Do your gums constantly bleed when you brush?
Gum disease remains a leading cause of tooth loss among adults today, often going undetected until it has reached an advanced stage. Our dentists in Worcester, MA, offer periodontal therapy to help restore the health of your teeth and gums. Periodontal therapy is a restorative dentistry treatment option.
We emphasize the importance of maintaining healthy gums to support healthy teeth and a great smile. Poor gum health has been linked to an increased risk of cardiovascular disease and can impact existing systemic diseases, such as diabetes. We perform a thorough periodontal screening during routine preventive care visits. Our dentists look for early warning signs of gum disease. When caught early, gum disease is typically treated successfully with conservative measures. Advanced gum disease can cause permanent damage to the gums and/or teeth which may require more complex restorative treatments to resolve.
About Gum Disease
Gum disease results from too much harmful bacteria on the surfaces of the teeth and gums. A lack of good oral hygiene and routine dental care plays a major role in developing periodontal disease. Other factors that can contribute include lifestyle habits and genetics. Gum disease is highly treatable when caught early. Regular visits to our office can play a major role in early detection and prompt treatment.
Common Signs of Gum Disease
- Red, swollen or sore gums
- Bleeding gums
- Receding gums
- Loose teeth
- Mouth sores or pus between gums and teeth
- Bad breath (halitosis)
- Changes in the fit of dentures
If you notice any of the above signs of gum disease, schedule an appointment with Dr. Costa to ensure quick, effective treatment and reduce the risk of further damage or more complex dental problems.
Periodontal Therapy in Worcester, MA
If you have early signs of gum disease, known as gingivitis, your dentist may recommend more frequent dental cleanings to restore your gums to optimal health. If more intensive treatment is needed, he may recommend deep teeth cleaning, known as scaling and root planing. During this procedure, the dentist or hygienist will remove plaque and tartar from the deep pockets of the gum.
Dr. Joseph Costa emphasizes the benefits of routine visits to his Worcester, MA, family dental office. Our dental care team can spot gum disease in the early stages when conservative treatment options are effective. Gingivitis results when plaque builds up along the gum line due to poor oral hygiene, lifestyle habits, medical conditions, certain medications, and other causes. It can often be treated with a thorough dental cleaning and additional at-home oral hygiene, such as an antibacterial rinse.
Patients with advanced gum disease may require more intense treatment or surgery. Advanced gum disease is called periodontitis and requires more aggressive periodontal treatment to restore oral health. Periodontitis can affect the integrity of the teeth, sometimes resulting in loose or shifting teeth as bacteria affect the supporting bone structure and gum tissue around the teeth.
Periodontitis may require surgical treatment of diseased tissue to fully restore oral health and reduce the risk of tooth loss: gum disease remains a major cause of tooth loss in adult patients today. In these cases, we can coordinate treatment with a local periodontist.
Gum Disease FAQs
Are you interested in learning more about periodontitis? Read answers to these commonly asked questions:
Can gum disease cause tooth loss?
Yes, gum disease is one of the leading causes of tooth loss. Gum disease will cause the gums to separate from the teeth. This will damage the soft tissues and bones that support the teeth. Without this support, the teeth will begin to loosen and eventually fall out.
Is scaling and root planing painful?
Most patients do not experience pain during the scaling and root planing process. Your dentist will use a local anesthetic to ensure your comfort during the procedure. Once that wears off, you may experience a little discomfort and some soreness in the gums.
Can gum disease cause other health problems?
Yes, gum disease has been proven to increase your risk for other health problems. These complications include stroke, heart disease, and diabetes. In addition, gum disease has been known to cause complications during pregnancy and in people with dementia.
What are the risk factors of gum disease?
The risk factors for gum disease include using tobacco, certain diseases such as diabetes, certain medications, hormones during pregnancy, crooked teeth, and worn down or old dental restorations.
Restore Your Gum Health
Your gum health is important! Don’t let gum disease ruin your natural smile. Maintain gum health through preventive dental care, a good oral hygiene routine at home, and healthy dietary habits. Contact us at 508-755-1980, or request an appointment online today.