Gum Disease Treatment in Conyers GA
Are you suffering from gum disease? Conyers Dental Associates offers an array of periodontal treatments specific to your health needs, so please call us at (770) 483-6655.
When it comes to oral hygiene, periodontal disease is one of the most prevalent issues facing people over 30. Many factors play into the severity of gum disease, and understanding the connection between gum disease (or periodontitis) and your overall health is essential.
If you’re experiencing some gum disease symptoms, seek out the best gum disease treatment in Conyers, GA, at Conyers Dental Associates. Call us at (770) 483-6655 to schedule an appointment with our primary dentist, Dr. William Brunton, or one of our dental specialists.
What is Gum Disease?
Oral bacteria cause periodontitis, infecting below the gum line. The problem begins with a minor condition called gingivitis. Gingivitis can progress into a chronic infection that can have a significant impact on your overall health. Periodontitis can become so serious that it causes more systemic breakdowns in your body—such as heart disease, kidney disease, cancers, and autoimmune diseases.
Some habits such as smoking, lack of nutrition, certain medications, and poor genetics can play a person’s likelihood of developing gum disease.
The CDC reports that periodontitis is the leading cause of tooth loss in adults. That’s why it’s essential to visit your dentist for annual or bi-annual dental cleanings, which will ensure that your oral hygiene stays at its peak.
Since gum disease can start subtly, recognizing the symptoms is vital. Some common signs of gingivitis are
- chronic bad breath
- swollen, or bleeding gums
From there, if you do not treat the gum disease, symptoms progress. As gum disease advances into a more severe form,
- the gums will begin to weaken and pull away from the teeth
- teeth can sometimes become loose and fall out
The Best Gum Disease Treatments
Professional dental cleaning
In tandem with your daily oral care, scheduling professional dental cleanings every six months is the best preventative measure against gum disease. At the dental visit, the hygienist will remove plaque and tartar from the teeth while educating you about eliminating any potentially harmful bacteria.
Scaling and root planing
Scaling and root planing are essentially methods of deep cleaning that typically require local anesthesia. This allows the oral care professional to get into the hard-to-reach areas below the gum line, scraping away any damaging plaque.
Flap and pocket reduction surgery
Sometimes, your gum disease may require more surgical measures. Periodontal disease can cause the formation of “pockets” between your tooth and the gum. These cases usually lead to flap surgery and pocket reduction surgery. These require the doctor to cut open and pull back the gums to remove the excess infection and diseased gum tissue.
The dentist then reattaches the gums to the teeth to fit more snugly around the teeth. This eliminates the “pocket” areas where bacteria can grow, minimizing the chances of the gum disease getting worse.
You will want to avoid these kinds of surgical procedures by taking care of your gums proactively.
If you have any questions about gum disease treatment, please give Conyers Dental Associates a call at (770) 483-6655 to set up an appointment or consultation with Dr. Brunton.