Do your gums bleed when you brush? Or maybe they feel tender and swollen? These might seem like minor issues, but they could be early signs of periodontal disease. If left untreated, this condition can cause serious damage to both your gums and teeth, leading to gum recession, bone loss, and even tooth loss over time.
Periodontal disease, also known as gum disease, is a common but serious condition affecting the tissues that surround and support your teeth. At Beechnut Dental Care, we have years of experience helping patients manage and prevent this progressive condition. With advanced training in prosthodontics, orthodontics, and other specialized areas of dentistry, we take a patient-centered approach to ensure your oral health remains at its best.
Do your gums bleed when you brush? Or maybe they feel tender and swollen? These might seem like minor issues, but they could be early signs of periodontal disease. If left untreated, this condition can cause serious damage to both your gums and teeth, leading to gum recession, bone loss, and even tooth loss over time.
Periodontal disease, also known as gum disease, is a common but serious condition affecting the tissues that surround and support your teeth. At Beechnut Dental Care, we have years of experience helping patients manage and prevent this progressive condition. With advanced training in prosthodontics, orthodontics, and other specialized areas of dentistry, we take a patient-centered approach to ensure your oral health remains at its best.
Periodontal disease (periodontitis), more commonly known as gum disease, is an infection of the gum tissue surrounding the teeth. Although common, periodontal disease occurs when bacteria are allowed to sit on the surface of your teeth for long periods of time. The bacteria hardens into a substance called plaque and releases toxins that irritate the gum tissue.
Generally, this disease is divided into two main stages:
Periodontal disease has been linked to other health issues like heart disease, diabetes, and respiratory problems. Recognizing early symptoms and seeking timely treatment can prevent the disease from advancing and protect your long-term health.
Dr. Dang and his team are committed to providing compassionate, effective treatment for patients facing periodontal disease. With a patient-centered approach, we focus on not only treating the infection but also addressing the underlying causes to help restore and maintain healthy gums. We help treat periodontal disease through the following:
Dr. Dang starts with a comprehensive exam to assess the severity of the periodontal disease. Using advanced diagnostic tools, he examines gum health, measures gum pocket depths, and checks for any bone loss or gum recession. This assessment allows him to create a personalized treatment plan that best meets each patient’s needs.
For patients with early to moderate periodontal disease, Dr. Dang often recommends scaling and root planing. This procedure involves a deep cleaning below the gumline to remove plaque, tartar, and bacteria from the tooth roots. Smoothing the root surfaces can help prevent bacteria from reattaching, giving your gums a better chance to heal.
In cases where bacteria levels are higher, Dr. Dang may suggest antibiotic therapy to target and reduce bacteria. This can be administered as a topical gel or oral medication and helps combat infection, giving your gums an additional layer of protection and aiding in the healing process.
For advanced cases, we offer surgical options to restore the structure and health of your gums. Procedures such as gum grafting, pocket reduction, and bone grafts help rebuild areas affected by periodontal disease.
Treating periodontal disease is only part of the journey. Dr. Dang emphasizes regular follow-up care and routine cleanings to prevent the disease from returning. He works closely with patients to develop effective at-home care routines and recommends consistent maintenance visits to monitor and preserve gum health.
Periodontal disease starts with fairly mild symptoms but can quickly escalate if left untreated. In severe cases, the disease can cause substantial pain and potentially cause tooth loss. It is crucial to receive periodontal treatment right away to avoid the most serious effects of gum disease.
Taking some preventative measures at home is one of the most effective solutions for gum disease. However, if periodontitis has taken hold, the most likely treatment option will be a deep cleaning or root planing and scaling. These treatments involve removing plaque and tartar at and below your gum line.
At Beechnut Dental Care, we look forward to improving your oral health with a compassionate touch. Get in touch with us today to learn more about your treatment options!
Gum disease progresses through several stages, starting with gingivitis, which is the mildest form characterized by red, swollen, and bleeding gums. If left untreated, it advances to periodontitis, where the infection spreads below the gum line and begins destroying the tissues and bone that support your teeth. Advanced periodontitis is the most severe stage, where significant bone loss occurs and teeth may become loose or require extraction.
Common signs that indicate you may need gum disease treatment include persistent bad breath, red or swollen gums, bleeding when brushing or flossing, receding gums, loose teeth, or changes in your bite. You might also notice pus between your teeth and gums, or experience pain when chewing. If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms, it’s important to see a dental professional for evaluation and early intervention.
Non-surgical treatment typically begins with scaling and root planing, also known as deep cleaning. During scaling, your dental hygienist removes plaque and tartar from above and below the gum line. Root planing smooths the tooth roots to help gums reattach and prevent bacteria from accumulating. Your dentist may also prescribe antibiotics to help control bacterial infection and recommend special mouth rinses or medications to reduce inflammation.
Most gum disease treatments involve some level of discomfort, but pain management techniques make the procedures tolerable. Local anesthesia is commonly used during scaling and root planing to numb the treatment area. You may experience some tenderness and swelling after treatment, which can usually be managed with over-the-counter pain medications. Your dental team will provide specific instructions for managing discomfort and will prescribe stronger pain relief if necessary.
Untreated gum disease can lead to serious oral and overall health complications. As the infection progresses, it destroys the tissues and bone supporting your teeth, eventually leading to tooth loss. The bacteria from gum disease can enter your bloodstream and contribute to other health problems, including heart disease, stroke, diabetes complications, and respiratory infections. Pregnant women with untreated gum disease may also face increased risks of premature birth and low birth weight babies.
Your oral health deserves personalized care backed by advanced training and a commitment to excellence. At Beechnut Dental Care, we understand how overwhelming gum disease can feel. That’s why we take a patient-centered approach, blending years of experience with cutting-edge techniques to treat periodontal disease effectively. From thorough diagnostics to tailored treatment plans, we aim to restore your gums and protect your overall health.
With advanced training in prosthodontics and a passion for comprehensive dental care, Dr. Dang and our team focus on long-term solutions, not just temporary fixes. We emphasize compassionate care, educating you on preventative measures and ongoing maintenance to safeguard your smile for years to come. Don’t let gum disease compromise your oral health — call us today at (713) 839-0900 or fill out our contact form to schedule your consultation.
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