Gum Disease & Therapy

The first stage of gum disease is gingivitis. Gingivitis is tender, inflamed, and possibly bleeding gums due to a build-up of plaque and toxic by-products.

Plaque, which hardens over time, becomes tartar. An accumulation of plaque and tartar can work to loosen the gums, causing them to recede. Small spaces form between the teeth and gums which eventually fill with bacteria and pus. This further irritates the gums, which leads to inflammation and bleeding. Some moderate bone loss may develop.

At this stage, the deterioration of the gums, bone, and ligament affect tooth support. Without treatment, the teeth affected may loosen to the point of falling out. More severe bone loss may occur.

If a patient presents with a mild case of gum disease, they can be treated with non-surgical gum therapy. This is a process performed by a dental hygienist to thoroughly clean and scrape away any plaque and tartar that has formed around or below the gum line. The hygienist will also remove residual plaque from the surface with a process known as scaling and root planing.

More progressive forms of periodontal disease may require invasive surgical treatments in order to counter the effects. Some of the types of surgical gum therapy include flap surgery, guided tissue regeneration, tissue grafting, and bone grafting.

It's crucial to practice good hygiene and preventative measures to maintain your progress and control any recurrence of periodontal disease.

Our team at Oakmount Dental advise that you have regular exams and preventative therapy quarterly after the completion of your treatment.