The Consequences of Gum Disease
Gum Disease Can Take a Toll on Overall Health
- Tender, bleeding, or swollen gums
- Receding gums
- Chronic bad breath (halitosis)
- Pain or sensitivity when eating
- Loose or shifting teeth
- Loss of bone and teeth
Targeted Gum Disease Treatment
The good news is you can prevent gum disease by taking simple steps including brushing your teeth after meals, flossing daily, and rinsing your mouth with an antiseptic mouthwash once a day. This will help remove bacteria and sugar from your teeth and gums before plaque can form. Eating a healthy diet low in sugar can also help keep your gums healthy. At Tamarack Hills Family Dentistry, we recommend having your teeth cleaned professionally at least twice a year so we can remove plaque and tartar from hard to reach places. We offer many forms of gum disease treatment in Woodbury, MN, based on the severity of your periodontitis. We start with a consultation and may recommend a deep cleaning, which can effectively heal gums to prevent additional treatments. Depending on your treatment and anxiety level, we offer three types of soothing sedation dentistry to ensure your comfort. With proper treatment, maintenance, and good oral health habits, gum disease doesn’t have to damage your smile. A smile free of bacteria and infection is essential for maintaining optimal oral and general health.
Our Gum Disease Treatments
Scaling and Root Planing
This non-surgical, two-part deep cleaning is often the first procedure we perform to combat gum disease. Scaling removes all the plaque and tartar above and below your gumline, down to the bottom of the pocket. During root planing, we remove plaque, tartar buildup, and bacteria from the roots of your teeth and smooth rough surfaces.
Osseous Surgery
A common surgical procedure used to treat advanced periodontal disease, this involves gently pulling gum tissue away from your teeth to smooth bone irregularities and eliminate or reduce gum pockets. We perform a deep cleaning before reattaching gums to the tooth surfaces.
Gingivectomy
This procedure is done to heal damage caused by periodontal disease or to correct a gum condition involving the structures around your teeth. During this surgery, we remove an entire section of gum tissue from in and around a tooth or teeth, reattach the remaining gums, and thoroughly clean the area.
Gum Grafting
If gum disease has caused receding gums, gum grafting can resolve this problem. During this procedure, we take tissue from the roof of your mouth or another area and graft it to the impacted gum areas. The goals of this procedure include preventing bone loss, stopping gums from receding further, and protecting previously exposed tooth roots from decay.
Periodontal Maintenance
Bacterial plaque can cause gum disease to recur a few months after a professional cleaning. Periodontal maintenance with deeper cleanings at 3-4-month intervals can help keep your gums and teeth stay healthy. We schedule visits based on your degree of periodontal disease, type of treatment and response to it, plaque growth rate, and your commitment to practicing good oral care at home.
FAQs
Gum disease, or periodontitis, can be managed and treated effectively, but a complete cure may not always be possible. Early intervention with professional dental care, including deep cleaning and proper oral hygiene, can halt the progression of gum disease and prevent further damage. However, in advanced stages, the damage to the gums and bone may be irreversible. Regular dental check-ups and diligent oral care are essential for controlling gum disease and maintaining oral health.
Gum disease, or periodontal disease, is a serious oral health condition that affects the gums and surrounding tissues. It ranges from mild gingivitis to severe periodontitis, causing symptoms like gum inflammation, bleeding, and eventual tooth loss. Left untreated, gum disease can lead to systemic health issues such as heart disease and diabetes. Regular dental check-ups and good oral hygiene habits are crucial for prevention and early intervention against the progression of this potentially harmful condition.
Yes, with proper treatment and care, gums can often return to a healthy state after gum disease. Effective oral hygiene practices, such as regular brushing, flossing, and professional cleanings, can help reverse the early stages of gum disease (gingivitis). However, advanced gum disease (periodontitis) may require more intensive treatment from a dentist or periodontist. Early detection and proactive management are key to restoring gum health and preventing further damage.