Gum disease is a fairly common condition that can potentially damage not just the gum tissue, but the supporting bones of the teeth and jaw as well. Remaining proactive in identifying the signs of the condition, ideally in the early stages, is the best way to treat gum disease.
By visiting our office for routine exams and cleanings, your family has the best chance of resolving these issues before they advance and become incurable. In cases where the disease has progressed, we offer treatment to regularly maintain bone and gum health, ensuring you enjoy a lifetime of healthy smiles.
Call our office in Goldsboro, NC today to learn more!
Gum Disease Symptoms
Gum disease is caused by the accumulation of plaque and tartar around the gum line; this build-up of bacteria irritates the gum tissue and causes gums to retreat from the tooth surface. Eventually, this forms pockets of space between the gums and teeth where food debris can become lodged and damage the supporting bone.
Gum disease occurs in three separate stages, each ranging in level of symptom severity, gum pocket depth, and damage caused to the bone. These stages are gingivitis, periodontitis, and advanced periodontitis.
- Gingivitis – This is the first and most common stage of gum disease. Commonly characterized by red or swollen gums that bleed when brushing or flossing, this stage can usually be treated by a standard professional cleaning and better oral care practices at home.
- Periodontitis – At this point, gum disease becomes incurable but is able to be managed by professional treatments in our office. You will notice increased tooth sensitivity as gums recede and form pockets; you may see that the teeth appear to be longer. As plaque and tartar begin to target your teeth below the gum line, you may notice swollen, tender gums, tooth mobility, or persistent bad breath.
- Advanced periodontitis – This is the final stage of gum disease where the connective oral tissues and bone supporting your teeth begin to rapidly deteriorate. This may cause pain when chewing, pus accumulation around the teeth, and tooth loss.
Scaling & Root Planing
Scaling and root planing is a treatment performed in our office to maintain the health of gum and bone tissues that have reached incurable stages of gum disease. Commonly characterized as a deep cleaning procedure, this treatment allows our team to remove plaque, tartar, and food debris from both above and below the gum line.
- Using our specialized tools, we will scrape the surface of every tooth and each pocket to remove all acidic bacteria.
- Once this is complete, we will polish away areas of deterioration, decay, or eroded bone structure below the gum line to create a smooth surface.
- Upon completion, the gum tissue will be able to reattach to the teeth without the presence of hallowed spaces for plaque and tartar to thrive.
Working Together To Treat Gum Disease
As one of the leading causes of tooth loss in the United States, gum disease is a condition that should be taken seriously. Allowing early signs and symptoms to go unnoticed can be a mistake that carries consequences for a lifetime.
With our team at McLamb Place Dental, you can find comfort in knowing that we can manage any stage of the condition and keep your smile as healthy as possible. Doing this takes persistence, dedication, and professional expertise which are some of the qualities we are delighted to employ. If you are concerned about bleeding gums, loose teeth, or persistent bad breath or taste in the mouth, please make an appointment for our team to examine your smile. Let’s fight gum disease together; call today!
