What is Gum Disease?
When poor oral hygiene habits allow plaque to build up on the teeth and harden, this can eventually affect the gums and lead to gum disease — an infection of the supporting tissues of the teeth.
Left untreated, gum disease can lead to numerous oral health issues including bleeding or inflamed gums, a receding gum line, bacteria-filled pockets between the teeth and gums, and eventual bone loss.
Gum Disease Therapy
Depending on the type and severity of gum disease, periodontal treatment methods will vary. Our dentists will work with you to develop a treatment plan based on your specific circumstances.
Once you have completed your periodontal treatment, our dental team will recommend that you have regular dental examinations and preventive therapy, typically four times per year.
- Preventive Gum Therapy
If the dentist catches the disease in its early stages, preventive therapy will be recommended.
Regular hygiene cleanings and exams are critical to maintain gum health.
By practicing excellent oral hygiene at home and eating a balanced diet, you can also significantly reduce your risk of getting gum disease.
- Non-Surgical Gum Therapy
For patients with mild gum disease, the dentist may recommend a deep cleaning performed by a dental hygienist.
During this procedure, the hygienist will scrape away plaque and tartar around and below the gum line. Any rough areas left behind will be smoothed with a process called scaling and root planing.
- Surgical Gum Therapy
Patients with more advanced types of gum disease may need more invasive surgical treatments to reverse the condition.
Gum grafting and bone grafting are two different types of surgical gum therapy.
Cosmetic Gum Therapy
Do your gums rest too low or too high on your teeth, or are you unhappy with your smile? You may be a candidate for gum grafting surgery. By performing this cosmetic dental procedure, the dentist can even out an uneven gum line and reduce the perceived length of the teeth to give you a smile you can be proud of.
Placing Dental Implants
As part of the process to replace missing teeth, dental implants can be placed under the gum line. Once the implant is placed, the gums have healed and a tooth replacement is added, this procedure can offer several benefits for your oral health.