Do your gums bleed when you brush your teeth and gums? You may have gingivitis. Gingivitis, or gum inflammation, is a common dental problem patients have if they do not properly care for their smiles. While gingivitis is reversible, it can quickly develop into gum disease.
Periodontitis, or gum disease, is a destructive infection caused by harmful bacteria that break down the gum tissue. These bacteria feed on sugars and starches in the mouth and build between teeth. Patients who develop gum disease require restorative dental care to renew the health and comfort of their smiles.
Signs of Gum Disease
We will look at the signs and symptoms before recommending periodontal disease treatment in our Port Charlotte, FL office. Symptoms of gingivitis and periodontitis can include:
- Bleeding gums
- Red, swollen, or tender gums
- Gum recession
- Bad breath
- Loose teeth
- Change in your bite
Multiple risk factors can increase the risk of developing gum disease:
- Poor oral hygiene
- Smoking or using tobacco products
- Pregnancy
- Diabetes
- Medications
- Genetics
Contact us if you notice any symptoms of periodontitis or are at risk of developing gum disease. We will thoroughly examine your smile and determine the right treatment to meet your needs.
Stages of Gum Disease
Gum disease develops in multiple stages:
- Gingivitis: During gingivitis, the gum tissue is inflamed and swollen. Dental cleanings and a good at-home oral hygiene routine can reverse gingivitis.
- Early Periodontitis: Patients notice increased inflammation, plaque, and calculus buildup during this stage.
- Established or Moderate Periodontitis: Patients with moderate periodontitis have gums that easily bleed and experience soreness and bad breath.
- Advanced Periodontitis: The gums, teeth, and underlying bone are permanently damaged. Patients with advanced periodontitis may experience loose teeth, deep gum pockets, and chronic gum pain. Professional intervention is required to save patients’ teeth.
Periodontal Disease Treatment in Port Charlotte, FL
Sometimes, gum disease progresses to the point that preventative dental cleanings are not enough. When this occurs, we recommend Scaling and Root Planing (also known as “Deep Cleaning”), a form of non-surgical gum therapy performed by our hygienist. Our hygienist, who is certified in local anesthesia, will numb the affected areas and debride the roots to create a healthy surface for healing to occur.
Scaling and root planing are the best treatments for mild to moderate gum disease. These treatments remove plaque and tartar from the gums and tooth roots. Plaque is a sticky film of bacteria that can harden to form tartar or calculus. It can be difficult to remove tartar from the gums at home, which is why we recommend routine cleanings, scaling, and root planing for patients with gum disease.
During a scaling treatment, we use stainless steel metal tools to remove plaque and tartar on and underneath the gums. Then, we will remove hardened plaque from the tooth roots during root planing. We will also place antibacterial medication in the gum pockets to prevent reinfection. Some patients may require routine scaling and root planing to keep chronic gum disease in check and prevent long-term gum damage.
Periodontal Surgery
When Scaling and Root Planing are not enough, sometimes surgical options are the only way to restore health to your gums and underlying structures. We offer surgical gum therapy which allows us to debride the teeth and roots thoroughly and place bone grafts as necessary.
Treat Gum Disease Today
Have you noticed gum problems? Contact your local Port Charlotte dentist, Dr. Rosado, today at 941-271-0721. You may also schedule a dental consultation with Dr. Rosado online.