Periodontal Disease (Gum Disease) Treatment

Periodontal disease (also known as gum disease) is one of the most common oral health conditions on the planet. At Edgewater Dental, we screen for periodontal disease at every routine appointment. And, if you need it, we offer gum disease treatment right here in the same convenient location.

What is Gum Disease?

Gum disease, or periodontal disease, is the inflammation and infection of gum tissue and the bones that support the teeth. This infection starts out seeming relatively mild but can quickly wreak havoc if left untreated for too long. Remarkably, gum disease is the leading cause of tooth loss among adults in the U.S.

Bacteria live above and below the gums. When bacteria accumulate in a critically high concentration, you can develop inflammation of the gums, or gingivitis. Gingivitis is reversible if treated early. If those inflammation-causing bacteria are not cleared, however, our immune system will eventually stop responding properly. This is when gingivitis turns into periodontitis, which is accompanied by bone loss. Periodontitis is irreversible but can be managed. Gum disease has been shown to have a direct causal link to heart disease, diabetes, arthritis, and Alzheimer’s.

Who Is at Risk for Gum Disease?

Periodontal disease is very common, affecting about 47% of Americans over 30. But certain factors do put you more at risk compared to other patients. Those include:

• Heredity

• Smoking

• Insufficient brushing, flossing, and professional cleanings

• Diabetes

• Chronic dry mouth

• Immuno-deficiencies

• Misaligned teeth

• Bad bite

• Compromised fillings or other defective restorations

Symptoms of Gum Disease

How do you know if you have gum disease? The best way by far is to be examined for it regularly. We will always check as part of your exam, but some symptoms to look for are:

• Redness, swelling, or bleeding of gums

• Persistent bad breath

• Newly sensitive teeth

• Loose or shifting teeth

• Gums no longer holding tight to teeth

How Do You Treat Gum Disease?

We take the initial stage of periodontal disease, gingivitis, and the more advanced periodontitis alike very seriously. So, first and foremost, we’ll work hard to help you avoid it altogether. But if you should join the nearly half of all Americans over 30 with gum disease, don’t panic. You’re definitely not alone, and we can help.

Edgewater Dental’s gum disease treatment may involve any of the following, depending upon your individual circumstances:

• Scaling and root planing

• Antibiotics

• Non-surgical soft tissue laser therapy

• Surgical hard and soft tissue laser therapy performed by a periodontal specialist

We can help you get your gums, teeth, and bones healthy again and prevent future problems with gum disease.

In-House Gum Disease Treatment at Your Dentist’s Office

For gum disease treatment, reach out to us today. Edgewater Dental can address your treatment from start to finish in-house with no referrals.