Gum Disease Treatment – Michigan City, IN
Restore Sore, Aching Gum Tissue
Gum disease is very common. Nearly half of adults over the age of 30 have some form of gum disease, and this percentage increases with age! Over time, gum disease can lead to permanent damage and even tooth loss. The good news is that we offer gum disease treatment to restore sore, aching gum tissue. By getting treatment early on, you can prevent serious issues from developing. To learn more about gum disease or to schedule an appointment with us, give us a call!
What is Gum Disease?
Gum disease is an infection of the gums and supportive tissues. Most of the time, it is caused by plaque and tartar buildup as a result of poor oral hygiene. It can lead to permanent gum damage, tooth loss, and other serious health risks. There are two different stages of gum disease:
- Gingivitis: This is the earliest stage of gum disease and can be reversed by improving your dental hygiene routine and seeing your dentist.
- Periodontitis: This is the more advanced stage of gum disease. It can only be managed, not cured, in order to prevent worsening effects, like tooth loss.
Factors that can increase your risk of developing gum disease include, smoking and chewing tobacco, poor oral hygiene, genetics, immune-compromising conditions, certain medications, and hormonal changes resulting from pregnancy.
Symptoms of Gum Disease
It’s important to recognize symptoms so you know when changes need to be made. Here are some signs to look out for.
Gingivitis:
- Halitosis (bad breath)
- Red/swollen gums
- Bleeding when brushing and/or flossing
- Tender gums
- Gum recession
Periodontitis:
- Pain while chewing
- Loose teeth
- Sensitive teeth
- Bite chances
- Changes in the fit of restorations (partial denture, etc.)
- Permanent tooth loss
If you notice any of the symptoms listed above, let us know. This way, we can take a look at your smile and put together a treatment plan to improve the health of your smile.
How Do We Treat Gum Disease?
Scaling & Root Planing
Scaling and root planing is a two-part process that can usually be completed in two appointments. No sutures or incisions are typically necessary. First, your dentist will thoroughly remove all plaque and tartar from the teeth to minimize the presence of bacteria. If you have experienced gum recession, they will scale down as far down as the pockets of the gums to make sure nothing is hiding. Next, your dentist will smooth out the surface of the roots of the teeth, removing hardened bacteria deposits. This will help the gum tissue reattach to the tooth and protect the roots.