Gingivitis, or gum inflammation, is an early stage of gum disease. Also known as periodontitis, gum disease is a highly damaging dental problem that affects your teeth and gums. Dr. Jeffrey Bellisario and Dr. David Robbins offer periodontal disease treatment to patients in Ardmore, PA.
Our dental team helps restore the teeth and gums affected by gum disease with deep cleanings and antibacterial treatments. These treatments remove harmful bacteria that build up beneath the gums. Over time, gum inflammation can impact the heart’s health as the infection enters the bloodstream. Early intervention is the key to reversing the effects of gum disease. Our office also provides restorative dental care treatments to new and existing patients in the Ardmore area.
Stages of Periodontal Disease
Periodontal disease is a progressive infection of the gums that affects millions of individuals worldwide. It can cause serious and permanent damage. There are four main stages that, if left untreated, can progress very quickly. Continue reading to learn more about each stage of gum disease and what can be done to treat them.
Gingivitis
The first stage of gum disease is medically known as gingivitis. This is the earliest and least severe stage of the disease. It begins with plaque and bacteria forming around the gums, which harden and cause them to become red and inflamed. The most common symptoms of gingivitis are bleeding gums and chronic bad breath. You can reverse the earliest signs of gum inflammation when you brush, floss, and visit us for a cleaning.
Early Periodontitis
When left untreated, gingivitis may progress to the second stage, known as early periodontitis. During this stage, gums begin to recede and form pockets that house bacteria. Your gums remain inflamed and red.
Dental scaling and root planing are the most common ways we treat this stage of the disease. This deep cleaning removes plaque and bacteria from the gums.
Moderate Periodontitis
The third stage of gum disease is known as moderate periodontitis. Once patients have reached this stage, gum tissue and the jawbone may begin to deteriorate. At this point, damage is irreversible; however, treatment can prevent the progression of the disease. Gum grafting may replace gum tissue and promote gum regeneration.
Advanced Periodontitis
The last and most severe stage of gum disease is advanced periodontitis. Once patients reach this stage, there is a potential for tooth loss, and a significant amount of jawbone has been lost. Bone grafting, gum grafting, and flap surgery are also options for treatment. Seeking treatment as soon as possible can prevent tooth loss.
Common Symptoms of Gum Disease
There are many signs of gum disease. Knowing and recognizing the signs and symptoms of gum disease is important so you can seek treatment as soon as they appear. Signs of gum inflammation and disease often include:
- Bleeding gums when you brush and floss
- Red and purple-tinged gums
- Bad breath (Halitosis)
- Pus between the teeth and gums
- Sensitive and inflamed gums
- Swollen and tender gums
- Gum recession
Please contact Dr. Bellisario if you notice changes in your gum health. Our dentists will find the right solution to stop your symptoms. You need to seek treatment as soon as possible to prevent gum disease from progressing and causing irreversible damage.
How to Prevent and Treat Gum Disease
You can stop the development of gum disease in several ways. Continue reading to learn more about treatment options that can prevent gum disease at home and in our office.
- At-Home Dental Care: Brushing and flossing twice daily helps minimize bacteria buildup on the teeth and gums. Flossing before brushing helps remove food debris between teeth for a better clean. A consistent oral hygiene routine is often the best defense against gum disease.
- Antibacterial Rinses: We typically use antibacterial rinses at regular dental visits. These rinses prevent microbe growth that causes gum disease.
- Laser Dentistry: We provide soft tissue laser treatment to remove infected gum tissue. Dental lasers can also graft healthy tissue from another part of the mouth to cover receding gums.
- Routine In-Office Dental Cleanings: Our dental hygienists offer deep cleaning services to remove plaque and tartar from the gums. They also use specialized dental tools to remove hard calculus deposits that can form in hard-to-reach areas of the smile. We recommend that patients visit our office twice a year for a preventative cleaning.
Our dentists will find the right treatment for you. We’ll examine your teeth and gums and may take X-rays as needed. Then we’ll create a custom treatment plan based on your stage of gum disease.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do you have questions for us? We’re here to help. Read the answers to these common questions about periodontal disease treatment in Ardmore, PA.
Can children get gum disease?
While gum disease is more common in adults, children can develop gum disease, particularly if they have poor oral hygiene or other risk factors, such as a family history of gum disease. Regular dental checkups, proper brushing, and a balanced diet are important to prevent gum disease at any age.
How long does it take to treat gum disease?
The length of treatment depends on the severity of the disease. We can treat the early stages of gingivitis in a single visit, while more advanced stages of periodontitis may require multiple appointments. Scaling and root planing might take one or two visits. You may need more treatments, like surgery or follow-up visits, for severe cases.
Will my teeth become loose after treatment?
If your teeth are already loose because of advanced gum disease, they may not go back to their original position right away. Treating the infection with periodontal therapy can help stop further damage and make your teeth more stable. In some cases, your dentist may recommend extra treatments, like splinting (connecting loose teeth for support) or minor surgery
We want to keep your teeth secure for the long term. With proper care, many patients can maintain their natural teeth and improve gum health.
How does smoking affect gum disease?
Smoking makes gum disease more likely and can make it harder for your gums to heal after treatment. Smokers often have more severe gum problems than non-smokers. Quitting smoking can help your gums heal and lower your risk of getting gum disease again.
How does gum disease affect my overall health?
Gum disease can affect more than just your teeth and gums. The infection and inflammation in your gums can allow harmful bacteria to enter your bloodstream. Over time, this can contribute to serious health problems like heart disease, stroke, diabetes complications, and respiratory issues.
Chronic inflammation from gum disease can also make it harder for your body to fight other illnesses. Treating gum disease early helps reduce inflammation and protects both your oral and overall health.
Can gum disease be cured?
While you can’t completely cure gum disease, you can manage and control it with proper treatment. The early stages of the disease, like gingivitis, can often be reversed with good oral hygiene and professional cleaning. More advanced stages require ongoing maintenance. If you’re in the later stages of gum disease, you may need surgery to preserve the health of the teeth and gums.
What happens if I don’t treat gum disease?
If left untreated, gum disease can lead to tooth loss, as the infection can damage the bone and tissue that hold your teeth in place. It can also contribute to other health issues like heart disease, diabetes, and respiratory problems. Early treatment can prevent these serious complications and help you maintain your natural teeth for longer.
Can my gums grow back after gum disease?
No. If your gums have receded from infection, they won’t grow back. But gum grafting takes tissue from another part of your mouth (or uses donor tissue) and attaches it to areas where your gums have receded. Gum grafting can cover exposed tooth roots, reduce sensitivity, and improve the overall health and appearance of your gums.
Heal Your Gums
Do you think that you could be at risk of developing gum disease? Contact Ardmore Family & Cosmetic Dentistry for periodontal disease treatment in Ardmore, PA, today at (610) 839-8967. Feel free to request a dental appointment with our dentists on our website.