Gum disease affects almost 70% of adults. Also known as periodontal disease, gum disease is a common bacterial infection of the gum tissue. It can threaten the health and integrity of the teeth, which are supported by healthy gums. Dr. Heather Adams provides gum disease treatment in Rogers, AR. Gum disease treatment is a part of restorative dentistry services.
Often due to poor oral hygiene, gum disease may be preventable with routine oral health exams and improved oral hygiene. Addressing gum disease can restore the full health and comfort of the smile.
Common Signs of Gum Disease
Gum disease is a progressive disease. It’s best to treat the earliest stage of development, known as gingivitis. As bacteria multiply, they can damage the gums, teeth, and jaw.
Patients with gum disease are more prone to developing these symptoms:
- Receding gumlines
- Swollen or tender gums
- Bleeding gums
- Loosening of teeth
- Halitosis
- Tooth loss
- Gum sensitivity (especially to temperature)
The Stages of Gum Disease
Knowing the stages of gum disease can give you a better idea of how bacteria progresses and affects your smile. There are four main stages of gum disease:
- Gingivitis: If you notice that your gums bleed when you brush your teeth, you likely have gingivitis. Also known as gum inflammation, gingivitis occurs when harmful bacteria begin to irritate the gum tissue.
- Mild Periodontitis: As harmful bacteria further irritate the gum tissue, you can experience small periodontal pockets. These gum pockets occur as the gums pull away from the teeth.
- Moderate Periodontitis: At this stage, you experience deeper gum pockets. You can also experience problems like loose teeth, chronic gum pain, and other uncomfortable symptoms.
- Advanced Periodontitis: In extreme cases of gum disease, you can lose permanent teeth. You may also have tooth abscesses or pockets of pus near infected teeth and gum tissue.
Gingivitis is the only truly reversible stage of gum disease. Mild, moderate, and advanced gum disease require professional care. When you notice a change in your gum health, contact a dentist.
Advanced gum disease is a leading cause of tooth loss.
As gum disease spreads, bacteria form deep pockets within the gumline. Gums become inflamed and start to pull away from the teeth. Receding gums increase the risk of loose teeth that may fall out.
Left untreated, periodontal disease can damage more than just our oral health. Patients with gum disease are at a higher risk of many systemic diseases. Once bacteria enter the bloodstream, patients are more likely to develop cardiovascular disease, heart attacks, strokes, and diabetes. Inflammation can travel through the bloodstream and affect the heart.
Gum disease also affects patients with an existing disease or medical conditions. Periodontitis often impacts symptoms; prescribed medication can also worsen gum disease symptoms. Discuss your medical concerns with Dr. Adams and our team during routine visits. We can make the most individualized recommendations for your needs.
Dr. Heather Adams offers periodontal therapy for patients in Rogers and Bentonville, AR, with varying stages of gum disease. Personalized treatment and oral hygiene advice can help patients with developing or chronic gum disease to restore health and avoid more complex dental problems.
Treatment Planning: What To Expect
Dr. Adams builds personalized treatment plans when addressing gum disease. She is here to help patients restore and enjoy their optimal oral health. A thorough oral health exam and consultation provide Dr. Adams with the information to recommend the most suitable treatment options.
Dr. Adams and our dental care team can also make personalized recommendations on improving your oral hygiene routine at home to prevent future flare-ups of gum disease.
Gum Disease Treatment in Rogers, AR
Periodontal therapy removes harmful bacteria from the oral cavity. Gum disease treatment can restore any secondary dental concerns. Dr. Adams offers restorative options to rebuild healthy, stable smiles and repair damage from gum disease.
Most patients with gum disease will receive a deep dental cleaning called scaling & root planing. The scaling and root planing procedure allows Dr. Adams to reach into the deep bacterial pockets to remove damaged tissue and clear out bacteria buildup.
Dr. Adams may also incorporate bone grafting, dental implants, gum contouring treatments, or other cosmetic or restorative procedures. Her goal is to rebuild a stable, healthy, and beautiful smile.
Gum Disease FAQs
Learn more about gum disease with answers to commonly asked patient questions:
Can gum disease cause tooth loss?
Yes! Gum disease can wreak havoc on your oral health and your overall health. It can progress and lead to gum recession, bone loss, and tooth loss. There is also a connection between periodontal disease and many health issues, such as heart disease. Treating this progressive disease in the early stages is imperative to avoid these major issues, including tooth loss.
Does scaling and root planing hurt?
Scaling and root planing do not typically cause pain. However, not every person experiences pain on the same level. This deep-cleaning procedure will probably cause some level of discomfort, though. Dr. Adams will remove built-up plaque and tartar from your teeth. If this bacteria-filled substance reaches your gums, they may be extra sensitive.
Afterward, your gums may be sore and tender for a few days. The benefits of this procedure include keeping the gum disease from progressing, which can lead to gum recession, tooth loss, bone loss, and disease.
What are the risk factors of gum disease?
There are many risk factors for getting gum disease. These include smoking or using tobacco products, not brushing or flossing regularly, genetics, and conditions such as diabetes, heart disease, and osteoporosis.
For the most part, you can prevent gum disease. You should avoid using tobacco in any form, maintain a strict at-home oral hygiene routine, and visit our Rogers, AR, dentist office at least twice a year for a thorough teeth cleaning. You should also take all measures to live a healthy life with exercise and a good diet.
Is gum disease hereditary?
Yes, gum disease can be hereditary. Genetics can be a factor in how susceptible you are to developing gum disease. If you have family members with gum disease, you might be at a higher risk. As a result, you’ll want to be extra diligent with brushing, flossing, and regular dental exams.
However, lifestyle factors like diet and oral care habits also influence your risk. While you can’t change your genetics, maintaining good oral hygiene can help lessen the chances of developing gum disease.
Are electric toothbrushes better for preventing gum disease?
Yes, electric toothbrushes can be better for preventing gum disease. They often clean more effectively than manual brushes, removing plaque along the gumline. The consistent brushing motion and built-in timers ensure you’re brushing thoroughly. However, proper technique is more important than the type of toothbrush you use.
An electric toothbrush can be particularly helpful for people who struggle with manual brushing techniques.
Can you get dental implants for gum disease?
Yes, you can get dental implants even with gum disease. However, we need to treat the gum disease first. Healthy gums and sufficient bone support are crucial for the success of dental implants. If you have gum disease, we’ll work to restore your gum health before considering implants.
In some cases, bone grafting may be necessary to build up bone lost due to the disease. Once your gums and bones are healthy, dental implants can be a great solution for replacing missing teeth.
Restore Your Gums
Do you have chronic gum pain or bleeding gums? We can help treat your gum disease symptoms in our Rogers, AR, dental office. Call (479) 323-3011 or schedule a dental appointment online.