Gum Disease Treatment

PERIODONTAL DISEASE SOLUTIONS IN CORNWALL, ON

It may surprise you to learn that one of the most common ailments in the United States isn't heart disease, stroke, or cancer. About 80% of the population has some form of periodontal disease, otherwise known as gum disease.

The problem is that gum disease is so easy to get, simply by not maintaining adequate daily oral hygiene. There's good news, though. When caught early, gum disease is also easy to treat and prevent.

WHAT IS GUM DISEASE?

Periodontal disease is an infection of the gums. It can spread to the bone if left unchecked. It is caused by a bacterial film called plaque. This film can be brushed and flossed away, with careful daily care and regular dental cleanings.

If the film is not cleaned off regularly, it will eventually harden into tartar. Tartar irritates the gums, causing swelling, bleeding, and gum recession. It also, inconveniently, makes the perfect surface for further plaque to develop.

Tartar cannot be cleaned off at home.

As the gum disease progresses, your gums recede. The plaque bacteria creeps deeper and deeper, until it causes loose teeth, bone recession, and eventually complete tooth loss.

GUM DISEASE TREATMENT

Recent research has linked periodontal disease to increase risk for other health problems, including stroke, heart disease, respiratory problems, osteoporosis, and dementia.

That's the bad news. The good news is that minor gum disease is very easy to treat. A simple deep cleaning-along with good home maintenance, afterward-will take care of the problem.

More advanced cases require a little more attention. We treat such cases of gum disease with several methods, including:

• SCALING | This is a deep cleaning that removes hardened plaque from below the gum line.
• ROOT PLANING | This gum disease treatment smooths rough areas on roots, making it harder for plaque to gain a foothold.
• ANTIBIOTIC THERAPY | Plaque is a bacteria. Antibiotics are helpful in fighting infection.
• LASER TREATMENT | Dental lasers help clean deeply in a less invasive way than traditional cleaning methods.

WHAT IS LASER TREATMENT FOR PERIODONTAL DISEASE?

Using dental lasers, can be used as a less-invasive gum disease treatment. They are capable of cleaning below the gum line with minimal disruption of the tissues surrounding the area. They are precise, as well.

Dental lasers are a versatile dental tool, which we can use in many different treatments, including soft-tissue surgeries.

IS THERE A GUM DISEASE TREATMENT I CAN USE AT HOME?

The number one way to prevent gum disease is to practice good hygiene at home. Thorough brushing and flossing will keep the oral bacteria in check.

If anything more is needed, in your individual situation, we recommend CariFree rinse products. These help patients control oral bacteria.

These simple practices may save you from future dental work, preserving your healthy, natural tooth structure and making you less prone to periodontal disease. If you show any of the symptoms of gum disease, our Cornwall dentist and team will help. Don't wait. Call us today.