A common oral health affliction affecting adults is gum disease, also known as periodontitis. According to a study by the Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), over 47% of adults over 30 in the United States have some form of gum disease. If gum disease is not treated, it has the risk of leading into health problems such as tooth or gum tissue loss.
Gum disease can be hard to notice in its initial stages since the symptoms are not typically painful. During the first stage, also known as gingivitis, the gum tissues can become inflamed and bleed easily when brushing or flossing. This is caused by bacteria in the plaque inflaming your gum tissues. As the infection spreads and becomes more serious, gingivitis can develop into periodontitis, a much more serious stage of gum disease.
During this stage, the gum tissues will continue to recede and cause pockets to form between the teeth and gums. Bacteria and food debris can become trapped in the pockets and lead to further deterioration. As the infection spreads, the underlying bone and gum tissue supporting your teeth can break down, causing your teeth to loosen and fall out. The good news is that with proper intervention, gum disease can be effectively treated and even reversed.
We offer a number of methods to treat gum disease:
Non-surgical gum therapy:
Gum therapy uses non-surgical techniques to scrape and remove the harmful plaque and tartar from your teeth and roots. This includes curettage and root planing which smoothes away uneven surfaces and removes diseased gum tissues to promote healing. Depending on the severity of your situation, it may take multiple sessions to properly address your gum disease.
Gum Grafts:
One of the consequences of gum disease is that it can cause exposed roots. Exposed roots can cause sensitivity and increase the risk of decay. A gum graft allows your cosmetic dentist in Forest Hill to take tissue from other areas of your mouth, such as the palate, to cover the exposed root. This tissue should eventually heal and integrate into the existing gum tissue.
If you are interested in booking a consultation for periodontal treatment, contact our dentist in Forest Hill, or request an appointment online.