Serving patients of Erwin, Jonesborough, and Greeneville, TN
If you have gums that are red, puffy or bleed easily, this may seem like a minor inconvenience. But really, it is a sign of something much more serious! If you experience any of those symptoms, you likely are suffering from gingivitis, the first stage of gum disease. Also known as periodontal disease, an untreated case of this disease can lead to major negative consequences, both for your oral health and even your overall health.
Tusculum Dental Care can treat periodontal disease at any stage, safeguarding your oral health.
What you need to know about periodontal disease
Periodontal disease is the result of a bacterial infection that occurs in the hard and soft tissues of your mouth such as your teeth, gums, and jawbone. This infection typically develops as a result of bacteria that accumulate in your mouth, usually due to not being diligent enough about your oral hygiene, although certain medical conditions such as diabetes, and hormonal changes can increase your risk of developing gum disease.
The first stage of gum disease, as mentioned, is gingivitis. If allowed to progress, gum disease develops into a more advanced stage, called periodontitis. When gum disease enters this stage, then your teeth and mouth have sustained irreversible damage. During periodontitis, the bacteria that lead to gingivitis progress and form pockets that develops between the roots of your teeth and your gums as the gum tissue begins to pull away from the teeth. Left untreated, these pockets will become larger, and the bacteria will continue to multiply. Eventually, these larger pockets may lead to tooth sensitivity, cavities, loose teeth, and even tooth loss.
The only way to clear the pockets that form as part of periodontitis is to have a professional cleaning treatment. That is why early diagnosis is so important. If a case of periodontal disease can be detected and treated in its early stages, then you can avoid permanent damage being done to your oral health.
Treatment for Periodontal Disease
Tusculum Dental Care can use any one of these procedures, or a combination of them, to combat gum disease:
- Repetitive Therapy: A combination of scaling and root planing, which will clear the pockets formed during periodontitis. This is an intensive procedure that typically requires administering an anesthetic before beginning the work. As a result, we prefer to conduct repetitive therapy in multiple appointments, to avoid having to apply anesthetic to the entire mouth.
- Laser Therapy: Using our precise dental laser technology, we remove any infected gum tissue. This is a favorable alternative to traditional gum surgery. The precision of the laser saves a greater quantity of healthy gum tissue. The procedure itself is shorter and significantly more comfortable for the patient.
Periodontal disease … the risks are real
If you or a member of your family has periodontal disease, then the only way to resolve the problem is by seeking the professional care of an experienced dentist in Greeneville. Gum disease will not just go away by itself. In fact, it will only get worse.
A patient with an untreated case of periodontal disease can experience any combination of these oral health issues:
- Gum recession
- Loose teeth
- Sensitive teeth
- Increased risk of cavities
- Tooth loss
- Jawbone loss
- Malnutrition
- Dental pain
- Premature aging
Periodontal disease may increase your risk of heart problems. In fact, research conducted by the American Academy of Periodontology found that a person with gum disease had nearly twice the risk of developing cardiovascular disease, because of the filtration of the plaque and bacteria from the mouth into the bloodstream, eventually causing inflammation in the arteries.
Gum Disease Treatment in Greeneville
If you or a member of your family has gum disease or is experiencing symptoms, then contact the office of Tusculum Dental Care today by calling (423) 639-7575 to schedule a consultation.
Tusculum Dental Care provides total oral health services for patients living in the areas of Greeneville, Jonesborough, and Erwin, Tennessee.