We understand the importance of healthy gums in achieving optimal oral health as well as overall systemic health, which is why we offer comprehensive treatment for gum disease and gingivitis. At Gower Family Dentistry, we’re here to help you restore your gum’s health, regain confidence in your smile, and improve your overall well-being.
Gum disease, also known as periodontal disease, is a common condition that affects the gums and supporting structures of the teeth. It is caused by the accumulation of plaque and bacteria along the gumline, leading to inflammation and infection. The initial stage of gum disease is called gingivitis, characterized by red, swollen, and bleeding gums. If left untreated, gingivitis can progress to more advanced stages of gum disease, causing gum recession, tooth loss, and impacting your overall health.
There are levels to the severity of a patient’s gum disease and depending on how far progressed the disease is will determine the appropriate treatment. The more severe the periodontitis the more inflammation a patient will have.
Inflammation of the gum tissue creates an environment where bacteria in the oral cavity can enter into the bloodstream. This movement of bacteria into the bloodstream worsens the inflammation and also allows bacteria in the mouth to travel to other parts of the body. This oral-systemic connection is shown to affect heart health as well as the health of other organs, diabetes development potential, and the health of a developing baby. For more details, take a look at the American Dental Association website.
Treating gum disease is crucial for maintaining a healthy smile and preventing further oral health complications. At Gower Family Dentistry, our skilled dental team is experienced in providing effective gum disease treatment, offering the following benefits:
During your gum disease treatment at Gower Family Dentistry, our friendly team will guide you through the process, ensuring you understand each step involved. We’ll begin with a comprehensive examination to assess the extent of your gum disease and determine the most suitable treatment approach for your needs. Our skilled dental professionals will then develop a personalized treatment plan tailored to restore your gum health.
More frequent cleanings, a debridement, or scaling and root planing are all examples of types of treatment that can be geared towards treating less than healthy gums.
Scaling and root planning is sometimes also called deep cleaning in dentistry. The procedure gets rid of calculus (hardened minerals) that can adhere to your teeth above and below the gumline. This is different than a regular cleaning and may require a patient to be numbed for their comfort. The hardened deposits need to be physically removed with a special dental procedure and instruments that can reach under the gums and effectively create a clean and smooth tooth root. This procedure also disrupts the biofilm, a sticky sludge that harbors the bacteria that created the deposits. Once the biofilm is flushed and cleaned out and the deposits remove the gums can begin to respond to the more favorable environment. As long as proper at home care and instructions are followed, the gums will begin to have less inflammation and a more healthy appearance.
Once a patient has had periodontitis, they are always at risk for redevelopment of the disease and typically will need to maintain a 3-4 month recall cleaning appointment to prevent reoccurrence of the disease and the symptoms associated with it. If traditional treatments do not render an ideal result, patients may be referred to a periodontist (gum and bone specialist) or laser therapy recommended for a patient.
Following your gum disease treatment, proper aftercare is essential to maintain the results and prevent the recurrence of gum disease. Our team will provide you with detailed instructions on how to care for your gums at home, including proper oral hygiene practices, such as brushing, flossing, and using antimicrobial mouthwashes. It’s important to attend regular dental check-ups and cleanings to monitor the health of your gums and ensure the long-term success of your treatment.
Don’t let gum disease compromise your oral health and confidence in your smile. Take the first step toward restoring your gum health by scheduling an appointment at Gower Family Dentistry. Our dental team is here to provide you with exceptional care, personalized treatment plans, and friendly Southern hospitality.
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