Periodontal disease, or gum disease, is a dental concern that plagues many of our patients. Unfortunately, gum disease is one of the top reasons for tooth loss in adults, and because it is virtually pain-free, many patients do not know they have the disease until it requires extensive restorative care.
At your regularly scheduled preventative dental care appointments, Dr. Bowersox examines your smile for signs and symptoms of gum disease. Often, when gum disease is in its earliest stages, it can be treated with a thorough tooth cleaning.
However, for patients who’s gum disease is caught later on, we provide periodontal disease treatment to restore the health of your gums. As your trusted restorative dentist in Westminster, MD, Dr. Bowersox is here to help you when you need him the most.
Here are some common questions we get regarding our periodontal disease treatment:
What are my options for treating gum disease?
Treatments for gum disease can vary depending on the severity of each individual case. Typical treatments include scaling and root planing, which is a deep cleaning of the pockets of your gums to remove excess bacteria and buildup. Additionally, Dr. Bowersox may recommend laser dentistry solutions to assist in removing any diseased tissue. Periodontal surgery may be required in more extreme cases.
What causes gum disease?
Gum disease is caused by a buildup of plaque and tartar that surrounds and irritates your gumline. This buildup can cause your gums to begin to detach from your teeth if left untreated. Gums infected with periodontitis can cause teeth to become loose, fall out, or require extraction. Certain factors can cause a patient to be more at risk for gum disease, including smoking tobacco products, medical conditions, or taking certain medications.
What can I do at home to prevent gum disease?
Maintaining a consistent oral hygiene routine at home is the best way to prevent gum disease. If you notice your gums are bleeding after you brush or floss your teeth, this is a sign that gum disease is in its earliest stages. You should contact your dentist and schedule regular teeth cleanings to prevent bleeding gums from developing into gum disease.
How long does periodontal disease take to heal?
The severity of gum disease will determine how long it will take for your gums to heal. If you have progressed to further stages of periodontal disease, it may take months for them to fully heal.
What can you not do after a periodontal treatment?
We recommend waiting until your mouth is not numb before attempting to consume food or drink. On the first day, avoid foods that are chewy, crunchy, or difficult to chew. For at least 48 hours after treatment, we also recommend refraining from consuming hot beverages as this may increase sensitivity.
Is periodontal treatment painful?
Periodontal therapy may cause some discomfort, but it will be considerably less than you imagine. Seeking treatment early will be much less painful than if you wait and let periodontitis develop into further stages. Call our office or request an appointment online today.