Gum Disease Treatment at Praxis Dental
Pacific Pines Periodontal Therapy
Gum disease ranges from mild gingivitis to advanced periodontal disease. While gingivitis is easily reversible, periodontal infections are not. When plaque bacteria rest along the gums for a prolonged period of time, they seep underneath the tissue to trigger gum detachment and bone loss. As such, it’s one of the most common causes of adult tooth mobility and loss.
Symptoms of Gum Disease (Periodontitis)
Let us know if you are experiencing any of the following symptoms for more than two weeks
- Gums that bleed
- Swollen gums
- Bad breath
- Tartar buildup
- Tooth mobility
- Spaces between teeth
- Receding gums
Please note that if you smoke, you may not experience the same symptoms as non-smokers. This poses a complication because gum disease may go undiagnosed without routine professional care.
To screen for gum disease, we use a small tool to measure the level of gum attachment and bone height around each tooth; digital X-rays are also necessary.
Soft Tissue Therapy Can Save Your Smile
When untreated, gum disease does not resolve on its own. Even the best home care cannot reverse periodontitis without professional treatment.
At Praxis Dental, Your soft tissue therapy may involve a combination of scale and cleans, modified oral hygiene instructions, antibiotic therapy or possible gum surgery and grafts. By restoring lost gum and bone support, we can preserve the aesthetic characteristics of your smile and ensure better stability for the lifetime of your teeth.
When to Call a Dentist
If you’re brushing and flossing each day, you should start to see symptoms of gingivitis improve or reverse within 10-14 days. If symptoms persist, it’s likely that a more severe gum infection is present. Additionally, heavy tartar buildup can prevent you from being able to clean under the gums, where infection starts.
Schedule a checkup and clean at least every six months to keep your smile healthy.
