Periodontal Disease Treatment (Gum Disease)
Porters Neck Dental Aesthetics provides periodontal services for all stages of gum disease to restore your oral health. Gum disease is a serious condition that can affect anyone.
Gum Disease Treatment in Wilmington, NC
At Porters Neck Dental Aesthetics, we specialize in periodontal services and believe in using the most innovative treatments available. From scaling and root planing to more advanced laser treatments, we can treat any stage of periodontal disease. You may be suffering from periodontal disease if you’ve experienced any of these symptoms:
- Are your gums overly sensitive?
- Do your gums bleed while brushing or flossing?
- Do you have chronic bad breath?
- Do your teeth feel loose or moveable?
- Is your gum line receding visibly?
- Do you suffer from frequent toothaches?
You don’t have to wait until you see the telltale signs of early-stage gum disease (commonly called gingivitis). Instead, be proactive and come see us at Porters Neck Dental Aesthetics for a routine exam and gum disease treatment.
-
What are the signs of periodontal disease or gum disease?
The earliest sign of periodontitis is an irritated gum line that might cause discomfort or bleeding when you brush, floss, or have your teeth cleaned professionally. If not treated, the gums will start to retract and pull away from the teeth. This creates spaces between the teeth and gums called periodontal pockets that can fill with harmful bacteria. Your dentist will measure the depths of these pockets to determine how far the condition has spread and what treatment is necessary. If gum disease makes its way to the jawbone and the connective tissues of teeth, the jawbone can deteriorate, and teeth can be lost.
-
What causes gum disease?
There are three common causes of gum disease. The first and most common is chronic periodontitis. This occurs when oral hygiene is neglected, and bacteria accumulate beneath the gum line, eventually turning into a hard substance called tartar. Tartar is not easily removed by brushing and flossing and requires professional cleaning. If left untreated, the gums become inflamed and damaged, and bone loss occurs.
The second cause is aggressive periodontitis. This is believed to be a genetic condition, as it shows up in a small number of families. It moves quickly and can even be seen in children.
The last and the rarest cause is necrotizing periodontal disease. This can occur in people with immune issues and or chronic diseases. The soft tissue and bone are compromised because of a lack of blood flow.
-
How do you treat gum recession?
At Porters Neck Dental Aesthetics, gum recession is treated in two ways, including:
- Medication: If an infection is found in the gums, antibiotics may be prescribed. Topical antibiotics can include antibiotic mouth rinse or gels containing medicated relief. Other medications may also be used to treat the underlying problem that is causing gum recession.
- Gum grafting: Our team can remove a small amount of healthy soft tissue either from the roof of your mouth, from in front of any teeth that already have disproportionate gum coverage, or from another donor source, and attach it to the area where your gums have receded.
More Questions?
If you have more questions about periodontal disease treatment or want to schedule an appointment, give us a call and we will be happy to discuss further.
