Gum Disease Treatment Torrington
How We Protect Your Smile & Much More
Many people in the United States suffer from a mild to moderate form of periodontal (gum) disease, and many do not even realize it! In fact, periodontal disease is the leading cause of adult tooth loss in the country, and other unpleasant symptoms, like gum recession, chronic bad breath, and oral bleeding are also common. At Torrington Dental Care, we strive to diagnose gum disease as soon as possible so the treatment process is both effective and minimally invasive.
Why Choose Torrington Dental Care for Gum Disease Treatment?
- Regular Gum Screenings Catch Problems Early
- Scaling & Root Planing Eliminates Infections at the Source
- Periostat Antibiotics Help Keep Harmful Bacteria at Bay
What Is Gum Disease?
Gum disease is a bacterial infection of the soft pink tissue that surrounds the roots of your teeth. It has two distinct stages:
- Gingivitis is the mild form of gum disease. It can be subtle and does not cause permanent damage to the gums or underlying jawbone.
- If gingivitis remains untreated, it may advance to periodontitis, which may cause irreversible damage to the gums and jawbone.
Anyone can develop gum disease, but poor oral hygiene, advanced age, and smoking are common risk factors.
Symptoms of Gum Disease
You might have gingivitis if you are experiencing any of the following signs and symptoms:
- Chronic bad breath
- Swollen, red gums
- Gums that bleed easily when you brush and floss
- Tender gums
- Discolored gum tissue
- Mild gum recession
Periodontitis can have the same symptoms as gingivitis, but they may be more severe. You could also experience:
- Teeth that appear significantly longer than they used to
- Loose teeth
- Tooth loss
- Changes to your bite
- Pain while chewing
How Do We Treat Gum Disease?
First, our team will perform a comprehensive evaluation of your oral tissues to determine if the harmful bacteria associated with periodontal disease is present. If your diagnosis is positive, we will design a treatment plan. Depending on your circumstances, we may recommend one or more of the following therapies:
Scaling & Root Planing
Scaling and root planing is a dental cleaning that has essentially been taken to the next level. We will target the areas of the mouth along and underneath the natural gumline, removing harmful accumulations of bacteria and plaque. We will also smooth any rough surfaces on the tooth roots, which are vulnerable targets for this type of accumulation over time.
Antibiotic Treatment
Antibiotic therapy may be recommended as a supplement to scaling and root planing or soft tissue laser therapy. Our team can prescribe Periostat®, a pill which works to reduce the activity of harmful enzymes that gradually destroy gum tissue.
Laser Periodontal Treatment
In cases of moderate to severe periodontal disease, our state-of-the-art soft tissue laser can work wonders at eliminating disease from the mouth. This precise beam of light eliminates diseased tissue in a conservative fashion, preserving the healthy nearby structures. It also minimizes common postoperative symptoms, like bleeding and swelling, and helps patients recover quicker from the treatment process when compared to more traditional tools.
Gum Disease Treatment FAQs
How common is gum disease?
Estimates vary, but according to some sources, around half of adults in the U.S. have some form of gum disease. It tends to be more prevalent in certain groups. For example, it affects roughly 60% of adults 65 or older. It also tends to occur slightly more often in men than in women. Other risk factors, such as uncontrolled diabetes, tobacco use, poor nutrition, and an inadequate oral hygiene routine can also substantially increase risk.
Does gum disease ever go away?
For patients with early-stage gum disease (gingivitis) in Torrington, it is often possible to completely reverse the condition. Thorough oral hygiene and careful monitoring by our team can help to rid your mouth of harmful bacteria before any permanent tissue damage occurs.
If the gum disease is more advanced (periodontitis), irreversible tissue damage may occur. However, it is still possible to get rid of harmful bacteria so the condition goes into remission. Our Torrington team offers a number of treatments that can help patients with even relatively advanced gum disease. For example, it may be possible to restore lost tissue with grafts, dental implants, or other services. It takes a lot of diligence to prevent periodontitis from recurring, so regular dental checkups are extremely important!
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