Gum Disease Evaluations

Gum disease is more formally called “periodontal disease.” The word periodontal means “around the tooth.” Periodontal diseases are serious bacterial infections that destroy the attachment fibers and supporting bone that holds your teeth in your mouth. Left untreated, periodontal disease can cause inflammation, tooth loss, and bone damage.

SYMPTOMS

Gum disease is a chronic infection resulting from poor oral hygiene, genetics, alcohol use, or smoking. The disease is often silent with mild symptoms, including bad breath and swollen gums. Many patients aren’t even aware of a problem until their general dentist alerts them.

It often begins with a sticky film of bacteria called plaque. Gums in the early stage of the disease, or gingivitis, can bleed easily, swell, and become red. As the disease progresses to periodontitis, teeth may fall out or need to be removed by a dentist.

Although symptoms are mild in the early stages, this disease shouldn’t be taken lightly. It’s the number one cause of tooth loss among adults. It has been linked to heart disease, diabetes, stroke, pregnancy complications, osteoporosis, and more.

TREATMENTS

At Broadway Dental, we take gum disease seriously. If you show signs of gingivitis, our hygienist will thoroughly clean your teeth and remove tartar deposits below the gum line. Gingivitis can often be reversed with thorough professional cleanings and at-home hygiene. We’ll give you instructions on how to care for your teeth and gums at home properly.

ADVANCED-STAGE GUM DISEASE

If you have advanced-stage gum disease, called periodontitis, we’ll recommend non-surgical therapy to control it and prevent its progression. In addition to deep cleaning, we may suggest laser treatment for gum disease, which can be performed in our office. The soft-tissue laser gently removes the diseased tissue and sterilizes the area.

The laser’s precision allows the dentist to preserve more of your healthy tissue while minimizing bleeding and increasing comfort. Most patients prefer laser treatment for gum disease to traditional deep cleanings because of the improved efficiency and minimized discomfort. For more information on laser treatment, visit the Advanced Dentistry section of our website.

If you suspect you may be having some early signs of gum disease, make an appointment today! At Broadway Dental, our goal is to help you keep your teeth for your entire lifetime. Proper periodontal care is essential to that goal.