your gum disease and reduce the likelihood of tooth loss, prevent the need for tooth extractions, or reduce the need for dental bone grafts. Common periodontal therapy procedures include the following:
- Scaling and Root Planing: This is a common procedure involving a deep cleaning that removes the plaque and tartar, the source of the infection, that have developed below the gum line. Scaling refers to the removal of plaque and calculus from the surface of your teeth, and root planing refers to smoothing out your teeth’s roots to prevent additional bacteria from forming and therefore speeding up your healing process.
- Periodontal Laser Treatment: We can remove the gum tissue that has become diseased with lasers. You may be interested in this treatment because unlike traditional treatments, periodontal laser treatment causes less gum shrinkage and less discomfort.
- Periodontal Plastic Surgery: This is a reshaping procedure that is performed to improve the aesthetic appearance of gum tissue improving gum recession.
- Dental Implants: The dental implant process begins with the extraction of a decayed or damaged tooth followed by an x-ray to determine if there is sufficient jawbone to support a dental implant. If indeed you are a viable candidate, a titanium post will be surgically placed into your jawbone. After this has fused to the bone, the replacement crown or bridge will be secured on this post.
Your Comfort and Your Care
The preventive and proactive approach to your dental care is the biggest benefit when choosing Northside Dental. We will always do our absolute to fit your appointments into your schedule when it is most convenient for you. We will also focus on working together to make sure your appointments go smoothly and quickly. Our goal is remarkably simple and that is to be your destination for all your dental needs. We embrace the opportunity to assist you in maintaining your oral health with good preventative care. As you step into our office, we will focus on gaining your trust. Call us today at 317-848-9838 to schedule your appointment or stop in at 15026 Greyhound Ct. Carmel, IN 46032.