Mississauga, ON dentist explains periodontal services for gum disease
Red, tender, inflamed gums are the sign of an underlying condition called gum disease. The common condition can be extremely uncomfortable and if left untreated can compromise overall health. Patients near Mississauga can find relief from the uncomfortable symptoms of gum disease with periodontal services from the team at Dentistry on 10. When you come in for a gum disease evaluation, we will perform a comprehensive examination to determine the severity of your condition and then recommend treatment options based on your specific needs.
What is gum disease?
Gum disease affects millions of adults every year. The condition has multiple stages and should be treated as soon as possible to prevent irreversible damage to oral health and minimize the risk of other serious health conditions.
The first stage of gum disease is gingivitis. This inflammation of the gums may or may not cause symptoms, which is why many patients are unaware they even have the condition. Still, it’s important to recognize the subtle symptoms so that you can address them as soon as possible. The most common symptoms of gingivitis are:
- Bright red gums
- Swollen, painful gums
- Bleeding while brushing
- Bad breath
- Receding gums
When gingivitis is left untreated, it will eventually progress to periodontitis. When the bacteria in the mouth attack the gum tissue and continue to multiply deep in the periodontal pockets, it can begin to cause irreversible damage. As the bacteria infect the ligaments and bone that hold the teeth firmly in place, they will become loose and can eventually fall out. Additionally, the bacteria that infect the gums can eventually enter the bloodstream and travel to other areas of the body, increasing your risk of other health conditions such as heart disease, diabetes, or stroke.
While the main cause of gum disease is inadequate oral hygiene, there are certain factors that can put you at a higher risk to develop the condition. These are:
- Smokers or individuals who use tobacco products
- Individuals who take certain medications for high blood pressure
- Pregnant women
- Individuals with diabetes, cancer, or AIDS
- Individuals with a family history of gum disease
Periodontal Treatment Services
There are numerous treatment options available for gum disease. In many cases, a combination of treatments will be used to eliminate the infection and restore oral health.
Scaling and Root Planing
This treatment is a professional deep cleaning that is done below the gum line. Using an ultrasonic scaler, the dentist will target the plaque and tartar that has accumulated below the gumline and along the surfaces of the tooth root. The dentist will then smooth all the rough surfaces of the tooth root to prevent plaque and tartar from reattaching to the surface. This allows your gum tissue to begin to heal and the periodontal pockets to shrink as the gums reattach themselves.
Medications
There are also medications that we may recommend to eliminate infection and restore oral health. These can include oral antibiotics, antibacterial mouthwashes, and antibiotic gels.
Other Treatments
In some cases of gum disease, scaling and root planing along with medications is not enough to halt the progress of the disease and restore oral health. In these situations, laser gum surgery or periodontal surgery may be necessary.
At Home Care
One of the most important aspects of gum disease treatment is regular home care after professional treatment. It’s important to re-establish good oral hygiene habits including brushing and flossing regularly to prevent the accumulation of plaque and bacteria in the mouth. We may also recommend more frequent dental cleanings for the first year to keep the teeth and gums clean and monitor the health of the gums.
Restore your oral health with periodontal services in Mississauga
At Dentistry on 10, we are experienced in the diagnosis and treatment of gum disease. We’ll work with you to come up with a treatment plan to restore your oral health as quickly as possible. If you are in the Mississauga, ON area and have any symptoms of gum disease, or if it’s been a while since your last dental cleaning and exam, we encourage you to give us a call at (905) 455-9262 to schedule an appointment.
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