How to Identify the Indicators of Periodontal Disease
Frequently referred to as periodontal disease, gum disease is an infection of the gum and bone tissues that keep your teeth in place. This condition is brought on by poor oral hygiene, allowing plaque to gather and solidify. If it's left unaddressed, it could result in serious issues for the gums and bone that support the teeth. Periodontal disease is also one of the main causes of missing teeth in men and women in Spring, TX. At Made Ya Smile Rayford, TX, we offer both minimally invasive and surgical treatment solutions for people suffering from any degree of periodontal disease.
Signs of periodontal disease
Periodontal disease may be hard to notice, so it’s nearly impossible to know when you have it. Due to this, annual check-ups and biannual oral cleanings are a crucial step when it comes to identifying gum disease before it can worsen. A handful of frequent signs of gum disease are:
- Noticing blood as you brush and floss
- Sensitivity
- Pus forming near the gumline and teeth
- Foul-smelling breath
- Receding gums
- Swollen, red, or sensitive gums
- Loose or separating teeth
- Bite changes
For individuals who reside in Spring, TX and think they may have gum disease, our professional staff will help you address it before it advances to more serious stages.
Stages of gum disease
Gum disease occurs in three phases:
- Gingivitis: Gingivitis, the first stage of periodontal disease, is a result of a buildup of tartar, affecting just the gums. In this phase, the jawbone has not been damaged, so gum disease is still treatable.
- Periodontitis: During this stage, whatever problems to the gums and bone that secure your teeth in their ideal positions is not fixable. Dental pockets can also occur beneath the gumline, gathering plaque and bad bacteria. Periodontal maintenance treatments along with proper dental health practices will help decrease the chances of further concerns.
- Advanced periodontitis: The final stage of periodontal disease occurs when the abscess has caused disease-causing bacteria. This phase requires laser procedures or surgical intervention to cleanse pockets of buildup beneath the gumline. In the event that advanced periodontitis is not taken care of, lost teeth, gum recession, and other serious problems will occur.
In short, treating periodontal disease quickly is crucial. At Made Ya Smile Rayford, TX, we show our patients ideal oral hygiene techniques to let them stall the worsening of this serious dental wellness problem.
Treatments for periodontal disease
The treatment picked for you will be decided by the severity of your gum disease. Treating gum disease as early as possible helps to reduce deterioration and any need for surgery. The aim of any gum treatment is to restore the state of your gum tissues. Some of the most common gum solutions provided at our Spring, TX office include:
- Scaling and root planing therapy: SRP is the least invasive option that eliminates tartar around the gumline and produces a smoother surface. Evening out rough spots lets our knowledgeable team eliminate bacteria and produce a smooth surface for the gum tissues to reattach easily.
- Gum lift: For this treatment, the gum tissues are separated from the teeth so bacteria can be easily removed. The gums are then positioned so the tissue rests naturally around every tooth. This will minimize the open area separating the gum and the tooth, which deters bacteria from developing there again.
- Bone and gum grafting: Gum and bone grafts make use of sections of the patient’s own bone or donor bone to replenish bone that was destroyed by the progression of gum disease. This will allow the teeth to be more stable. Soft tissue grafts are performed to reinforce thin gums and to fill in places where periodontal recession has occurred.
- Crowns, bridges, or dentures: When the teeth become loose, we provide a large number of restorative dentistry treatments, such as bridges and dental implants, to restore your smile.
Discover more about gum disease solutions in Spring, TX
If not managed, gum disease may continue to worsen to more dangerous degrees. At Made Ya Smile Rayford, TX, our staff works with our patients to help them improve their oral health. To learn more gum disease procedures, or to schedule an appointment at our professional practice, give us a call!