A Periodontist-Approved Guide to Detecting, Treating Gum Disease
As specialists in the diagnosis and treatment of conditions affecting the gums and supportive tissues in the mouth, Glendale Periodontics & Dental Implants has the advanced knowledge and technologies to support highly precise, comfortable, and minimally invasive alternatives to antiquated dental procedures for the treatment of gum disease. There are numerous techniques and treatment options available to our patients from across Southern California. The most suitable choice for you depends on your specific needs, as each treatment plan is tailored to you by our board-certified periodontist, Dr. Tyler Hendry.
What causes gum disease in the first place?
Inconsistent or inadequate oral hygiene is a key risk factor. It’s essential to brush and floss thoroughly each day. Otherwise, lingering food particles promote the development of bacterial plaque. The bacteria in this sticky film trigger an inflammatory process, which eats away at the teeth and also inflames the surrounding gumline. Without treatment, what begins as inflamed gums can progress to severe infections that lead to tooth loss, and the loss of the supportive soft and hard tissues in the jaw (gums and bone). To prevent the effects of this disease from worsening, early detection and prompt treatment are critical.
What are the signs that I may have gum disease?
Gum disease is a progressive condition. It begins as inflammation or gingivitis, and if left untreated, it can progress to a serious infection or periodontitis. The symptoms of early-stage gingivitis differ from those of later-stage periodontitis. They include:
- Gingivitis – Gums that appear darker, pinker, or redder than usual. Inflamed, swollen, and “shiny” gums. Pain when brushing, flossing, or otherwise touching your gumline. “Pink in the sink” or the presence of blood when you clean your teeth.
- Periodontitis – At this stage, deep pockets form between the teeth, and the gums pull away from the teeth. Your smile may look “long in the tooth,” as more of the white part of the teeth is visible. Teeth may become loose. You may notice new spacing issues and bite problems. Halitosis and a foul taste are common.
It’s also important to know that early stages of gum disease often cause no obvious or serious changes in how your gums look or feel. For this reason, it’s essential to maintain regular dental checkups. Dentists are trained and have the tools to identify problems early on before they cause noticeable damage that requires treatment.
Can damage to my gums be reversed?
Certainly! When detected and treated effectively in its earliest stages, the effects of disease can be reversed, and all it may take to restore the health of your gums is an improvement in oral hygiene at home and nonsurgical therapies, such as a professional cleaning or a deep cleaning (scaling and root planing). Once bone in the jaw is lost, however, it is lost for good. At this stage, advanced treatments like those available at our specialty practice are necessary to regenerate the supportive bone that is lost, as well as the soft tissue attachments, which connect to and protect the teeth.
How do you treat gum disease?
Recommendations are based on findings from a thorough exam and evaluation of your mouth. We consider factors such as the stage or severity of damage to your gums. For earlier-stage disease, adjustments to your oral care can make a significant difference. We can also introduce things like medicated rinses to fight bacteria. Another first line of defense may be the aforementioned “deep cleaning” procedure, which includes scaling and root planing. This process simply involves cleaning underneath the gums and also smoothing out the root surfaces of the teeth. This latter step is necessary because the rough texture at the roots can attract bacteria and make the disease worse. For more severe gum disease, we may need to build up or regenerate deteriorated tissues.
Why should I choose Glendale Periodontics & Dental Implants?
Even individuals with more severe gum disease can benefit from our microsurgical and minimally invasive approaches. For instance, Dr. Hendry treats gum recession with treatments like the Pinhole Surgical TechniqueTM performed through tiny pin-sized holes. This approach preserves the utmost healthy tissue. The Laser-Assisted New Attachment Procedure® also presents a tissue-preserving, well-tolerated method for killing bacteria, promoting gum healing, and stimulating new tissue growth. And, when teeth are lost as a result of advanced gum disease, Dr. Hendry is here to rebuild your smile with dental implant-retained crowns, bridges, and dentures! Trust your gums to the experts in Glendale, CA – call (818) 240-4555 today.
