Gum Disease Treatment

Gum disease isn’t just an inconvenience; leaving this condition unchecked may impact your overall well-being. At Elite Dental Aesthetics in Reno, we’re not just about brightening smiles — we’re here to protect your oral health. That’s why our team is committed to offering the most advanced treatment options available. 

 

From routine professional cleanings that halt the disease in its tracks to innovative interventions for more advanced cases, our state-of-the-art technology and personalized care plans are designed to restore your oral health effectively. If you’re noticing the signs of gum disease, don’t delay. Early intervention is essential. Contact us to schedule a consultation and take your first step toward a healthier smile.

Overview of Gum Disease 

Periodontal disease, or gum disease, is a common but preventable condition that affects the tissues surrounding and supporting the teeth. It is caused by bacterial plaque buildup on the teeth and gums, leading to painful inflammation and infection. Gum disease is typically categorized into two main stages: gingivitis and periodontitis.

 

Gingivitis, a precursor to periodontitis, includes symptoms of swelling, redness, sensitivity, and bleeding of the gums, generally during brushing or flossing. This condition is usually reversible with good oral hygiene practices and professional dental cleanings. If left untreated, gingivitis progresses to a more severe class of gum disease known as periodontitis.

 

When the inflammation and infection spreads deeper into the tissues that support the teeth, including the bone, it may indicate periodontitis. This condition leads to pockets between the teeth and gums, which traps more plaque and bacteria. Over time, periodontitis can cause the gums to recede and the bone structure to deteriorate, potentially leading to tooth loss in some cases.

 

The following are common risk factors for developing gum disease:  

 

• Poor oral hygiene 
• Smoking 
• Diabetes
• Certain medications
• Genetic susceptibility

 

Routine dental check-ups, proper brushing and flossing techniques, and potential lifestyle modifications help prevent and manage gum disease. Advanced cases require more intensive treatments, such as scaling and root planing (deep cleaning), medications, or even surgical interventions to restore oral health.

6 Treatment Options for Gum Disease 

The treatment of gum disease is not a one-size-fits-all approach. Depending on the severity and progression of the condition, Dr. Adams may recommend the following treatment options for managing and curing gum disease:

1. Professional Cleaning

Professional dental cleanings remove plaque and tartar (hardened plaque) that contribute to gum disease. Cleanings are typically recommended every six months. However, with those with a higher risk of developing gum disease, more frequent visits may be necessary.

1. Scaling and Root Planing Treatments 

For patients with advanced gum disease, scaling or root planing may be required. This involves removing any plaque and tartar from the gum line and leveling out the root surfaces of the teeth, which helps to remove bacteria and supplies a hygienic surface for the gums to reattach to the teeth, diminishing the depth of gum pockets.

1. Medications

Various medications can be used to treat gum disease. These include antibiotic gels, oral antibiotics, and antimicrobial mouthwashes, which can help control the infection and reduce the size of gum pockets.

1. Surgical Treatments:

The following are common surgical treatments that may be available to treat gum disease: 

 

• Flap Surgery: If inflammation and deep pockets are still prevalent after scaling and root planing, periodontal flap surgery may be necessary. This involves pulling back the gums and removing any tartar. The gums are then sutured back so the tissue fits snugly around the tooth again.
• Bone and Tissue Grafts: In cases where gum disease has destroyed bone or gum tissue, grafts can be used to replace or encourage new growth of bone or gum tissue. Bone grafts involve placing material in areas where the bone has been lost, helping to promote regrowth, while soft tissue grafts are used to reinforce thin gums or fill in regions where gums have receded.

 

Speak with the dental professionals at Elite Dental Aesthetics for additional information regarding your unique treatment plan. 

1.  Laser Treatment

Recent advances include the use of lasers to treat gum disease, also known as LANAP (Laser-Assisted New Attachment Procedure). Laser therapy can be used to remove inflamed gum tissue surrounding the tooth, expose the root for more comprehensive scaling and root planing, and reduce bacteria associated with gum disease.

1. Maintenance Therapy

After treating gum disease, ongoing maintenance therapy is crucial. This typically involves regular dental check-ups, cleanings, and possibly additional treatments to keep the disease under control and prevent its recurrence.

 

Prompt treatment is essential to alleviate the symptoms associated with gum disease and also to prevent its progression, which may lead to more serious oral and health issues, including tooth loss and potential complications related to heart disease and diabetes. 

Tips for Preventing Gum Disease 

Preventing gum disease is fundamentally about having good oral hygiene and regularly visiting your dentist. The following are some practical tips to maintain healthy gums and prevent gum disease:

 

• Brush Your Teeth Properly: You must routinely brush your teeth twice daily with fluoride toothpaste. We recommend using a soft-bristled toothbrush and gentle motions to clean the outer, inner, and biting surfaces of each tooth. Make sure you brush for at least two minutes each time to effectively remove plaque.
• Floss Daily: Flossing daily is necessary to remove plaque and food from between teeth and under the gum line. If you find flossing difficult, consider using interdental brushes or water flossers as alternatives.
• Use Antimicrobial Mouthwash: Incorporating an antimicrobial mouthwash into your daily oral hygiene routine helps reduce bacteria and plaque activity, which are the primary causes of gum disease.
• Become a non-smoker: Smoking is strongly associated with the onset of gum disease. Giving up smoking significantly reduces your risk of developing gum infections and improves your overall oral health.
• Eat a Balanced Diet: Choosing to eat a diet that is low in sugar and high in essential nutrients helps to strengthen your immune system and fight off infections, including gum disease. Foods rich in vitamin C and calcium may benefit periodontal health.
• Regular Dental Check-Ups: Visiting Dr. Adams regularly for check-ups and cleanings is essential to remove tartar that cannot be removed by brushing and flossing alone. Additionally, early signs of gum disease may be detected and treated before they become more serious.

 

If you develop signs of gum disease, such as swollen or tender gums, contact Elite Dental Aesthetics to support your oral health.

Schedule an Appointment With the Dental Professionals at Elite Dental Aesthetics 

At Elite Dental Aesthetics, we understand that managing gum disease is essential for maintaining overall oral health. Our dedicated team in Reno specializes in the latest treatment options for gum disease, from professional cleanings and medications to advanced surgical procedures. With our state-of-the-art technology and personalized care plans, we may be able to help you achieve a healthier smile and prevent further complications.

 

Don’t wait until gum disease progresses — early intervention is key. Schedule a consultation with us to explore your treatment options and take proactive steps toward improving your oral health. Contact Elite Dental Aesthetics at (775) 200-1956, or visit our contact form to book your appointment today.