Gum disease affects over half of American adults and is the leading cause of tooth loss.
Gingivitis: This is the mildest form of gum disease. It is characterized by red and swollen gums. Patients with gingivitis may notice that their gums bleed easily while brushing and flossing.
Periodontitis: This is the advanced form of gum disease, which results from untreated gingivitis. In this stage, the bacteria infecting the gums causes gum recession and tooth loss. Periodontitis can also destroy the jawbone over time.
Although the effects of periodontal disease are serious, treatment is straightforward. We offer effective, non-surgical gum disease treatment at Southill Dental Group.
Take a look at some of these signs and symptoms of gum disease. Do any of them apply to you?
We use a basic method to treat periodontal disease: scaling and root planing.
This is essentially a below-gums deep cleaning, done to remove bacteria and plaque from both the teeth and gums. This treatment also smooths the tooth roots, which reduces your risk of progressive gum disease in the future.
It is always best to treat gum disease preventatively. Getting any sore and swollen gums or infected pockets good and cleaned out will keep your entire mouth healthy.
Don’t hesitate to express your concerns or ask any questions you may have. To learn about this periodontal treatment at Southill Dental Group, just give us a call today.