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Periodontal Disease

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Periodontal Therapy to Resolve Gum Disease Comfortably and Precisely

Most people don’t give gum disease the attention it deserves. Perhaps it’s because this condition doesn’t cause pain and discomfort in the early stages. Unfortunately, while you think gum disease has retreated, it’s usually causing damage beneath your gums. If you don’t seek treatment, you will notice severe symptoms when the damage has already been done.

Because of the sneaky nature of gum disease, at Granite Bay Dentistry, we encourage bi-annual dental appointments. During these visits, Dr. Colby Smith and the team can spot signs of gum disease and start treatment early. And even when it’s too late, we can devise a treatment plan to restore your oral health to its optimal best.

What are the early signs of periodontal disease?

Poor oral health encourages the formation of plaque, which encourages harmful bacteria to grow. If the plaque isn’t eliminated, the harmful bacteria produce toxins that inflame your gums and other soft tissues. The early form of gum disease is called gingivitis, and below are the warning signs:

  • Red or swollen gums
  • Tender or bleeding gums while brushing or flossing
  • Bad taste in your mouth

If you have gingivitis, you only have a small window to treat it to prevent the condition from advancing to periodontitis, which is terrible. Really bad. At this stage, the infection is beyond your gums, and the jawbone and other tooth-supporting structures are at risk. Common symptoms at this stage include:

  • Chronic bad breath
  • Painful chewing
  • Loose teeth
  • Receding gums
  • Sensitive teeth

We diagnose gum disease by examining your gums and using a periodontal probe to measure the pocket or space between the gums and your teeth. If the distance is more than 3mm, you may have gum disease.

How is gum disease treated?

Gingivitis can be reversed by brushing and flossing daily alongside dental cleanings. However, mild gum disease requires deep cleaning to remove tartar build-up, which can’t be handled by at-home oral care. The procedure involves scaling and root planing to remove stubborn tartar beneath the gum line and smoothing out tooth roots to prevent the growth of bacteria. Also, we may give you antibiotics to help clear the gum infection.

Severe gum disease requires periodontal surgery to reduce the gum pockets, making it easier to clean your teeth. Advanced periodontitis requires gum and bone grafting to restore your healthy tissues.

Gum disease treatment for a healthy, confident smile

If you suspect you have a gum infection, don’t wait until the symptoms worsen. Instead, please dial (916) 735-4720 to book an appointment with Granite Bay Dentistry, serving Granite Bay, CA, and the nearby areas.