Gum disease is a fairly prevalent condition that has the potential of being quite destructive when left untreated. Despite its common nature, gum disease is one of the leading causes of tooth loss in the United States. As the name implies, gum disease is characterized by an array of symptoms affecting the gums and supporting tissues surrounding the teeth; symptoms may include bleeding, swelling, or receding gums and persistent bad breath. In some cases, gum disease may result in tooth loss.
With the help of our team at Reflections Dental Care in Oklahoma City, OK, you can fight gum disease in Oklahoma City and keep your oral health in check. This includes the utilization of educational resources, preventative measures, and treatments.
We encourage you to call our office if you experience bleeding when you floss or your gums are feeling sore and inflamed while brushing. Healthy gums should not be affected by regular cleaning and are typically a healthy pink color.
During your visit, we will evaluate the health of your teeth and gums to determine if we need to perform any treatment. We will also provide feedback and information necessary to ensure that your smile remains healthy.
Symptoms of Gum Disease
There are three stages of gum disease, and as each stage advances, symptoms become more severe, and bone and tissue damage increases.
- Gingivitis is the first stage of the condition, which causes swollen gums that bleed when brushed or flossed. In the early stages of the disease, patients can avoid developing irreversible conditions that occur within the following stages. If you are suffering from gingivitis, you will likely be recommended a professional standard cleaning and some education regarding the proper brushing and flossing technique.
- Periodontitis is the next phase of gum disease. At this stage, you are likely to notice gum recession, tooth sensitivity, and persistent bad breath.
- Advanced periodontitis results in the loss of teeth and bone in the jaw. You may notice loose teeth, pockets of pus forming in tooth sockets, and constant pain in your gums and teeth. In the absence of treatment, the disease may spread to other parts of your body.
Scaling and Root Planing Treatment
Scaling and root planing is a form of treatment we use to manage periodontitis and keep the condition from worsening. Similar to a standard cleaning procedure, this treatment is used to thoroughly clean the teeth and remove plaque and tartar; the only difference with the procedure is that our focus is shifted to the areas both above and below the gum line.
Gum disease thrives due to the accumulation of acidic plaque and tartar forming around the gum tissue; this causes the gums to become inflamed and pull away from the teeth. As this happens, pockets form between the teeth and gums; this creates the perfect space for plaque, tartar, and food debris to collect. When out of reach from your toothbrush, this bacteria begins damaging the bone structure and eroding the supporting tissues.
Scaling and root planing involved the use of special tools to remove plaque and tartar below the gum line and smooth out the bone. This allows the gums to reattach to the cleaned surface of the teeth.
Periodontal Treatment in Oklahoma City
If we recognize that your gum disease is more advanced and can not be managed by scaling and root planing, we will refer you to a periodontal specialist. You deserve the best care that can be provided and we will ensure you are set up with a doctor that can help with your condition.
Contact Reflections Dental Care for Gum Disease Treatment in Oklahoma City, Ok
Our team at Reflections Dental Care knows how tough it is to deal with gum disease, but we don’t want you to feel alone when you’ve got our team helping you. Whether you have been visiting us for many years or will be scheduling your first appointment with us, we are committed to you and your smile. You can count on us to provide you with the support, resources, and care you need to make sure that you can defeat gum disease and maintain a healthy smile. Call today to schedule your appointment!
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Gum Disease Treatment FAQs
Gum disease, also known as periodontal disease or periodontitis, is an infection of the gums that can cause inflammation, pain, and deterioration of the surrounding teeth and bone. It is one of the most common gum diseases affecting adults and can be caused by several factors such as poor oral hygiene, smoking, or diabetes.
Treatment for gum disease varies depending on the severity of the condition. Generally, a dentist will first remove any plaque or tartar that has built up on the teeth. A deep cleaning procedure may then be used to remove bacteria and reduce inflammation along the gum line. If necessary, antibiotics can be prescribed to eliminate any bacterial infection.
In more severe cases, surgery may be needed to repair any damage caused by the disease.
Gum disease surgery typically lasts between one and two hours. The procedure can involve periodontal pocket reduction, tissue grafts, flap procedures, and the use of lasers to remove and smooth out the damaged tissue. Your dentist will discuss the details of your surgery with you before proceeding, so don't be afraid to ask questions at Reflections Dental Care.
Gum disease is treatable, but reversing it takes time. Depending on the severity of the damage, treatment may take anywhere from a few weeks to several months. During this time, your dentist at Reflections Dental Care will provide personalized care and education on how to keep your gums healthy.
Gum disease, or periodontal disease, is an infection of the gums caused by bacteria. It can lead to tooth loss and other serious health issues if left untreated. Symptoms of gum disease include red, swollen gums, bleeding when brushing or flossing, and bad breath.
If you have been diagnosed with periodontal disease, you must visit the dentist regularly to monitor your condition and receive any necessary treatment. The frequency of your visits will depend on the severity of your gum disease and what type of treatment you may need.
Generally, it takes a few weeks to several months of committed treatment to treat gum disease. Treatment involves reducing inflammation, removing plaque and tartar, eliminating infection, and preventing recurrence. Depending on the severity of your condition, treatment may include scaling and root planing, laser dentistry, antibiotics, or surgery.
The primary step in helping to heal receding gums is to practice good oral hygiene. Brushing your teeth twice a day, flossing daily, and using an antiseptic mouthwash can help to reduce bacteria in the mouth. It is also important to schedule regular dental check-ups with a professional.
To prevent gum disease it is important to practice good oral hygiene. This includes brushing your teeth twice a day, flossing daily, and using a mouthwash. It is also important to avoid smoking and to schedule regular dental check-ups with a dentist or hygienist.