Gum disease is a progressive bacterial infection that compromises the health and function of the smile. As gum disease progresses, patients become at risk for tooth and bone loss. A mostly preventable disease, routine dental checkups can allow for the effective management of disease-causing bacteria. In addition to restorative dentistry options, we provide gum disease treatment options.
Periodontal Therapy in Plano, TX
Dr. Grapevine provides comprehensive periodontal therapy treatments for gum disease. Our Plano, TX dental care team implements a personalized approach to treating periodontal disease for long-term and effective treatment.
Treating Gum Disease
Early detection and treatment of periodontal disease can prevent further damage to the teeth, gums, and jaw. Biannual dental health exams at our Plano, TX dentist office include a thorough screening for signs of gum disease. When caught as gingivitis, thorough dental cleaning of the teeth and gums is often enough to remove harmful bacteria.
Twice yearly dental cleanings in combination with good at-home oral hygiene can help to keep your teeth and gums healthy long term.
Left untreated, gum disease will begin to cause a series of related oral and systemic health concerns. Advanced gum disease causes the gums to swell. Once the gums are inflamed, they separate from the teeth and begin to recede.
A receding gum line could cause the shifting or loss of the teeth. Many patients who do not treat their gum disease experience bone deterioration and even facial regression.
Recent studies show ties between gum disease and a patient’s systemic health. Patients with gum disease are at a higher risk for heart attacks, cardiovascular disease, strokes, and even disease like Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s.
Stages of Gum Disease
If you ever notice that your gums begin to bleed, feel tender or are swollen, schedule a consultation with Dr. Grapevine as soon as possible. These symptoms are often signs that gum disease has already begun to spread. Halitosis, sensitivity and loose teeth are also common signs of gingivitis.
What To Expect: Periodontal Disease Treatment Options
Our Plano dentist office offers comprehensive treatment for gum disease. We treat both the cause of the disease and restore any damage that may have occurred. Our dentist in Plano, TX encourages children and adults to visit the dentist once every six months so that we can monitor the progression of their oral health.
Scaling & Root Planing
Scaling & root planing is an intensive cleaning procedure that accesses the deep pockets of the gums. Dr. Grapevine can remove disease-causing bacteria from all surfaces of the teeth and gums. Once the gums are clear of bacteria, gums have time to heal. Dr. Grapevine may recommend supplementing your procedure with PerioScineces products to manage bacteria growth in between dentist office visits.
PerioSciences for Gum Disease
PerioSciences products are specially designed to reduce inflammation and prevent the development of gum disease. Powered by antioxidants, PerioSciences products promote salvia production and combats disease-causing bacteria.
The antioxidants found in PerioSciences products enhance the natural anti-bacterial agents naturally present in human saliva. PerioSciences help prevents the development of gum disease by keeping oral bacteria balanced. For patients who struggle with gum disease, PerioSciences can be used in combination with additional periodontal therapy to keep gums and teeth healthy and clean between dental cleanings.
Periodontal Therapy FAQs
If my gums bleed does that mean I have gum disease?
You may be brushing and flossing too vigorously. Try a more gentle approach next time you brush. If you have any questions about better brushing or flossing techniques, never hesitate to ask your dentist or a member of our dental care team. If your gums bleed on a regular basis, you most likely have developed gum disease. Bleeding gums are not normal and are one of the most noticeable signs of gum disease.
Is gum disease reversible?
If gum disease is caught while in the gingivitis stage, your dentist may be able to prevent further damage to the teeth and gums. Our dental care team will remove the disease-causing bacteria from the oral cavity to allow the gums to heal. Patients who practice diligent oral hygiene have a good chance of maintaining their healthy smiles.
Patients with advanced gum disease may need additional dental treatments to fully restore their smiles. Patients prone to gum disease may consider visiting the dentist more than twice a year for professional teeth cleanings.
Can my child get gum disease?
Yes. Gum disease is a growing oral health and systemic health concern in patients of all ages. Preventative dental care is the best way to prevent gum disease in children and adults. It is important that your child begins brushing and flossing at least twice a day from an early age. Children should visit the dentist by the age of 1 or as soon as their first teeth begin to emerge.