Gum Disease Specialist

Why are healthy gums important?

Gums, also called gingiva, protect the bony structures and supportive ligaments that hold your teeth in your jawbone. They also form a tight seal at the neck of every tooth and prevent food debris and bacteria from accessing and decaying the roots of your teeth.

When your gums aren’t healthy enough to do their job, bacteria can eventually destroy the bone and other tissues holding in your teeth in place. Gum disease (periodontitis) is one of the most common causes of tooth loss in adults. If left untreated, it may also increase your risk of developing heart disease and other serious medical conditions.

In its earliest form, gum disease is called gingivitis, and it is easily treated with professional dental care. As it progresses, it’s still treatable but becomes more painful and the treatments become more complex. The dentists at Creative Dimensions in Dentistry have the expertise necessary to treat all levels of periodontitis.

What are the symptoms of gum disease?

The symptoms vary according to the level of gum disease you’re experiencing.

Gingivitis is the earliest stage of gum disease and causes irritation, swelling, and tenderness of your gums. It also causes your gums to bleed easily with brushing and flossing, even when you’re using the correct techniques and type of toothbrush.

Untreated gingivitis leads to periodontitis which causes bone tissue to deteriorate. Your gums begin to recede away from your teeth and form pockets in the gums where bacteria can collect below the gum line. Increased sensitivity to hot and cold is common during this phase, and the roots of your teeth are much more vulnerable to decay.

Advanced periodontitis causes significant gum and bone tissue loss and often results in tooth extraction. If left untreated, advanced periodontitis can lead to serious and sometimes life-threatening medical conditions. Treatments for this level of gum disease are more complex, but certainly successful, so you should not hesitate to seek appropriate dental care during any stage of periodontitis.

What is the treatment for gum disease?

Treatments vary and also depend on the stage of gum disease you’re experiencing. Your dentist at Creative Dimensions in Dentistry may recommend:

• Professional cleaning and polishing to remove sticky plaque
• Tooth scaling to remove hardened plaque and tartar above and below the gum line
• Root planing to smooth the root surface so that soft gum tissue will reattach
• Medications to control infection and pain and to encourage healing