Home – Services – Family Dentistry – Gum Disease Treatment
You brush your teeth and your gums bleed. You know it isn’t healthy but you aren’t sure what to do about it. Well, bleeding gums are generally caused from inadequate plaque removal on your teeth and at your gum line. Left untreated, this will lead to gingivitis or inflamed gums.
When the plaque on your teeth isn’t removed (from regular brushing and dental appointment) it will harden into tartar. Eventually, this will lead to increased bleeding and a more advanced form of gum and jawbone disease known as prevent. Untreated gum disease can lead to a variety of issues including receding gums. If you notice your gums are receding, consider gum disease treatment.
Gum disease can be mild to severe. It all depends on how long you let it go untreated.
Gingivitis
This is the first stage of periodontal disease. Plaque causes your gums to become red and swollen, and to bleed.
Periodontitis
At stage 2, plaque hardens into calculus (tartar). As it build ups, your gums begin to recede away from your teeth causing pockets to form between your gums and teeth. These pockets can become filled with bacteria and pus. At this stage your gums will very irritated, inflamed, and bleed easily. You may also suffer from some bone loss.
Advanced Periodontitis
At this advanced stage, your teeth lose more support from the continued destruction of your gums, bone, and periodontal ligaments. Left untreated, your teeth will become very loose and could be lost. Moderate to severe bone occurs at this stage.
Approximately 1 in 3 people is genetically susceptible to gum disease. If you’re one of them, despite diligent oral care habits, you could be more likely to develop the disease. A bacterial test gives Dr. Imm information on the species and number of microorganisms in your mouth. If it’s needed, you may be prescribed antibiotics.
A cleaning and thorough disinfection of your mouth including your cheeks, tongue and palate, will help get rid of the bacteria in your mouth.
This is a detailed cleaning of your teeth to remove plaque, tartar and bacteria from periodontal pockets. It also smooths your teeth’s roots to remove toxins.
The laser’s concentrated light energy, kills bacteria, sterilizes inflammation, and removes diseased tissue.
An antibiotic that’s placed into infected pockets to kill bacteria.
Dr. Imm may prescribe a medicated mouth rinse, a water pick, or an electric tooth to control the infection and promote healing.
The cornerstone of successful periodontal treatment starts with establishing excellent oral hygiene. There is a lot you can do on your own to prevent or limit your chances of experiencing full out periodontal disease.
One of the most encouraging applications of dental lasers is their capability in treating periodontal disease. Research shows that using lasers in conjunction with scaling and root planing can improve the effectiveness of your periodontal treatment.
When lasers are used properly during periodontal therapy there can be less bleeding, swelling and discomfort to the patient during surgery.
Laser treatments of periodontal pockets:
This can often be done without scalpels, sutures or the discomfort associated with traditional periodontal treatments.
The word laser is an acronym for light amplification by stimulated emission of radiation. In laypersons language a laser is a narrow, energized beam of pure, light energy. When the laser’s light comes in contact with tissue, a process known as “Photobiomodulation” occurs.
This process helps Westminster MD dentist Dr. Gary Imm to stimulate the regeneration of damaged tissues. The laser’s high-energy light beam sterilizes the area and helps blood vessels coagulate quickly minimizing blood loss. The light produced by the laser can remove or shape tissue.
Lasers have been used in dentistry since 1990, and are a safe and effective treatment for a wide range of dental procedures.
While it’s true that dental laser treatment can cost a bit more, the advantages outweigh the extra expense. Here are a few of the benefits:
Gum disease is nothing to sneeze at. The more effective the treatment, the more successful the battle against the disease will be. Wondering what dental laser treatment can do for your oral health?
Come into All Smiles Care for a consultation and find out!
Come in for a consultation to find out how Dr. Imm can help you heal.