Gum Disease Treatment
WHY YOUR GUMS DESERVE TLC … HOW TO PROTECT AND RESTORE THE TISSUES THAT SUPPORT OUR TEETH
If caught and fought early, the effects of gum disease can be reversed. In partnership with our team at Smiles4Life Dental, individuals from Visalia and the greater Porterville, California area can preserve their teeth by preventing gum disease or resolving it before irreparable damage occurs.
If you need treatment, the specific therapies, products, and techniques that Dr. Mehwish Rashid recommends will depend on the nature of the disease that is present in your mouth. Dr. Rashid uses her advanced know-how and technology to diagnose the underlying condition accurately, as gum disease is progressive and occurs in stages.
GINGIVITIS
A mild form of gum disease, gingivitis refers to inflammation of the gums. Some patients may not experience any symptoms early into the disease process. Others may experience more subtle signs, which could be easily ignored. These symptoms include:
- Gums that appear darker or more red than usual
- Gums that are painful or tender to the touch
- Swollen gums
- Evidence of blood on your toothbrush or floss after cleaning your teeth
PERIODONTITIS
As the disease progresses, you may experience many of the symptoms mentioned above. Only these problems may be more severe. This advanced stage of gum disease, periodontitis, is characterized by infection. It may be accompanied by:
- Persistent halitosis (stinky breath)
- A chronic “bad taste”
- Gum recession as the gums pull away from the teeth
- A smile that looks overly “toothy” (due to receding tissues)
- New gaps between teeth
- Shifting or loose teeth
- Problems with “bite,” or how the upper and lower teeth fit together
Ultimately, periodontitis can lead to tooth loss and the loss of supporting bone in the jaw. Furthermore, the inflammation and bacteria associated with severe gum disease is a risk factor for many systemic conditions. These conditions range from poor diabetes control to heart disease.
MAINTAIN, AND RESTORE YOUR GUMS
Gummy tissue plays such an important role in the health of your teeth and, in turn, in the health of your mouth and the rest of your body! The gums protect the teeth by providing a strong seal around them. For many healthy patients, protecting the gums may be as straightforward as six-month check-ups at our office in the heart of Visalia. During these check-ups, Dr. Rashid will examine your mouth and pinpoint problems early. So she can resolve them before the damage to your gums and bone is done.
These check-ups also include professional cleanings by one of our skilled hygienists. They have the training and tools to painlessly and thoroughly remove substances that cannot be lifted with standard toothbrushes and floss alone. These substances include the plaque that builds up on the teeth and hardens into stubborn tartar. For patients with mild gingivitis, scaling and root planing are like a “deep clean for your gums.” SRP involves removing bacteria and plaque from below the gum line and smoothing the uneven root surfaces that attract these germs.
Patients with more advanced forms of the disease may benefit from medications and therapies designed to eradicate bacteria from the pockets that form between these teeth and gums. These approaches may also involve building up lost or deteriorated gum tissue. Healing, healthy reattachment, and rejuvenation of the gum tissue are encouraged.
Regardless of the need, know that our care is comfortable, efficient, and precise. We are aided in this mission by laser dentistry, alternatives to invasive cutting instruments, and techniques for procedures like SRP.
Do not wait for alarming changes to occur before you call us! Let’s get you into a healthy routine of check-ups at Smiles4Life Dental. Call (559) 678-9114 to schedule your appointment with Dr. Rashid today.
GUM DISEASE