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Gum Disease Treatment Mesa & Scottsdale AZ |
Gum health is just as important as the health of your teeth. The gums keep the teeth and the surrounding tissue in place. They also protect your teeth from bacteria and food particles. If your gums are unhealthy, the rest of your mouth is likely unhealthy, too. Poor oral hygiene increases the likelihood of developing gum disease, also known as periodontitis. It can cause tooth loss and additional health problems. At East Valley Implant & Periodontal Center, our experienced periodontists can help restore your gums from the verge of gum disease. Visit our dental clinics in Mesa and Scottsdale for professional periodontal care and expert guidance.
What Is Gum Disease?Gum disease is an infection and inflammation of the soft tissues supporting the teeth. It often arises from poor oral hygiene. However, some people are more prone to developing the disease based on lifestyle habits, genetics, or hormonal changes. It can also come due to your dietary choices or medical conditions.
Without treatment, periodontitis can lead to tooth loss. It can also inhibit your ability to speak and eat. People with gum disease may have low self-esteem since the infection forces them to hide their smiles more often.
Stages of Gum DiseaseGum disease has two primary stages: gingivitis and periodontitis. Gingivitis is the earliest phase of periodontal disease. This mild gum disease results from poor oral hygiene. Gingivitis occurs when plaque and calculus accumulate along the gum line and the surfaces of teeth. Plaque is a bacteria-laden sticky film that forms when you do not regularly and consistently brush or floss your teeth. If left, plaque transforms into tartar or calculus.
Periodontitis is an advanced stage of gum disease. It arises if you do not treat gingivitis. It can also occur from bacterial invasion, gum inflammation, and tissue damage. Periodontitis can also be mild, moderate, or advanced, depending on the severity of tissue damage. Patients can reserve the effects of gum disease through professional periodontal care.
Symptoms of Gum DiseaseOne of the first signs of periodontitis is bleeding gums. You may notice bleeding during and after brushing. Overly sensitive or tender gums are another sign of periodontal disease. Healthy gums are usually firm and less sensitive.
Other signs of gum disease are a constant sour taste and persistent bad breath even after brushing. Severe periodontitis will form deep pockets between the gums and teeth, creating a haven for bacterial growth. If you use dentures or dental bridges that no longer fit, schedule a meeting with a dentist for periodontal care and maintenance.
Treatment for Infected GumsTreatment for infected gums depends on the severity of the infection. Gingivitis, or early gum disease, usually requires regular dental cleaning to remove stubborn plaque and calculus.
You may have to adjust your oral routine to treat early gum disease. These changes might entail obtaining a new toothbrush, flossing your teeth regularly, and using anti-bacterial over-the-counter mouthwash.
Advanced periodontitis requires different treatment methods, such as deep cleaning. Depending on the severity of the condition, patients might need root planing and scaling to remove hidden bacteria from the gum line and root surfaces.
Some patients might require surgical interventions such as flap surgery to clean the roots and bone grafting to regenerate lost bone tissue. We may also recommend laser therapy to treat diseased gums and teeth.
 What to Expect During Periodontal CarePeriodontal care is usually an outpatient procedure that requires a single visit. The first step involves a comprehensive oral exam. Our dentist will use the results to determine the severity of the infection. Depending on the progression of the disease, we may recommend regular dental cleaning or deep cleaning.
Regular dental cleaning involves brushing and flossing your teeth and gums to remove plaque and tartar deposits from the teeth surfaces and above the gum line. Our hygienist at East Valley Implant & Periodontal Center usually undertakes this task.
Treating advanced periodontal disease requires deep cleaning. This periodontal care procedure includes scaling and root planing. Scaling utilizes an ultrasonic scaler to blast a powerful stream of oxygenated bubbles to remove plaque and calculus from the teeth surfaces and along the gum line. Root planing follows scaling. It entails using dental scalers or curettes to smooth out the roots, allowing the teeth to reattach to the gums.
Periodontal Maintenance TipsOngoing periodontal maintenance is critical for faster recovery from gum disease. It also ensures periodontitis does not reoccur after treatment and preserves your gum health.
We may insert antimicrobial medication into the cleaned gum pockets to prevent infection or recommend an anti-bacterial mouthwash that you can use at home during recovery.
Our periodontal care team will also teach you how to maintain healthy gums. Brush your teeth twice daily with fluoride paste and floss between the gums and teeth to remove plaque and stuck food particles.
Adopt and maintain a healthy diet and quit habits like smoking tobacco to ensure optimal oral health. Lastly, schedule regular visits to our dental office for professional cleaning and checkups.
Frequently Asked Questions on Gum DiseaseWe often receive a lot of questions about gum disease from our patients. Here, we answer the most frequently asked questions about periodontitis.
Do I need to see a periodontist to treat gum disease?It depends on the progression of the infection. Early gum disease might not require a dental visit. You may only need to change your oral routine. For advanced gum disease, the only option is to see a periodontist for assistance.
Is gum disease reversible?Gum disease is treatable and reversible. However, early diagnosis can help reduce the need for surgical interventions to treat the infection.
Is gum disease hereditary?Gum disease is not necessarily genetic. However, if your parents had gum disease, you could be vulnerable through learned oral hygiene habits and nutrition.
What complications does gum disease cause?Untreated gum disease can worsen the symptoms of diabetes and heart disease. It can also cause respiratory issues and hypertension.
Gum Disease Treatment in Mesa and Scottsdale AZGum disease can lead to tooth loss, affecting your smile and self-esteem. Contact East Valley Implant & Periodontal Center at (480) 900-2771 for professional periodontal care in Mesa and Scottsdale. Let us save your gums from the verge of disease and restore your smile and self-esteem. |
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