Gum disease is a serious oral health issue. When left untreated, it can cause bone and tissue loss in the jaw and mouth. It can also lead to bad breath and other health problems. It is important to treat gum disease as soon as possible with both nonsurgical and surgical procedures.
Prevention
Getting treated for gum disease treatment Glendale AZ as soon as symptoms first appear is the best way to reverse periodontitis and avoid more serious health issues. Our office will recommend a thorough oral examination with a dental hygienist and possibly x-rays to identify any early signs of inflammation. Regular cleanings every 4-6 months will help keep bacteria under control and protect the soft tissue and bone of the mouth.
Gingivitis, the earliest stage of gum disease, is marked by red, puffy or bleeding gums, bad breath and a sticky buildup of plaque on teeth. This stage of gum disease can be reversed with a commitment to daily brushing and flossing, using fluoride-rich products, eating a nutritious diet and avoiding tobacco use.
Left untreated, gingivitis can progress to more serious gum disease, including moderate/advanced periodontitis which is characterized by red and swollen gums, deep pockets, pus-filled abscesses, and changes in the bite. Advanced periodontitis can result in tooth loss as the infection continues to eat away at bone and soft tissue. This condition has been linked to heart disease, stroke, diabetes and other health problems. Treatment at this stage may include a gum flap surgery or a soft-tissue graft to cover the roots of the teeth and reduce sensitivity to hot and cold liquids and food.
Early Detection
A healthy mouth can prevent a number of serious conditions. If you have a dental issue, Dr. Trujillo will address it in a timely fashion to minimize damage and help you save your teeth.
Bleeding gums are an early sign of gum disease treatment Glendale AZ. This inflammation occurs when plaque, a sticky substance that contains bacteria, irritates the gum tissue. If you brush and floss regularly, you can remove this bacterial buildup to prevent gum disease. However, many factors can affect your oral health and make you more susceptible to gum disease.
Risk factors include smoking, a diet that doesn’t contain enough nutrients, certain medications like birth control pills and steroids, hormone changes due to pregnancy or menstruation, and genetics. People who have autoimmune diseases like diabetes, cancer, or HIV also face greater risk.
If gum disease progresses to gingivitis, it’s reversible. A good oral care routine with regular brushing and flossing, and visits to your dentist for professional cleanings can keep this condition from advancing to more severe stages of periodontitis. In this stage, the infection can cause tooth and bone loss and lead to loose and lost teeth. Your dentist can remove the bacteria with a special procedure called scaling and root planing and prescribe antibiotics to fight infection and suppress destruction of the attachment between the teeth and the bone.
Treatment
When gingivitis is left untreated it can progress to periodontitis, a more serious and destructive form of gum disease. In this stage, small 'pockets' develop between teeth and the gums. Bacteria can then enter these pockets and begin to destroy the supporting bone around your teeth. This can lead to loose teeth, and may even change the way your teeth fit together when you bite.
The nonsurgical treatment for this phase of gum disease is a special deep cleaning procedure called scaling and root planing (SRP). This involves scraping the bacteria from above and below the gum line, smoothing rough spots on roots, and encouraging gum tissue to heal. Medications and an antimicrobial mouthwash may also be recommended to control infection and help the gums to heal.
For patients with more advanced gum disease, we can offer a variety of surgical procedures. Flap surgery can reduce pocket depth, and in some cases, the tooth and root surfaces will be cleaned to eliminate bacterial deposits. Grafting can promote gum and bone growth in areas that have lost tissue. Bone regeneration can be encouraged using either natural or synthetic bone.
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