Maintaining great oral health isn’t just about keeping your teeth strong and healthy –— it’s also about taking care of the structures that surround and support your teeth, such as the gum tissue. Gum disease (also known as periodontal disease) is the number one cause of tooth loss among adults in America, and we’re always on the lookout for it here at Sage Dental Care. If necessary, Dr. Branco and Dr. Kim can provide focused gum disease treatment that banishes infection and protects your valuable smile from future harm. Contact either our South or North Reno, NV, location today to schedule your first appointment, or if you have any questions that our team can help you with.
Gum disease is essentially an infection of the soft tissue that surrounds the base of the teeth. In its earliest stage, gingivitis, it is relatively minor. As it progresses into periodontitis, it can cause permanent damage to the gums and underlying bone tissue.
Poor oral hygiene is often a major contributor to gum disease, but genetics and other factors can also play a role in its development. It tends to be more common among seniors than among younger people.
Gingivitis can cause multiple symptoms, including:
Periodontitis can cause the same symptoms as gingivitis, but it is more severe. It can also lead to:
There are a few different ways to address gum disease. Some minor cases can be reversed via changes to your at-home oral care routine. Other cases require professional treatment. Depending on the severity of your case, we might recommend one or more of the following:
Scaling and root planing is a deep cleaning of the mouth. During scaling, we remove bacteria from above and below your gumline. During root planing, we smooth out the surface of the tooth roots so bacteria cannot cling to them as easily. This service may rid your mouth of active infections and allow your gums to start healing.
Our team may prescribe a course of antibiotics to help your body fight off harmful oral bacteria. The medications we use have a track record of playing an important role in our efforts to get gum disease under control and restore our patients’ oral health. We often combine antibiotics with other treatments.
A dental laser is an incredibly precise tool that can kill harmful bacteria on contact. With this remarkable tool, our doctors can remove diseased tissue and treat deep periodontal pockets with. When compared to traditional treatments, this approach also reduces discomfort and accelerates the healing process for patients.
