What is Gum Disease?
Gum (periodontal) disease is an infection of the supporting tissues of the teeth. It is typically caused by poor oral hygiene habits that allow plaque to build up on the teeth and harden, eventually affecting the gums and underlying bone.
If left untreated, gum disease can lead to a variety of oral health issues, including inflamed and bleeding gums, a receding gum line, bacteria-filled pockets between the teeth and gums, and eventual tooth loss.
Gum Disease Therapy
Periodontal treatment methods depend upon the type and severity of the disease. Our dentists will work with you to create a treatment plan based on your particular case.
Once your periodontal treatment has been completed, our dental team will recommend that you have regular dental examinations and preventive therapy, usually four times a year.
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Preventive Gum Therapy
Regular professional removal of the plaque bacteria and tartar build-up that accumulates on your teeth can help to maintain your oral health and reduce the chances of gum disease progressing.
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Non-Surgical Gum Therapy
For patients with mild gum disease, a deep cleaning performed by a dental hygienist may be enough to slow or stop the progression of gum disease.
The dental hygienist will remove the plaque and tartar around and below the gum line and smooth out any rough areas left behind through a process called scaling and root planing.
Cosmetic Gum Therapy
If your gums rest too low or too high on your teeth and you are unhappy with your smile, you may be a candidate for gum surgery. This cosmetic dental procedure may be able to even out an uneven gum line and improve the perceived length of the teeth to give you a smile you can be proud of.
Placing Dental Implants
Periodontics also includes the use of dental implants to help replace missing teeth. As part of this process, patients are referred to a specialist for implant placement beneath the gum line. After healing is complete, a custom tooth replacement is added, which can provide a number of oral health benefits.