Gum Disease
Jefferson Hills, PA
Gum Disease Treatment provided by Dr. Kenneth Poleski
in Jefferson Hills, PA at Poleski Family Dentistry
 Gum disease treatment focuses on meticulous cleaning of tooth pockets to safeguard gum tissue and bone health. Our dedicated dentist ensures thorough plaque removal to alleviate discomfort and prevent recurrence. For personalized dental care, visit our clinic at Poleski Family Dentistry.
Understanding Gum Disease
Gum disease, also known as periodontal disease or periodontitis, entails inflammation and infection of gum tissue and surrounding bones. Nearly half of all adults in the United States experience some form of this condition, with poor oral hygiene being the primary cause. This is a serious infection and inflammation of the tissues and bones that support your teeth. When it is in its early stages, it is called gingivitis, and referred to as periodontitis in its late stages.
A person who is suffering from gingivitis has red and swollen gums, and they may bleed with time. On the other hand, a person who suffers from periodontitis has chewing problems that loosen the teeth, pulling the gums away from the tooth. This will eventually lead to tooth loss. Periodontitis is preventable through proper brushing, flossing daily, and regular dental exams. Give us a call to make an appointment for a gum disease examination.
Stages of Gum Disease
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Bleeding: The initial sign, often noticed as pink tinges on toothbrushes or after flossing.
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Gingivitis: Characterized by painful, swollen gums and consistent bad breath.
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Early Periodontitis: Advanced stage potentially damaging underlying bones and causing tartar buildup.
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Moderate Periodontitis: Teeth start deteriorating and becoming loose, with affected jawbones.
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Advanced Periodontitis: Severe form involving severe pain, tooth loosening, and abscess formation. |
Symptoms and Causes of Gum Disease
Symptoms include bleeding, swollen gums, tooth looseness, bad breath, and sensitivity. Bacteria buildup due to poor oral hygiene leads to inflammation and plaque formation, a primary cause of gum disease. Risk factors include smoking, diabetes, hormonal changes, heart disease, and autoimmune conditions.
Importance of Periodontal Maintenance and Care
Anyone can suffer from gum disease, mainly caused by bacterial plaque, a colorless film that builds up on your teeth. The plaque has bacteria that produce toxic poisons, which damage your gums and teeth. If the plaque remains on the surface of your teeth for an extended period, it hardens, forming tartar, a rough and porous deposit. Plaque build-up and tartar formation are preventable through daily brushing and flossing.
However, it is good to note that it is hard to prevent plaque build-up despite how careful you are in brushing your teeth, hence the need for professional dental cleaning. Deep cleaning will help eliminate all plaque and tartar and reduce the chances of cavities developing. Teeth cleaning also assists in getting rid of any bacteria below the gum line, safeguarding you from gum disease. If gum disease is left untreated, it can destroy the bone tissues surrounding the tooth roots, resulting in bad breath, tooth loss, and unsightly gum tissue.
How to Prevent Gum Disease
Periodontitis is preventable if you practice good oral hygiene. This means you must brush your teeth at least two times a day, in the morning and before you go to bed. You must also floss daily, especially before you brush. Flossing is essential as it helps remove any food particles that may be trapped in your teeth.
It is also important to schedule regular visits with our dentist for check-ups and teeth cleaning two times a year. It is advisable for those who suffer from various oral conditions to see the dentist more often. In addition, it is crucial to stop using tobacco products as they may have adverse effects on your gums and can lead to gum disease.
Importance of Treatment
Timely detection and treatment reduce the risk of tooth decay and tooth loss associated with advanced gum disease. Consistent treatment and oral hygiene mitigate long-term consequences, maintaining healthy gums and tooth protection.
Scaling and Root Planing
Periodontitis is treatable no matter how severe it is, but it requires extensive treatments. Periodontal treatments, surgical or non-surgical, aim to cleanse tooth pockets and preserve gum tissue. The most common treatments include professional teeth cleanings such as root planing and scaling that remove all tartar and rough spots on your tooth roots, where bacteria hide. To treat gum infections completely, you may need antibiotics, which the dentist will direct you to use.
Bone Grafting
Those who have bone loss undergo bone grafting, which helps to regenerate the lost bone. Bone grafting supports teeth and promotes regrowth in advanced cases.
Flap Surgery
In case you have severe inflammation, our dentist will carry out flap surgery. The surgery gets rid of all deposits under the gums.
You need to have follow-up appointments so that our dentist can know how you are responding. If your progress is not good, we can recommend other treatment options.
Maintaining Gum Health
Post-treatment, maintaining healthy gums is vital to prevent relapse and hasten healing. Regular brushing, flossing, and scheduling periodontal maintenance appointments for dental cleaning and examinations are essential for gum health.
Prevention Strategies
Preventing gum disease involves proper home care and regular dental visits with us. Brushing, flossing, and using mouthwash remove plaque and food debris, while comprehensive periodontal evaluations aid in early symptom identification. Periodontal maintenance and care appointments may be recommended every three to four months.
FAQs About Gum Disease Treatment
What Are the Early Signs?
Mild symptoms include red, swollen gums and increased tooth spacing.
Is Gum Disease Reversible?
Early detection and proper oral hygiene practices can reverse gum disease.
What is the Treatment Duration?
Prompt care can reverse gum disease within two to three weeks.
What Are the Success Rates of Gum Disease Treatment?
Gum disease treatments boast impressive success rates, up to 95% in some cases.
Can Children Develop Gum Disease?
Children can develop gingivitis, treatable with thorough cleaning and advanced procedures if needed.
For gum treatment services like root planing and bone grafting, contact us at Poleski Family Dentistry. Call us at 412 813-3131 for more information and to learn more about gum disease and treatments available. |
