Gum Disease Treatment – Plymouth, MA
Protect Your Oral and Overall Health
Gum disease, an infection of the gum tissue, affects millions of adults across the United States. Although many people dismiss it as a minor problem, it can become a major health issue if it is left untreated. Not only can it lead to tooth loss and oral pain, but it may even cause or worsen systemic health conditions. How can you protect your oral and overall health? As your dentist in Plymouth, our team is ready to help. Continue reading below to learn more about our gum disease treatment options.
Why Choose Aveni Dental Professionals for Gum Disease Treatment?
- 1Experienced & Skilled Dental Team
- 2Minimally Invasive Periodontal Care
- 3Multiple Convenient Payment Options
What Is Gum Disease?
Gum disease is also known as periodontal disease. Basically, it is an infection of the pink tissue that surrounds the teeth. It has two main stages:
- Gingivitis is the early stage of gum disease. It is often completely reversible and does not cause permanent damage to the gums or underlying bone tissue.
- Periodontitis is advanced gum disease. It is characterized by serious harm to the gums and jawbone.
According to one report from the CDC, nearly half of adults aged 30 and over have some form of periodontal disease.
Symptoms of Gum Disease
Gum disease is associated with a range of symptoms. Gingivitis may cause:
- Persistent bad breath that does not go away with the use of mints or other breath-freshening methods.
- Red, swollen gums.
- Gums that bleed easily when you brush or floss.
Periodontitis can cause the same symptoms as gingivitis. It may also lead to:
- Noticeable gum recession.
- Loose permanent teeth.
- Tooth loss.
- Changes in bite.
- Changes in the fit of restorations, such as dentures.
How Do We Treat Gum Disease?
There are a few different ways to treat gum disease. When you visit us for your consultation, we will learn about the state of your oral health so we can design a personalized approach to your care. Depending on your circumstances, we might recommend one of the following:
Scaling & Root Planing
Scaling and root planing essentially amounts to a deep cleaning of the mouth. During the procedure, we remove harmful plaque and bacteria from both above and below the gumline (scaling). We also smooth out the roots of teeth so it is more difficult for bacteria to cling to them (root planing). Following scaling and root planing, your gum tissue will be better able to reattach to your teeth and have the opportunity to regain its health.
Antibiotic Treatment
We may prescribe antibiotics to help you vanquish gum disease. The antibiotics fight harmful bacteria in your mouth, especially those that lead to gum inflammation. Often, antibiotic therapy is used in conjunction with other gum disease treatments, such as scaling and root planing and an increased focus on oral hygiene. The specific type of antibiotics that we recommend will depend on your unique situation and needs.