Periodontal Treatment in Lovell
Defends Your Smile and More
Millions of bacteria call your mouth home. Some are helpful and assist with digestion, while others are harmful—like the ones that lead to periodontal disease. Brushing and flossing prevent these bacteria from multiplying to excess and accumulating in plaque, which is a biofilm that our mouths produce every day. Neglect your daily oral hygiene, however, and plaque can begin to harden and become tartar, a calcified substance that requires professional cleaning in order to be removed.
Signs and Symptoms of Gum Disease
Health Risks Beyond Your Mouth
In addition to these dental and oral health problems, gum disease is connected to several general health concerns as well. Bleeding gum tissue allows the bacteria responsible for periodontal disease to migrate to other areas of the body. Some of the systemic illnesses and diseases linked to gum disease include cardiovascular disease, hypertension, stroke, osteoporosis, diabetes, respiratory illnesses and low birth weight infants.
Scaling & Root Planing
To reverse the effects of gum disease and stop the progression, Lovell Dental offers scaling and root planing. With scaling, one of our hygienists will remove plaque and tartar from above and below the gum line. Planing then smoothes the root surfaces of your teeth, so bacterial plaque and tartar are less likely to stick. A topical antibiotic can also be directly applied to gum tissue in order to better fight infection.
If you think you may need periodontal therapy, call the dentist Lovell, WY, trusts. Our office also serves patients in the surrounding areas of Greybull, Basin, Cowley, Deaver, Frannie, Manderson, Burlington, Byron, Powell, and Cody.
Learn More About Scaling & Root Planing
Connective Tissue Grafting
Gum recession is one of the most common symptoms of gum disease, and in addition to affecting the appearance of your smile, it can also make your teeth much more likely to experience decay, become loose, and eventually fall out! With this procedure, Dr. Anderson can use your own healthy gum tissue to restore the areas where it has been lost. In the end, it will give you a renewed, healthy, and beautiful smile.
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Gum Disease Treatment FAQs
How common is gum disease?
Gum disease is incredibly common among American adults and one of the most widespread health problems on the planet. The Centers for Disease Control estimates that about 40% of adults aged 30 and older have some type of gum disease and about 60% of adults 65 or older have advanced gum infections called periodontitis. Men are significantly more likely to develop gum disease than women, and the condition is also associated with factors like diabetes, tobacco use, insufficient oral hygiene, and poor nutrition.
Does gum disease ever go away?
The first stage of gum disease is mild soft tissue inflammation called gingivitis, and it can usually be reversed at this point if the patient improves their diet and oral hygiene habits. However, untreated gingivitis will eventually develop into a destructive infection called periodontitis. This severe form of gum disease causes permanent damage such as gum recession, jawbone erosion, and tooth loss and must be managed with regular restorative treatments at Lovell Dental. Patients who are genetically more likely to develop gum disease may require more frequent professional care to keep their soft tissues in great shape.
Are there any risk factors associated with gum disease?
Poor oral hygiene is the most common cause of gum disease, but a few factors associated with greater risk of the condition include:
- Age: Many older people are more prone to gum disease due to aging tissues as well as the accumulated effects of many years of poor oral hygiene, tobacco use, or excessive alcohol consumption. In some cases, older people may have difficulty practicing oral hygiene due to issues like arthritis.
- Tobacco use: Smoked, vaped, or chewed tobacco exposes the soft oral tissues to noxious chemicals that inhibit their ability to heal and fight infection.
- Genetics: An individual with a family history of gum disease may be more likely to develop the condition.
- Stress: Mental strain or excessive exhaustion of the body may increase inflammation that leads to gum disease.
- Pregnancy: The stress and hormone shifts caused by pregnancy can increase inflammation and the risk of gum disease.
- Certain medical conditions: Issues like diabetes may make a person more likely to develop gum disease.
- Certain medications: Some anti-depressants, oral contraceptives, and heart medicines can make gum disease more likely.
Is mouthwash good for gum disease?
In addition to daily brushing and flossing, mouthwash can help reduce bacteria and inflammation that can lead to gum disease. However, using mouthwash with high alcohol content excessively can dry out the mouth and increase the risk of gum disease. Dr. Anderson will be happy to help you understand the best mouthwash product for you when he sees you at our office in Lovell.