While the teeth usually receive most of the credit for the beauty of a person’s smile, the gums play no small part in keeping your pearly whites healthy. These soft tissue structures protect the roots of the teeth from injury while feeding the teeth the nutrients they need to stay healthy and strong, and gum infections can lead to serious oral health problems like tooth loss and jawbone erosion. Learning that you have gum disease can be startling, so here are a few questions to ask your dentist to help make treatment process less stressful.
How severe is my gum disease?
Gum disease comes in two stages. The first is inflammation called gingivitis, and it usually shows itself through symptoms like bleeding gums, redness, and tenderness. While gingivitis can usually be reversed with improved oral hygiene, the more advanced stage called periodontitis causes permanent damage such as gum recession and will eventually lead to tooth loss if it goes untreated. Your dentist will be able to tell you how serious your gum disease is and the best way to address it.
How can my gum disease be treated?
Dentists can address gum disease with a number of treatments, a few of them being:
- Scaling and root planing: Your dentist will use specialized instruments to eliminate accumulations of tartar from above, along, and below the gumline. They will then smooth the surfaces of your roots to discourage further buildup and encourage reintegration with the gum tissue.
- Antibiotic therapy: Your dentist can apply topical antibiotics to your gingival pockets to kill harmful bacteria.
- Perio® Flow: Using a small pressure-washing device, your dentist will gently remove plaque and germs from along your gumline. This treatment is especially known for being quick and comfortable.
How often will I need follow-up appointments?
Each case of gum disease is unique, so your dentist will design a personalized treatment plan to restore your soft tissues and keep them in great shape. However, it is often necessary for a person with advanced gum disease (called periodontitis) to continue receiving follow-up treatments for life. Depending on the severity of the damage, you may need to see your dentist for periodontal therapy every two to six months, but most gum disease patients will need retreatments every three months.
Don’t let gum disease wreck your gorgeous grin. Receiving periodontal treatments when necessary can help your teeth and soft tissues stay healthy and lovely for life.
About the Practice
Skyline Dental Cosmetic & General Dentistry delivers outstanding oral healthcare to the people of Springfield. With Drs. Aliana Henkin, Erilda Xholi, Maria Gonzales Robles, Yonson So, and Michelle Oh leading the practice, the staff treats each patient with compassion, respect, and old-fashioned customer service. Areas of expertise include general, restorative, and cosmetic dentistry as well as gum disease treatments. If you are concerned about gum disease, contact the office online or dial (973) 949-0925.