Gum Disease Treatment

Periodontal Treatment in Shelby Township, MI

With periodontal treatment you can have healthier gums and help to prevent other health issues that may result from gum disease. The most straightforward method of treating gum disease is removing it at its source. This can be done with a series of professional, teeth-cleaning periodontal treatments that break up plaque and tartar at the base of the teeth. This will eliminate bacteria, lower the risk of inflammation, and make oral care a much more manageable situation.

Gum Disease Symptoms

However, you may want to consider more immediate and vigorous treatments if you are experiencing intense discomfort or have any of the following signs:

• Red, swollen, and sore gums.
• Gums that bleed easily when you brush and floss.
• Receding gums.
• Persistent bad breath.
• Pus coming from the gums.
• A change in your bite.
• Loose permanent teeth.

These may be signs of more advanced stages of gingivitis or periodontal disease. After a consultation, we can go over the quickest and more dynamic treatments such as a deep cleaning procedure called scaling and root planing. This procedure can remove even hardened plaque at the base of teeth, which can create pockets for bacteria to hide inside.

What Causes Gum Disease?

Gum disease—including the stages of gingivitis or periodontal disease—is an infection that attacks the tissues and bones that surround and support the teeth. Gum disease is caused by the formation of plaque and bacteria on the teeth and gums, above and below the gum line. The following will heighten your risk for gum disease:

• Not practicing proper oral hygiene at home and not having regular professional teeth cleanings.
• Smoking and chewing tobacco.
• Having a history of gum disease in your family.
• Having a compromised immune system.
• Having a diet that is low in vitamins and minerals or high in sugar and carbohydrates.

Thankfully, even if you experience one or more of these risks, our dental team is here to help. We are equipped with the latest and most advanced dental technology from x-rays to oral cancer screenings, helping patients become proactive in preventive oral care, including preventing gum disease. We strongly encourage patients to have gum disease treatment as early as possible—this disease is easy to treat, and even reverse, in its early stages. Improved dental hygiene at home or extra teeth cleaning appointments at our office may be enough if gum disease is detected and treated early.

Health Risks Associated With Gum Disease

We pride ourselves on providing each of our patients with the treatment that is right for them. Which is why we strive to be as informative as possible. Our consultations and general dentistry often include information on why preventative dentistry is so important, as minor oral issues can create high-risk concerns. For example, many patients associate gingivitis and periodontal disease with only bad breath or at worse, bleeding gums. However, they have been linked with a variety of other serious medical conditions for years, such as:

• Rheumatoid arthritis.
• Respiratory disease.
• Certain heart diseases.
• Diabetes.

Gum disease treatment can help reduce your risks for these and other health problems that can come from leaving your gum health ignored for too long. Feel encouraged to contact our office at (586) 685-0880 today to learn more and set up a visit.

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At our practice, we make smiles sparkle. If you need gum disease treatment, we offer several services to help you get that healthy, sparkling smile.

Periodontal Treatment FAQ

What Can I Expect During Scaling and Root Planing?

During scaling, plaque and tartar is gently removed from the tooth surface. Root planing involves the cleaning of the roots of the teeth. During this step, we also smooth the tooth roots to remove bacteria with customized tools which allow precision and accuracy.

Is there a connection between gum disease and diabetes?

Yes. Those with pre-existing diabetes are more likely to develop periodontal disease. Periodontal disease and diabetes are interconnected. One condition may cause the other to become worse. Gum disease increases blood sugar levels, making glucose levels harder to control. Diabetes in turn thickens blood vessels, which makes it harder to remove excess sugar in the mouth.

Is there a connection between gum disease and heart health?

Yes, these conditions are also interconnected. Gum disease bacteria may attach to coronary arteries when they enter the bloodstream. This can contribute to the formation of blood clots. This can also narrow the arteries, which can lead to a heart attack. Gum disease can also cause inflammation and plaque buildup, which can swell the arteries and make pre-existing heart conditions worse.

Better Oral Health With Gum Disease Treatment

If gum disease is allowed to progress all the way to the more severe form of periodontal disease, scaling and root planing, or even gum surgery, may be needed. Also, severe gum disease can ultimately cause loose or even lost permanent teeth. Gum disease treatment is a simple way to keep your smile and your whole body healthy and happy! We proudly serve the communities of Shelby Township, Macomb, Clinton Township, MI, and many more. Call us today at (586) 685-0880 to learn more about our preventive and general dentistry services.