Gum health is one of the least understood aspects of dental care, but also one of the most important. For most patients, visiting the dentist is all about checking for cavities, polishing the teeth and emerging with a renewed sparkle in the smile. But the enduring beauty of your smile and the continued health of your mouth rest on the foundation of gum integrity.
Consequences of Gum Disease
When gums are unhealthy, the roots of your teeth are at risk; and when roots lose their stability, the effects range from loss of teeth to changes in your facial profile. And beyond the mouth, infections that begin under the gum line can migrate to other areas of the body, affecting your overall health.
The Centers for Disease Control found that half of all American adults have some form of gum disease, whether mild, moderate or severe. One of the most alarming aspects of gum disease is that it often has no warning signs and doesn’t cause any pain until it has reached its advanced stages.
Why Choose Dr. Añonuevo for Periodontal Disease Treatment
Dr. Charles Añonuevo is committed to helping you enjoy good oral health and overall wellness for life. Scheduling regular check-ups with him at Inspire Dentistry of the Carolinas is the best way to stay on top of your oral health and address periodontal problems early, before they seriously threaten your mouth and body.
Dr. Añonuevo is trained to spot early signs of the disease and treat it with a variety of non-surgical and surgical procedures. He can also share oral hygiene tips to help you take care of your gums and teeth at home.
Understanding the Stages of Gum Disease
Most cases of gum disease occur due to poor oral hygiene habits. Plaque and tartar not removed with brushing and flossing can build up in the mouth and infect the gum tissue.
Gingivitis
The mildest stage of gum disease is called gingivitis. It may cause the gums to look red or swollen and bleed easily, but it usually does not cause pain. When detected in its early stages, gingivitis can be reversed with professional attention and good oral hygiene habits.
Periodontitis
It is extremely important to catch gum disease early and treat it thoroughly. If ignored, gingivitis progresses to periodontitis. At this stage, the plaque spreads below the gum line. The bacteria in the plaque produce toxins, which irritate the gums and stimulate the body’s inflammatory response. This destroys tissue and the bone supporting the teeth. The gums pull away from the teeth, forming pockets where bacteria like to build up. Advanced cases of periodontitis cause the bone anchoring the teeth to waste away, in turn loosening the teeth and eventually making them fall out or require extraction.
Gum Disease Treatment Details
Dr. Añonuevo checks for signs of gum disease during every exam. In addition to visually assessing the mouth, he may take X-rays to get a closer look at the structures supporting the teeth. He may also chart the depths of any pockets between the gum tissue and teeth.
If Dr. Añonuevo detects gum disease, intervention depends on the stage of the infection and how far the gums, teeth and supporting tissues and bone have deteriorated.
Scaling and Root Planing
The first line of defense is usually a professional deep cleaning known as scaling and root planing. Plaque and calculus are carefully removed below the gum line and on the tooth roots under local anesthesia. The tooth roots are smoothed to make it easier for your gums to reattach to the teeth, and to prevent plaque from accumulating again. Antibiotic medication may be placed chairside or prescribed for pharmacy pick-up in conjunction with the deep cleaning, depending on the circumstances.
Pocket Reduction
If gum disease is more advanced, Dr. Añonuevo will work with a periodontist for further options. Pocket reduction may be necessary to have the gum tissue folded back and any irregular surfaces of damaged bone smoothed. Bacteria will be removed and the gum tissue closed. Plus, bone or gum grafts may be used to stimulate the body’s ability to regenerate bone or tissue.
Schedule a Periodontal Appointment
If your gums are red or swollen, or if they bleed easily when you brush, you should have your mouth checked by Dr. Añonuevo. Please call or email Inspire Dentistry of the Carolinas to schedule an appointment today.
