You may not know where to start if you have gum disease or are worried about your gums. Thankfully, if caught early enough, gum disease is treatable. Here, we discuss everything you need to know about gum disease treatment in Northern Virginia, including symptoms, complications, and how a periodontist can help. Let’s dive into the topic at hand, shall we?
What Is Gum Disease?
Gum disease, also known as periodontal disease or periodontitis, affects your gums and can lead to serious dental issues, including tooth loss. If left untreated, this condition can cause your gums to pull away from your teeth, leading to loose teeth that may eventually fall out. If you’ve ever been to your dentist and they’ve checked for receding gumlines, they’re making sure you don’t have any signs of periodontal disease.
Symptoms of Gum Disease
Periodontal disease has many signs, including sore or bleeding gums. You may have gum disease if your gums are red, inflamed, and sensitive. While you may experience bleeding from flossing your teeth for the first time, it's time to visit a periodontist if you have constant gum bleeding and soreness.
Other signs of gum disease include receding gumlines (gums that seem to shrink down or cover less of your teeth than they used to), swelling, inflammation, loose teeth, bad breath that won't leave, and pus or other signs of infection. In addition, if you notice new or worsening spaces between your teeth, especially near the base, this can also be a sign of gum disease.
Thankfully, if caught early enough, gum disease is treatable, and you can avoid some of the worse parts of the disease, such as tooth loss. If you suspect you have gum disease, contact your dentist as soon as possible, as early intervention can save your teeth and stave off future complications.
How Is Gum Disease Treated?
Dental scaling is one of the main ways your periodontist treats gum disease. Since plaque can cause gum disease, dental scaling removes plaque from your teeth and below your gumline. Root planing is another treatment for gum disease. By smoothing the roots of your teeth, your periodontist removes spots where bacteria grow, reducing the chance of the infection returning.
Your periodontist may recommend pocket reduction surgery if you have severe periodontal disease. Prolonged infection can cause pockets of bacteria in the gum line, which can only be removed with surgery. In extreme cases, you may need bone or gum grafts to replace damaged tissue. Thankfully, your periodontist will discuss treatment options and advise you on the best course for your unique dental needs.
Remember: early intervention is crucial for periodontitis treatment, so talk to your dentist or periodontist if you have any concerns.
If you're looking for a periodontist in Northern Virginia, call Washington Periodontics at (703) 569-4040. Our team of dental professionals would be happy to answer any questions you may have or help you set up an appointment.
Source(s):
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/periodontitis/symptoms-causes/syc-20354473
