Gum disease is a common dental issue that if not treated in time can lead to severe issues including bone deterioration and tooth loss.
Your gums are the supporting structures of your teeth, and their health has a direct impact on the health of your teeth. In the absence of a proper dental care routine, plaque deposits on the teeth can accumulate over time. These deposits then harden to form tartar which can only be removed with a professional dental cleaning.
If tartar deposits are not addressed, then in combination with oral bacteria and acids produced in the mouth, they cause inflammation and infection in the gum tissue.
The earliest stage of gum disease, (also known as gingivitis), is marked by an inflammation in the gum tissue and some bleeding. An abscess may develop on the gums, and the gum tissue becomes tender and sensitive. If gingivitis is not treated, the infection progresses further and causes the gums to pull away from the teeth creating periodontal pockets which can become a further breeding ground for bacteria and tartar.
Eventually, the infection weakens the gum fibers and bone supporting the teeth, causing tooth loss.
At Regency Family Dental, we offer comprehensive non-surgical treatment for gum disease. Scaling and root planing or root surface debridement involves scraping of tartar deposits from below the gum line. This is done under the effect of a local anesthetic.
Once the gums and teeth have been cleaned properly, and any periodontal pockets have been flushed, the root surfaces are smoothed to prevent reinfection. We may place an antibiotic medicine in the mouth after treatment to control the infection.
If you believe you may be suffering from gum disease, do not hesitate to contact our office for treatment immediately. Please call us at (203) 323-1186 to schedule an appointment.
