Gum disease is the leading cause of tooth loss. Call Sanders & Soult Family Dentistry to understand the dangers of gum disease and available gum treatment options.

Gum Disease and Health

Gum disease develops from bacteria growing around teeth. Untreated gum disease results in:

  • Loose teeth
  • Exposed roots
  • Bad breath
  • Swelling
  • Pain 
  • Tooth loss

Studies show that gum disease impacts overall health when bacteria enter the bloodstream. Research shows that gum disease is associated with:

  • Heart attacks
  • Stroke
  • Diabetes
  • Lung disease
  • Osteoporosis
  • Weak immune systems
  • Ulcers
  • Premature childbirth

Non-Surgical Procedures To Fight Gum Disease

Non-surgical procedures include routine and deep cleanings, known as scaling and root planing, to remove plaque and tartar.

Routine cleaning is usually done twice a year or as often as recommended by a dentist. 

Scaling and root planing are done under anesthetic to reach below and above the gum line. These procedures remove plaque and tartar before smoothing the tooth surface to allow gums to attach better. 

Routine and deep cleanings are preventive measures and insufficient to treat gum diseases. 

Surgical Procedures

Surgical procedures for gum treatment include:

  • Flap surgery
  • Tissue engineering and guided tissue regeneration
  • Bone and gum tissue grafts
  • Bone surgery

Flap surgery is more extensive than routine and deep cleanings. It entails surgically lifting the gums to remove plaque and tartar and smooth the tooth surface. 

Bone and tissue grafts encourage healthy bone and tissue growth, allowing gums to attach better to the tooth root and tooth surface. 

Tissue engineering and guided tissue regeneration accelerate bone and tissue growth in areas where bones and tissues are nearly gone. 

Bone surgery reduces bone loss’ shallow craters on the tooth’s surface. 

Outpatient Surgical Procedures

Most procedures take place in the dental office. Time, comfort, and healing factors help determine the best treatment options for patients. Medications for gum treatment include antibiotics to eliminate bacteria and prescription antimicrobial to control plaque and gingivitis. 

Dentists will recommend toothpaste and mouthwash containing fluoride and antibiotics to brush your teeth and enhance gum care. 

Lasers

Laser gum treatment is safe and effective. Lasers eliminate diseased tissue while preserving healthy ones. They are less invasive, don’t cause swelling or increased sensitivity, and have a faster recovery. 

Gum Disease and Oral Cancer

Gum disease is associated with an increased risk of oral cancer. Patients with oral cancer discovered in late stages have a survival rate of approximately five years. Thankfully, dentists can treat gum disease and screen patients for oral cancer — early detection is vital for good outcomes. 

Don’t let gum disease win the battle. Call Sanders & Soult Family Dentistry at (303) 337-2794 today to learn about your options. 

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