Gum Disease
Tartar and plaque left untreated can cause your gums to become irritated and inflamed. When this happens, you develop what is known as periodontal disease or gum disease. It is important to seek prompt treatment of gum disease as it can cause serious dental problems, such as tooth and bone loss.
At Pike & Valega, DDS, we are experienced in treating all stages of gum disease. Learn more about who is at risk for gum disease and what treatment options we offer to the Poolesville and Rockville, MD communities.
What Is Gum Disease?
Gum disease is a chronic inflammatory condition caused by an infection to the gums. The infection forms when plaque or tartar, which contains harmful bacteria, is left untreated. The bacteria spreads to the gums, where it causes an infection. If left untreated, gum disease can cause tooth and bone loss.
There are two types of gum disease: gingivitis and periodontitis.
Gingivitis is the early stage of gum disease. It typically causes gums to appear red and swollen. Gingivitis can be treated and eliminated with daily brushing and flossing and by receiving regular professional dental cleanings.
Moderate to severe gum disease is called periodontitis. Periodontitis cannot be eliminated. You can stop it from progressing and causing other serious dental problems, but you can never fully eliminate it. Treatment for periodontitis may include deep cleanings, antibiotics or surgery.
Who Is at Risk for Gum Disease?
Certain factors may increase your risk of developing gum disease, including:
- History of smoking or chewing tobacco
- Diabetes
- Having old fillings
- Taking certain types of medications such as blood pressure medications, oral contraceptives and steroids
- Pregnant
- Poor oral hygiene
- Crooked or improperly aligned teeth
You May Have Gum Disease and Not Know It
It is possible to have gum disease and not even know it. That is because many of the symptoms of gum disease are similar to regular problems people experience on a daily basis.
Symptoms of gum disease include:
- Red, swollen gums
- Gums that bleed easily, especially when brushing and flossing
- Bad breath that doesn’t seem to go away
- Gums that appear to be pulling away from the teeth
- Formation of pus pockets around the teeth
- Dentures or other dental appliances, such as crowns or bridges, start to feel loose or don’t fit properly
- Permanent teeth start to appear loose or like they are shifting position
Scheduling regular dental exams can help lead to the early diagnosis and treatment of gum disease.
For every dental exam, our dental team uses a small dental instrument to measure the depth of the pockets around your teeth and gums. We keep careful records of these measurements and can use them to determine if gum disease is progressing.
Treatment for All Stages of Gum Disease
At Pike & Valega, DDS, we are equipped with the tools and resources needed to treat all stages of gum disease. We carefully monitor your unique situation and can adjust your treatment plan to address issues that may arise.
Depending upon what stage of gum disease you are in, your treatment plan may include any of the following procedures:
- Scaling and root planing (deep cleaning)
- Oral antibiotics
- Placement of antibiotics in the deep pockets of the gums
- Flap surgery – oral surgery designed to reduce the size of periodontal pockets
- Bone graft
- Soft tissue graft
- Crown lengthening – the process of removing soft tissue to make the teeth look larger or longer
- Dental extractions – advanced stages of gum disease may cause your teeth to become loose or damaged
- Dental implants or dentures – replacement options in the event of tooth loss caused by gum disease
Contact Us To Explore Treatment Options for Gum Disease
It is important to seek treatment for gum disease as soon as possible to avoid it from progressing and causing other dental problems. Contact Pike & Valega, DDS to schedule an appointment to discuss treatment options for gum disease at our Poolesville dental office or Rockville dental office.
