Many patients will experience some symptoms of gum disease at some point in their dental health journey. However, gum disease can have irreversible effects on the appearance and health of your soft tissues if left untreated. At Dental Excellence, we provide patients with comprehensive periodontal disease treatment plans to help them get back on track to their dream smile following experiencing gum disease. Our treatment plans may include scaling and root planing, which is a deep clean of the pockets of your gums to remove any harmful bacteria.
Gum Disease Treatment in Towson, MD
Dr. Ousborne and Dr. Esterson, as well as our skilled hygienists Kim and Sarah, are trained dental professionals when it comes to periodontal disease treatment. Once gum disease development starts, professional intervention is necessary to prevent or slow its progress. We are happy to answer any and all questions you might have about how we treat gum disease in our Towson, MD dentist office.
Here are some answers to frequently asked questions:
What are the symptoms of gum disease?
Bleeding gums, or gingivitis, is the most common early-stage symptom of gum disease. Additional symptoms of gum disease include bad breath and swollen gums. tender gums, sensitive teeth, receding gums, or longer-appearing teeth. Your dentist and hygienist will do a periodontal disease screening during your routine oral health and wellness visits to monitor the progression of your gum health.
How can I best prevent gum disease from developing?
The best way to prevent gum disease from developing past the early stages of gingivitis is to schedule regular oral health and wellness visits with our dental professionals. We recommend scheduling these appointments once every six months.
During these appointments, one of our highly skilled hygienists will professionally clean your dentition of all plaque and tartar buildup. This buildup will eventually cause gum disease because it is contains bacteria that eat away at your soft tissues. Beyond that, remember to brush and floss regularly–at least twice a day.
Can periodontal disease cause tooth loss?
Yes, periodontal disease can cause tooth loss if you do not treat it. Gingivitis, a more severe condition that affects the bone and ligaments that support the teeth, is where it starts. As periodontitis advances, pockets form between the gums and teeth, which can result in bone loss and, eventually, tooth loosening and loss. You can prevent periodontal disease from worsening and reduce your risk of tooth loss by attending routine dental visits, practicing proper oral hygiene, and getting professional treatment on time.
Can a periodontist reverse periodontal disease?
Periodontal disease, known as gingivitis, is reversible in its early stage. You may eliminate plaque and bacteria that cause gum inflammation by implementing good dental hygiene habits, such as brushing and flossing. However, once gingivitis progresses to periodontitis, it is not reversible. You can only manage and control it with dental treatments, including scaling and root planing. Regular dental exams are crucial to monitor your gum health and stop periodontal disease from causing further damage.
Is periodontal disease more common in certain age groups?
Periodontal disease can impact patients of all age groups, but it is more prevalent among adults, especially as they age. The likelihood of developing this condition rises due to the accumulation of plaque and tartar over time. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that nearly 70% of adults over the age of 65 experience some degree of periodontal disease. Nevertheless, practicing good oral hygiene, embracing a healthy lifestyle, and scheduling regular dental exams can help prevent periodontal disease, regardless of age.
When is it too late to treat periodontal disease?
It is never too late to treat periodontal disease, but the longer you wait, the more difficult it can be to manage. If you have periodontal disease, you should treat it as soon as possible. Long-term gum disease can cause tooth loss and receding gums. Therefore, seeking dental care at the earliest signs of gum disease is important to prevent severe complications and save your teeth.
Restore Your Gum Health in Towson, MD
We use advanced dental technology to improve your experience and results. Digital imaging and advanced treatment options can help you to resolve gum disease symptoms, treat damage, and maintain healthy gums for the future.
We use the Piezo Ultrasonic scaler, or Cavitron to address plaque on the surface of the teeth and gums. This device is used chairside and can effectively remove calculus above and below the gum line while also stimulating the healing process.
Cavitron: How does it work?
The tip of the Piezo Ultrasonic scaler vibrates, which produces twenty to thirty thousand sound waves per second, sometimes emitting a high-pitched tone. A water jet is used along with the vibrating tip and when the sound waves combine with the water, the water molecules are blasted apart releasing oxygen molecules into the area.
Since the bacteria that cause gum disease are anaerobic, meaning they cannot exist in the presence of oxygen, they are destroyed by this therapeutic effect of oxygenation. This means that the bacteria that cause gum disease can be destroyed and healing of the tissues can be initiated, simply by delivering oxygen to specific sites.
Schedule An Appointment
Has it been a while since you sat in the dental chair? Are you concerned about your gum health and want to get a professional opinion? Our dental care team is highly trained and committed to upholding our office mission and philosophy of excellence in all things dentistry. From routine general dental care to advanced treatment options, experience the difference that our approach to excellence in dentistry can make in the health of your smile. Please schedule an appointment online. We look forward to seeing you soon.