Gum Disease Treatment
Have bleeding gums or persistent bad breath? You may be experiencing gum disease, also known as periodontal disease. Gum disease is an infection that negatively impacts your oral health and smile. We at Kings Family Dental Group provide gum disease treatments in Sylmar, California. To find out more about gum disease, call us today at 818-364-9444 to schedule an appointment with our dentists, Dr. Simon Imanuel and associates.
What Parts of My Mouth Are Impacted by Gum Disease?
Gum disease damages the tissue and bone that supports your teeth, adversely affecting your teeth.
The top part of the tooth is called the crown, and the bottom part is the root. The crowns of the teeth are what you use to chew, and the roots anchor the teeth.
Your teeth are supported by the periodontium.
This consists of several types of tissue and the alveolar bone. First type of tissue is the gingiva, also known as your gums. The cementum is the tissue that goes over the tooth root, and the periodontal ligament is the layer of tissue between the root and the jawbone. The alveolar bone is the ridge on your upper and lower jaw that holds your teeth.
How Does Gum Disease Work?
Gum disease begins as gingivitis, typically caused by plaque buildup. The bacteria in plaque start to infect your gums, which may then turn red, swell or bleed more easily. It is best to get treated for gum disease during this stage, as it is reversible. Otherwise, gum disease progresses to the next stage: periodontitis. Periodontitis occurs when the plaque becomes tartar, or calculus, spreading underneath your gumline. Your body then has to fight off the toxins produced by the bacteria, and this response causes damage to your teeth’s supportive tissue and bone. Gum recession also occurs, making your teeth look longer. The recession causes periodontal pockets to form, and these pockets become home to additional harmful bacteria.
How Does Gum Disease Cause Tooth and Bone Loss?
Your body’s cells fight the toxins the bacteria create, and while fighting, break down the periodontium as a part of the response. With less supporting tissue and bone, your teeth become looser and can even start falling out. Missing teeth can lead to additional bone loss, as the bone cells called osteoclasts may start breaking down the area of the jawbone with the missing teeth.
Missing teeth and bone negatively affect your smile and facial appearance as well as your health. Missing teeth leads to holes in your smile, and jawbone resorption can cause a sunken appearance and wrinkles around the mouth.
What Are the Risk Factors Involved in Gum Disease?
Poor dental hygiene is a common cause for gum disease. Smoking, pregnancy, a family history involving gum disease, and diseases that impact the whole body, like diabetes or heart problems, also increase the risk of developing gum disease.
What Are the Symptoms of Gum Disease?
Your gums becoming sensitive, red or swollen
Your teeth appearing longer due to receding gums
Your breath constantly smelling bad
Your teeth feeling loose
IF YOU ARE EXPERIENCING ANY OF THESE SYMPTOMS, CONTACT US SO WE CAN SCHEDULE YOU AN ORAL EXAM.
How Do I Prevent Gum Disease?
Taking good care of your oral health by brushing and flossing daily and coming in for dental cleanings twice a year is a great way to prevent gum disease. Avoiding or quitting damaging habits like smoking also help protect your teeth and gums.
What Gum Disease Treatments Are Available?
We offer gum disease treatments to reverse the effects of gum disease and help manage the condition if it has become irreversible. We offer treatments such as the following:
Antibiotic Treatment: We use antibiotics in the periodontal pockets to lessen inflammation.
Bone Grafting: We add pieces of bone from another part of the body to the jaw.
Periodontal Maintenance: We perform additional dental cleanings.
Scaling and Root Planing: We deep clean below the gumline to remove bacteria and tartar.
Have additional questions about gum disease, or seeking gum disease treatment? Call us today to plan a consultation with our dentists.