Do your gums bleed when you brush your teeth? Maybe you have developed tooth sensitivity or they have become loose and you cannot seem to find the cause? You could be suffering from periodontal disease (gum disease). It is estimated that over half of adults in the United States have a form of the infection. While it is easily treatable in the early stages, if you do not receive prompt care, it will cause irreversible damage. Not to mention, it can negatively impact your overall health, increasing your risk for cardiovascular disease and several other serious medical conditions. To protect your oral health and well-being, Dr. Ronald Hendricksen offers complete periodontal disease treatment in Goode.
What is Periodontal Disease?
Periodontal disease is an infection that develops in the gum tissue due to bacteria that is found in plaque and tartar accumulations. The earliest stage is known as gingivitis, which is easily treatable without producing long-term complications. However, the signs of it often go undetected, allowing it to progress in severity.
As it reaches the advanced stages, it will cause significant damage to the teeth and gums, often resulting in tooth loss. The bacteria can also enter the bloodstream, leading to serious health complications, such as cardiovascular disease, respiratory infections, and even Alzheimer’s disease.
What Can I Expect with Treatment?
Your treatment for gum disease in Goode will vary depending on your individual needs. When gingivitis is present, small pockets have formed in the gum tissue, trapping bacteria. By cleaning the area using a procedure called root scaling and planing, the infection is removed while helping to reduce future buildup of plaque and tartar. With changes to your oral hygiene routine, you can prevent it from reoccurring.
If gingivitis is not treated, it will progress to periodontitis. At this point, the pockets have become larger and the gum line will start to recede. Bleeding, pus pockets, and tooth sensitivity will likely occur. Now, the infection can enter the bloodstream so you will need a more aggressing treatment to protect your oral and overall health. In addition to a deep cleaning, it may be recommended to have the damaged tissue removed using special procedures, like laser gum therapy. With quick action, we can stop the infection from spreading and the body can regenerate healthy tissue to reverse the problems that have occurred.
If the infection continues, it will become advanced periodontitis, which causes irreversible complications. The deep pockets have now caused the roots and supporting structures of the teeth to become damaged. Tooth loss will likely occur without an aggressive treatment plan. Dr. Hendricksen will tailor the treatment to your individual needs, which can include bone and gum grafts, laser treatments, and tooth replacement options.
Where Can I Get Treatment?
Preventing the infection is simple with proper home oral hygiene and semi-annual visits to your dentist. However, if you suspect you have gum disease, do not delay receiving care. Contact Hendricksen Cosmetic & Family Dentistry right away to schedule a consultation. Dr. Hendricksen will rehabilitate your gums to protect your oral and overall health.