Treatments for Gum Disease
Having a great set of teeth is a sure way to make a winning first impression. Straight, pretty, aligned, and mighty, a winning smile looks invincible. And yet many people take an important part of the smile for granted: the gums. You can't have a great smile without great gums, and gum disease can ruin your overall appearance, not to mention your dental health.
When you meet with a restorative and cosmetic dentist, you will be able to learn more about all of your options for advanced care. Right now, we'd like to go over just some of the basics about gum disease.
What is gum disease?
Gum disease refers to the bacterial infection of a person's gums. The infection is caused by the same bacteria that causes a person to experience tooth decay. It's most notable for causing gums to bleed and look discolored.
The Different Stages of Gum Disease
There are three stages of gum disease based on severity. These are:
- Gingivitis - The earliest stage of gum disease, gingivitis typically involves bleeding gums, mild gum recession, mild bad breath, discoloration of the gums, and mild swelling of the gums.
- Periodontitis - The next stage of gum disease, periodontitis usually involves a worsening of gingivitis symptoms as well as loose teeth, tooth decay beneath the gumline, and mild tooth misalignment.
- Advanced Periodontitis - The furthest and most severe stage of gum disease, advanced periodontitis involves the worsening of previous symptoms as well as severe pain, infections of the jaw bone, and tooth loss.
It's best for cosmetic and restorative dentists to treat gum disease at its earliest stage, so be sure to speak with a dental health professional as soon as you notice the symptoms of gingivitis.
Treating the Gum Infection
The first step of treatment will involve controlling the infection, which can be achieved through the use of antibiotics and antiseptic rinses. A combination of rinses and antibiotics is common for more advanced stages of gum disease.
Restoring the Gumline
When the infection is under control, dentists can then concentrate on ways of rebuilding any lost gum tissue. This is achieved through soft tissue augmentation treatments, which uses artificial gum grafts or soft tissue from a donor area in the patient's mouth.
Addressing the Dental Health Problems Associated with Gum Disease
Since gum disease affects the gums as well as the teeth and other parts of the mouth, advanced restorative care may be required, including the use if dental fillings, inlays, onlays, dental crowns, and dental implants. We will discuss all of these matters in more detail during the consultation process.
Tips for the Prevention of Gum Disease
To prevent gum disease, the old standbys are always a good idea:
- Brush your teeth at least twice a day (ideally after every meal)
- Floss every night (ideally after every meal)
- Visit your dentist twice a year for regular checkups
Schedule an Appointment for Advanced Dental Care
For more information about treating gum disease and other dental health issues, be sure to contact our Warsaw, IN cosmetic and restorative dentistry center today. The entire team here looks forward to meeting you in person and helping you achieve excellent dental health in the process.