Effective Gum Disease Treatment in Sterling
While early symptoms of gum disease can be subtle, it's the leading cause of tooth loss and can put your oral health at risk. When your gums are facing infection, you want a dentist you can trust to provide the experienced care you need. At Aesthetic Dentistry by Design, we offer periodontal treatment to help you overcome gum health issues and protect your smile. Our dentist has extensive experience dealing with periodontal disease and related oral health conditions.
We combine innovative technology with skilled treatment to deliver the personalized care you need. You can trust our team to offer attentive and caring service without judgment and help you feel safe and comfortable from the moment you visit our office. If you need reliable periodontal treatment, reach out to our office to schedule your initial consultation today.
CALL US: (571) 434-8000 REQUEST APPOINTMENT
How Gum Disease Impacts Your Smile
Gum disease, also called periodontal disease, is a bacterial infection that affects the gum tissues. As plaque accumulates above and below the gum line, bacteria grow and begin to attack the gums. If not treated early, continuous bacterial buildup causes receding gums and tooth and bone loss.
Periodontal disease progresses in distinct stages. The first stage is gingivitis, which is the easiest to treat. At this stage, plaque buildup causes gums to become inflamed and irritated. The second stage is periodontitis, where the gum tissues begin to pull away from the tooth roots, creating pockets. Over time, these tiny pockets collect food debris and plaque, resulting in gum irritation and infection.
The third and final stage is advanced periodontitis, the most severe and complex stage of gum disease. As the bacterial infection goes deep below the gum line, the bone and fiber supporting the teeth get damaged, causing the teeth to loosen and shift. If not treated, the infection can even spread to other areas of the body, causing secondary infections and worsening conditions such as heart disease or diabetes.
Gum Disease Symptoms and Causes
Early stages of gum disease can be hard to notice, and many people don't realize they have it at all until the situation becomes more severe. Detecting it early could mean a significant difference in the level of treatment you require. Common signs to look out for include:
- Tender or swollen gums
- Bleeding gums, especially when flossing or brushing
- Pain when chewing
- Red or dark-colored gums
- Sensitivity to cold and hot temperatures
- Bad breath and taste in the mouth
- Receding gums
The leading causes of gum disease include consuming too much sugary or acidic foods, smoking, and heavy alcohol consumption. Others are illnesses such as diabetes and hormonal changes in the body, particularly during pregnancy.
If you notice any symptoms that could indicate gum disease, it's vital that you make an appointment with our dentist. The sooner you receive periodontal treatment, the less invasive the treatment will be, and the better we'll be able to protect your smile.
CALL US: (571) 434-8000 REQUEST APPOINTMENT
Our Holistic Diagnostic Process
At Aesthetic Dentistry by Design, we want to more than simply treat symptoms. Our goal is to not only determine your level of gum disease, but the causes behind it. We consider everything from your bite structure to lifestyle, and even test for genetic factors with your permission. This helps us to devise a personalized treatment plan so that we can promote your best health now and in the future.
When you visit our dental office, we'll perform a thorough oral examination to fully understand your oral health situation. Our dentist will discuss the overall state of your oral health and the recommended gum disease treatments based on your condition. Our examinations follow a six-step process that includes:
Medical risk assessment: We examine your medical history to check if you have underlying health issues like high blood pressure, diabetes, or a history of gum disease. This helps us customize your treatment for best results.
Intraoral and extraoral cancer screening: As part of our medical examination, our dentist conducts a quick cancer screening test before we proceed with gum treatment.
Airway: Our dentist will ask a few questions concerning your respiratory conditions and whether you have experienced any signs of airway obstruction. This will also include screening for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA).
Occlusal screening: If you have bite issues that could increase the risk of gum disease or lead to jaw pain (TMD), we will recommend treatments such as orthodontics or a bite guard.
Restorative dental screening: Before proceeding with gum disease treatment, we will evaluate whether a tooth needs restoring for damage or dental decay. We'll also check the integrity of your existing dental restorations via x-rays and visual examination.
Periodontal Screening: Finally, we'll check the overall health of your gums and all the soft tissues in the mouth.
CALL US: (571) 434-8000 REQUEST APPOINTMENT
Gum Disease Treatment Options
Treatments for periodontal diseases can be classified into surgical and non-surgical treatments. Depending on the level of damage and your underlying health conditions, our dentist will recommend the most effective treatment option. At our practice, we offer surgical and non-surgical treatment options. Our gum disease treatment solutions include:
Scaling and Root Planing: Root scaling is a deep cleaning procedure that eradicates plaque and tartar buildup below and above the gum line. Once scaling is complete, root planing removes the rough spots from the tooth root to prevent further infection and encourage the gums to reattach. We can also use ARESTIN® antibacterial treatment to eliminate any remaining traces of infection.
Laser Gum Therapy: We use periodontal laser therapy to kill bacteria around the gum area and to sterilize inflamed gum tissues. Our dentist is expertly trained in the use of the dental laser for precise, effective treatment. Laser therapy is gentle on gum tissue, maximizing your comfort during the procedure and shortening your healing time.
Surgical Treatment: Our dentist can also perform a range of surgical procedures, including gum grafts, bone grafts, gingivectomy, and frenectomy. A bone graft procedure can supplement the jawbone in places where gum disease has weakened it. Gingivectomy and frenectomy involves the removal of inflamed or diseased gum tissues, while a gum graft helps resolve gum recession. We will provide most surgical treatment here in our office and refer you to a trusted periodontist when treatment is more complex.
Your Team for Skilled Periodontal Treatment in Sterling
Whatever stage of gum disease you're facing, when you need reliable gum care, our team at Aesthetic Dentistry by Design is here to help. We'll take a holistic approach to your care to not only help you overcome periodontal disease but keep it from returning. You can count on us to deliver effective, compassionate care, no matter your needs. Schedule your appointment today to restore your gum health and enjoy your best smile once more.
CALL US: (571) 434-8000 REQUEST APPOINTMENT
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