Do you notice bleeding gums or persistent bad breath?
Having red, swollen or tender gums or bleeding when brushing and flossing or chronic bad breath are the most common symptoms of gum disease. Gum disease is caused by an accumulation of bacteria on the teeth that can trigger an immune response, causing bone loss and gum recession. Left untreated, it can contribute to other systemic diseases of the body like diabetes, heart disease and pregnancy complications. Early detection and treatment are critical for protecting your dental health and long-term health.
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Four Stages of Gum Disease
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Earliest stage of periodontal disease, 15% of bone loss, no tooth loss, probing depths of 4mm with bleeding.
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Bone loss of 15-33%, with probing depths around 5mm, bleeding.
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Bone loss on x-rays extending to the middle third of the root and beyond. Around 4 or less teeth lost due to bone loss, probe depths 6mm or morere, furcations class II and III
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Bone loss extending to the middle third of the root and beyond. Loss of 5 or more teeth due to bone loss, difficulty chewing due to tooth mobility, collapse of the bite and drifting of teeth into empty spaces.
Treatment for Gum Disease
Gingivitis Treatment
Gingivitis is a curable condition and is completely reversible through a thorough specialized cleaning and fine-tuning your oral hygiene habits at home. We perform gingivitis treatment by applying topical anesthetic gel to the gums, then using an ultrasonic water scaler to disrupt bacteria and plaque followed by hand instrumentation to remove all of the remaining tartar and plaque. Our hygienist will go over detailed instructions for how to maintain your gum health at home. After this treatment, patients return every 6 months for routine cleanings.
Our office proves nonsurgical periodontal therapy for patients with stage I-III periodontall disease. This treatment involves two 2-hour sessions with our hygienist who will use local anesthetic to numb the teeth and gums to keep you comfortable for the treatment. Then, an ultrasonic water scaler is used in conjunction with hand instrumentation to fully debride the roots of the teeth. This ensures a smooth surface for the gum tissue to reattach to the roots and reduce inflammation. After this visit, our hygienist will give thorough oral hygiene instructions to help you maintain your results. We recommend follow up maintenance appointments every 3 months following this treatment for the best outcome and long-term preservation of your teeth and bone.