Gum Disease Treatment – Carrollton, TX
Eliminate the Infection, Restore Your Healthy Smile
While much of dentistry is focused on taking care of the teeth, that’s not where your dentist’s job stops. In fact, maintaining your gum health is just as important when it comes to protecting your smile. That’s why we encourage our patients to contact us immediately if they notice warning signs of gum disease, like red, inflamed, and swollen gums. You can also read on to learn more about gum disease treatment in Carrollton, including the different types that we offer.
Why Choose Celebration Family Dental of Carrollton for Gum Disease Treatment?
- Gentle, Precise Dental Lasers
- Antibiotic Therapy Available
- Pocket Irrigation for Advanced Infections
What is Gum Disease?
Gum disease, also known as periodontal disease, is a widespread oral health problem that affects millions of people across the world. But what exactly is it? In short, it’s an infection that usually develops due to a lack of oral hygiene. While the early symptoms are often easy to miss, it can eventually lead to tooth loss. In fact, it’s the leading cause of tooth loss in the entire world!
Symptoms of Gum Disease
Gum disease affects roughly half of the American population. Despite this, many people still don’t know the common signs. Here are a few:
- Red, swollen, or tender gums
- Bleeding when you brush or floss your teeth
- Teeth that appear longer than usual (gum recession)
- Chronic bad breath
- Loose teeth
If you notice one or more of the above, then call our dental office right away to schedule an appointment with Dr. Rajiv Shekhadiya.
How Do We Treat Gum Disease?
Periodontal therapy is a collection of treatments specifically used to manage and prevent gum disease. Once you arrive at our office and we complete a comprehensive oral exam, we can discuss your treatment options in-depth. However, if you want to learn more about them in the meantime, you can read on, too!
Deep Cleaning
A deep cleaning is usually our first line of defense against early-stage gum disease, better known as gingivitis. This will consist of two parts: one where your dentist gently removes plaque and tartar deposits from your gum line, and another where the rough surfaces of your teeth’s roots will be smoothed out to prevent plaque and bacteria from accumulating on them in the future.
Learn More About Deep Cleanings
Antibiotic Treatment
Because gum disease is a bacterial infection, we can fight it using a variety of antibiotics. They may come in the form of a pill, mouth rinse, or a powder or gel that is applied directly to the gums. In any case, they’ll work to kill harmful bacteria and restore the health of your smile.
Learn More About Antibiotic Treatments
Pocket Irrigation
This is an extremely effective dental treatment that is used to clean the small spaces between the gums and teeth where gum disease bacteria tend to gather and thrive. Once all plaque and tartar have been removed, your dentist can then apply a direct antibiotic to prevent reinfection and shrink the pocket itself.
Learn More About Pocket Irrigation
Laser Periodontal Treatment
We can use a soft tissue laser to target gum tissue that has become infected. The healthy parts of your gum will remain intact thanks to the precision of the laser, and the energy will help get rid of the remaining bacteria. Laser treatments are more gentle than traditional treatments that involve a scalpel, and they cause far less bleeding. It also takes less time for the mouth to recover from procedures that utilize a laser.
Gum Disease FAQs
Is Gum Disease Considered a Dental Emergency?
While gum disease should always be treated as serious, it’s not in the same category as a sudden dental injury like a lost tooth. However, it’s vital that you call our dental office immediately after noticing signs of periodontal disease. We will schedule your appointment for treatment as soon as possible. Unlike other medical issues that can get better with time, infection in the gums will only grow worse, leading to serious health effects if left untreated.
What Are the Health Risks of Gum Disease?
If caught early on, your gum disease can be treated and completely reversed. However, if your infection persists, it could result in permanently damaged gum disease, jawbone deterioration, and even tooth loss. Unfortunately, the problems don’t stop there. Periodontal disease has been linked with increased risks of heart attacks, strokes, diabetes, certain cancers, Alzheimer’s disease, and more overall health problems. The bacteria that inflame your gums can get into your bloodstream and inflame your arteries, causing risks of these severe issues.
How Can I Prevent Gum Disease?
Thankfully, periodontal disease and the problems that come with it can be completely prevented if you know the right steps to take. Start by brushing your teeth twice a day for two minutes each session. Also, pay extra close attention to your gum line, as this is the area where plaque and bacteria tend to collect. Additionally, floss daily to remove lingering food debris from in between your teeth and on your gumline. You can also add a nonalcoholic mouthwash to your routine to clean areas your brush and floss couldn’t reach. Lastly, maintain regular checkups and cleanings with our dental team so we can help protect your smile!
If you have any additional questions, please don’t hesitate to contact our dental office.
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