Keeping a clean healthy mouth of gums and teeth, free of harmful bacteria or plaque buildup, is super important. Excessive growth of these agents can lead to harmful toxin production and get released into a patient’s bloodstream, causing periodontal, or gum disease, in Manhattan, NY.
Signs/Symptoms Of Gum Disease:
When gum disease occurs, associated symptoms such as gum swelling, tooth pain and discomfort, and bad bread odor can happen. If left untreated, gum disease can lead to many systemic health illnesses including diabetes, heart disease, tooth/bone loss, pregnancy complications, pancreatic cancer, and stroke.
Experiencing any of the following gum disease symptoms? A trusted dentist in Manhattan, NY can help guide patients in the right direction back to a healthy oral environment. First, however, it is important to recognize the important signs and symptoms of gum disease before treatment can be initiated. Additionally, several risk factors are associated with gum disease development.
In the early stages, the signs of gum disease sometimes go unnoticed. After the disease has progressed, symptoms become more pronounced leading to drastic changes in the smile like tooth loss. Here’s a list of common symptoms:
- Red, swollen, tender gums
- Bleeding gums while brushing, flossing or eating
- Loose teeth
- Gum recession
- Pus between the gums and teeth
- Persistent bad breath (halitosis)
- Change in the way the teeth fit together (bite)
Common Gum Disease Risk Factors:
- Improper or irregular hygiene routine
- Tobacco use
- Clenching and grinding teeth
- Genetics
- Medications
Stages Of Gum Disease:
There are three main stages of gum disease.
Gingivitis:
If plague buildup is not removed, bacteria will begin to infect the gums causing inflammation and bleeding gums. If caught during this stage, it is reversible.
Periodontitis:
The supporting bone and connective tissue become damaged in this stage. The gums have begun to form pockets, trapping bacteria, plaque and food. Damage is irreversible but progression of the disease is still possible.
Advanced Periodontitis/Periodontal Disease:
The bone and surrounding tissue are irreversibly damaged. Teeth begin to shift, changing a person’s bite and possibly leading to bone loss and tooth loss.
Treatment Options For Gum Disease
Fortunately, there are several treatment options for managing gum disease that a dental specialist can use in Manhattan, NY.
There are many services for treating gum disease that are specialized and long-lasting using state of the art technology, including:
Scaling And Root Planning:
A non-surgical treatment, scaling and root planning, is often the first procedure in the fight against gum disease. Scaling removes the bacterial plaque from above and below the gumline. Root planning smooths the tooth surfaces to encourage healthy tissue reattachment and protection against future infection.
Laser Gum Treatment:
A minimally invasive service that treats periodontal disease without incisions or sutures.
Osseous Surgery:
Osseous surgery is the most aggressive treatment for advanced gum disease. It involves removing the diseased gum tissue and repairing the damaged bone to restore support to the teeth. This surgery also removes the bacteria and calculus trapped in the deep pockets between the teeth.
Gingivectomy:
A procedure that eliminates excess, overgrown or inflamed gums.
Periodontal Maintenance
Once gum disease has been comprehensively treated, periodontal maintenance is recommended to ensure it does not return. This procedure is completed every 3-4 months and involves a deep cleaning of the teeth at and below the gumline to remove bacteria and plaque accumulation. These deep cleanings will replace regularly scheduled hygiene appointments.
Come To Our Office To Treat Gum Disease
Maintaining a healthy oral environment has a huge impact on a patient’s overall health. Get in contact with Dr. Alexander Volchonok, Dr. Michele Volchonok, and our team in our AVPeriodontics office to schedule an appointment today!
