You Need to Eliminate Gum Disease Before it Worsens

Gum disease is a common disease that affects most people, even without them knowing. This is because the symptoms are not obvious. It is best if you practice preventive dentistry. If left untreated, the disease destroys the soft tissues in your mouth and the bone that supports your teeth. To its worst extent, gum disease can cause your teeth to loosen and fall out. That is why you should not wait for it to get worse.

Although it is a severe problem, gum disease can be easily treated if you work with a trusted dentist who can even identify the condition when you can’t. A team of highly skilled periodontists at Ueno Center Dental Specialists offer gum treatments in Campbell and can help you avoid gum disease and its related problems.

Symptoms of Gum Disease

Healthy gums are firm to the touch, pale pink in color, and fit snugly around the teeth. If any changes occur, they might indicate gum infection or disease. However, the following are tell-tale signs of gum disease:

  • Puffy gums
  • Swollen gums
  • Bad breath
  • Receding gum
  • Painful chewing
  • Loose teeth

As the disease progresses, it can lead to bone deterioration and change the way your teeth fit with each other or how you bite. You can also experience tooth loss over time.

Types of Gum Disease

Many complications can be grouped as gum disease, but three are incredibly common. They include:

Gingivitis

This is the most common and treatable type of gum disease. Suppose you bleed when brushing or flossing; it can be a sign of gingivitis. This is the only type of gum disease that can be reversed.

Chronic Periodontitis

This is a type of gum disease that occurs when plaque or tartar buildup on your teeth. If left untreated, it slowly eats away your gum tissue and bone, increasing the risk of tooth loss and other, more severe complications.

Aggressive Periodontitis

This is a typical gum disease which can be said to run through the family. It occurs during childhood and early adulthood, causing rapid tooth and bone loss.  However, aggressive periodontitis affects only a few people.

How Gum Disease Can Be Treated

The treatment for gum disease depends on the type and the progression rate. Any treatment procedure is aimed to treat and eliminate the disease before it worsens. The Ueno Center Dental Specialists team offers a full range of gum disease treatments, including professional teeth cleanings, root planing, scaling, and flap surgery.

Deep Cleanings

This involves removing tartar and plaque between your teeth and around the gum line. During the cleaning, harmful bacteria are removed, bringing decay to a stop.

Scaling and Root planing

This is similar to deep cleaning. Only that tartar and plaque removed are above and below your gum line. After the buildups are removed, your tooth roots are smoothened, helping the gum reattach to the teeth.

Prescription Medications

Some medications can be prescribed for more severe cases of gum disease.

Flap Surgery

Periodontal surgery can become necessary when good oral hygiene and medications fail to work.

Bone and Tissue Grafts

For cases where the bone is decayed or has deteriorated, a bone or tissue graft may be recommended. It involves planting a synthetic bone material inside the jaw to encourage the growth of newer and healthier bone tissue. This strengthens and improves the integrity of your jaw.

Finally, investing in your gum treatment means you can preserve your smile and physical health for the years to come. You can contact Ueno Center Dental Specialists to learn the type of gum treatment right for you.