Periodontal disease, or gum disease, attacks the gums and the bone that supports your teeth. Gum disease forms from plaque, a sticky film of food debris, bacteria, and saliva. When plaque is not removed, it will begin to destroy your gums and bones.
Our dentists in Argyle, TX, are experts at periodontal disease treatment to restore the smile. Gum disease treatment is part of our restorative dentistry treatments in Argyle. Common symptoms of gum disease include red, swollen, and bleeding gums. Over time, patients with gum disease can experience deep gum pockets and loose teeth if they don’t receive care. That’s why we encourage you to visit us for routine appointments.
Prevent and Heal
Our dental office takes many preventative measures to keep gum disease from developing in the first place. Coming in for your bi-yearly hygiene appointments is one of the best ways to prevent gum disease.
Our hygienists will thoroughly clean your teeth and remove any disease-causing plaque and tartar you cannot remove when you brush and floss.
One of the main reasons people develop gum disease is that they don’t keep up with their hygiene appointments. If you are coming to see us and be treated for a gum disease that has already developed, we have many helpful options.
The Stages of Periodontal Disease
Gum disease is a progressive disease that requires treatment. If you suffer from sore gums or bleeding gums, you must schedule an appointment as soon as possible. We will break down the various stages of the disease so you can recognize the signs.
Stage 1: Gingivitis
The first stage of gum disease is gingivitis. This initial stage is categorized by mild inflammation of the gums. The general cause of gum inflammation is an accumulation of plaque around the teeth. At this stage, the symptoms may be subtle but should not be ignored:
- Bleeding gums, especially when brushing or flossing
- Swollen or tender gums
- Persistent bad breath
- Receding gum line
- Changes in gum texture or color
We can reverse gingivitis. You will need to follow our dentist’s directions and practice strict oral hygiene. Our dentist will thoroughly clean your teeth and pay special attention to the gum line.
Stage 2: Early Periodontitis
Gingivitis will progress to early periodontitis without proper treatment. This next stage of gum disease is a more severe infection that will affect the bone that supports the teeth. At this stage, the symptoms become worse:
- Persistent bad breath
- Persistent bleeding gums, even if you brush or floss gently
- Swollen, red, or tender gums
- Gum recession that exposes more of the tooth’s surface
- Tooth Sensitivity
- Loose teeth
- Formation of periodontal pockets (spaces between the teeth and gums)
This stage requires immediate dental care. The bacteria have started to penetrate the deeper layers of gum tissue and the surrounding bone. At this stage, most of the damage is irreversible, including bone loss.
Our dentist will suggest scaling and root planing. Thes procedures gently remove all signs of plaque and tartar from under the gums and smooth out the tooth root surfaces.
Stage 3: Moderate Periodontitis
If your gum disease continues to progress, it will enter the next stage, known as moderate periodontitis. This harmful stage includes bone loss and gum recession. The symptoms at this stage become more severe:
- Deep, bacteria-filled gum pockets
- Swelling and redness of the gums
- Shifting teeth
- Gum abscesses
- Chronic bad breath
- Changes in your bite
- Pain or discomfort when chewing
Treating moderate periodontitis will involve several steps, like scaling and root planing, taking antibiotics, and possible surgical intervention. We may suggest procedures like bone grafts or guided soft tissue regeneration, to help restore lost bone and gum tissue.
Stage 4: Advanced Periodontitis
The final stage of gum disease is advanced periodontitis. This is the most severe stage of gum disease that involves extensive bone loss, loose teeth, and teeth shifting. If your disease reaches this stage, the consequences can be severe. Potential damage may include tooth loss and the need for extensive reconstructive procedures:
- Severe pain
- Tooth loss
- Gum inflammation
- Severe gum recession
- Pus discharge and painful abscesses
- Swollen or bleeding gums
If you have any of the symptoms of advanced periodontitis, you must seek dental care right away. Our dentist will use treatments to control the disease and preserve your healthy teeth. While you likely have permanent damage, we can help restore some of your function with restorative dental treatments.
Periodontal Disease Treatment in Argyle, TX
Our dentists will carefully examine your gums and develop a straightforward recovery plan. The effects are much easier to reverse if your gums are in the early stages of gum disease or gingivitis. You may have swollen and tender gums in the early stages and it doesn’t directly impact the bone attached to your teeth.
But if you leave gingivitis untreated, it can become gum disease. This form of gum disease affects the bone attached to your teeth and the tissue, so you want to catch gum disease before it progresses.
What is scaling and root planing?
We use these treatments in tandem to treat gum disease. They involve two steps that will clean your teeth and gums.
The first step is scaling. We use special dental tools to remove plaque and tartar above and below the gum line. The second step is root planing. This part of the procedure smooths out the roots of your teeth. We remove harmful bacteria from the tooth roots. Root planing will help your gums reattach to the teeth because it removes rough spots where bacteria can quickly gather.
These treatments help reduce gum inflammation and prevent further damage. Your gums and bone help support your teeth. After these treatments, continue to maintain good oral hygiene to keep your gums healthy.
Request a Gum Exam
Do you have bleeding or inflamed gums? Call 940-531-9753 or schedule a dental appointment with us online.
Our skilled team proudly serves Argyle, Texas, and surrounding cities and towns in the Dallas-Fort Worth area. We serve Justin, Ponder, Krum, Denton, Corinth, Highland Village, Flower Mound, Lewisville, Roanoke, and Southlake. Our office also serves Keller, Haslet, The Colony, Newark, Rhome, Boyd, and Cross Roads.
Let us know if you have questions about gum disease for our office. We’re excited to serve you and help you heal!