Gum Disease Treatment Melrose
Protecting Your Smile’s Foundation
Would it surprise you to learn that 80% of American adults have some form of gum disease? This is a troublesome statistic, particularly given that periodontal disease is completely preventable. Untreated gum disease can eventually cause a host of problems, including tooth loss and a higher risk of health conditions like diabetes and heart disease! That’s why we perform a gum health screening at every appointment and offer a variety of gum disease treatment options. To learn more or schedule your consultation, give us a call today!
Why Choose Melrose Dental Group for Gum Disease Treatment?
- Comfortable Laser Gum Disease Treatment
- We Go at Your Pace
- Award-Winning Melrose Dental Practice
What is Gum Disease?
Gum disease, medically known as periodontal disease, is an inflammatory disease that damages the tissues that surround and support the teeth. The first stage of gum disease is called gingivitis. Gingivitis begins when oral bacteria begin feeding upon food debris left behind by improper oral hygiene. This creates something called plaque, which is a sticky film adhering to the surfaces of teeth. If you do not remove this plaque by brushing and flossing, it can mineralize into a hardened form called tartar. Only a professional dental cleaning can remove tartar.
If left untreated, gingivitis can advance into periodontitis. Periodontitis is a severe and irreversible form of periodontal disease involving inflamed or infected bone beneath the gums. Periodontitis leads to the gums receding away from the teeth and the formation of deep pockets. These pockets collect plaque and bacteria, giving them a safe harbor to do even more damage, eventually leading to bone loss. In turn, this damage to the underlying support structures of the teeth can cause them to loosen and fall out over time.
Symptoms of Gum Disease
Gum disease is commonly caused by poor dental hygiene. When it first starts, gum disease is known as gingivitis. This is a very common condition that can cause the following symptoms.
- Bad breath
- Tender gums
- Receding gums
- Dark red gums
- Puffy or swollen gums
- Gums bleed easily whenever you brush or floss
Meanwhile, signs that gingivitis has grown into periodontitis include:
- Loose teeth
- One or more bumps on the gums
- Painful gum tissue
- Abscesses or discharge around the teeth
- Teeth falling out
If you are experiencing symptoms of gum disease, contact us to schedule an appointment and get it checked out. The earlier gum disease is detected and treated, the better your chances of eliminating it or minimizing its effects.
Risk Factors of Gum Disease
The primary cause of gum disease is improper oral hygiene, which allows bacteria to thrive and create plaque and tartar. Some common risk factors for developing gum disease include:
- Using tobacco products
- Crooked or overlapping teeth that are difficult to clean
- Certain hormonal changes
- Poor nutrition, including diets high in sugar
- Cancer and cancer treatment
- Infrequent dental care
- Low saliva production
Scaling & Root Planing
For relatively minor cases of gum disease, a deep cleaning is usually enough to get a patient’s mouth back to baseline. This consists of two techniques: scaling, which removes harmful bacteria and calculus from below the gum line, and root planing, which smooths the roots of the teeth, promotes healing, and lowers the risk of reinfection. Depending on a patient’s situation, this may be performed on just a few specific areas or the entire mouth (which is usually completed over the course of multiple visits).
Laser Periodontal Treatment
Laser gum disease treatment utilizes a soft tissue laser to destroy gum disease-causing bacteria. Also called laser bacterial reduction, this option is a painless treatment that removes bacteria in and around gum pockets caused by periodontal disease. Producing virtually no sound, heat, or vibration, patients find it easy to stay relaxed in the chair, and post-treatment swelling and bleeding are reduced to practically nothing.
How Does Laser Gum Disease Treatment Work?
Laser gum disease treatment does not use hot, blinding, or painful lasers. It involves the use of a dental laser that, instead of cutting, uses concentrated laser energy to eliminate stubborn oral bacteria. If you are already undergoing scaling and root planing to treat your gum disease, laser bacterial reduction will amplify its effects. We can complete your laser bacterial reduction procedure in only a few minutes, and its benefits can last for months.
Although laser bacterial reduction will not eliminate gingivitis completely after only one treatment, it is a powerful way of helping your gums heal and eventually reverse the disease. If you combine this treatment with proper oral hygiene at home and regular dental cleanings, you can make your gingivitis a thing of the past.
Is Laser Bacterial Reduction Only for Those with Gum Disease?
Almost anyone can benefit from laser bacterial reduction, not just those with periodontal disease. For example, even a routine dental cleaning can lead to some minor bleeding. Laser bacterial reduction can protect your mouth from possible infection. It has even been used as a treatment for herpetic lesions and cold sores. It can also be used as part of a regular dental cleaning appointment to reduce oral bacteria and support healthy gums.