Our dentist in Summerlin sees many patients who suffer from gum disease each year. This condition, which can also be referred to as periodontitis or periodontal disease, progresses through a number of distinct stages. Gingivitis, the early stage of the disease, is typically painless but can progress to more serious stages of gum and tooth infection. When gum disease progresses, it causes damage to your mouth that cannot be reversed.
Periodontitis is an infection that can spread to other parts of the body, including the heart, and compromise its function.
Symptoms of Periodontal Disease (Periodontal Disease)
The following is a list of symptoms of gum disease, starting with the least severe and working their way up to the most severe:
The treatment for gum disease in your mouth will be decided based on how severe your condition currently is. Our dentist in Summerlin will perform a comprehensive exam to determine whether or not you require any of the following treatments:
Debridement: When someone has gingivitis but a significant buildup of tartar, a debridement is performed. This procedure is significantly more in-depth than a standard teeth cleaning, yet it is essential for doing an accurate assessment of your teeth.
Scaling and root planing, also known as "deep cleanings," are as follows: When the buildup surrounding your teeth begins to pack underneath the gum tissue, the only option to cure gum disease is through a surgery called scaling and root planing. This is the only way to remove the plaque and calculus that has accumulated around your teeth.
During this treatment, our hygienist will use special devices to break up the hard calculus accumulation and drain it away. Afterwards, you will feel significantly better. It is possible that you will require more than one appointment for this operation; the number of appointments required will be directly proportional to the severity of your gum disease.
Surgery of the Gums: If scaling and root planing isn't effective enough at removing all of the buildup below your gums, then you may need to consult a gum specialist, also known as a periodontist, in order to figure out how to treat gum disease in your mouth. Scaling and root planing is a treatment that involves scraping away plaque and tartar from the root surfaces of teeth.
In most cases, you will be required to go through surgery, during which the surgeon will retract your gum tissue and flap it over in order to reveal the buildup and then remove it. After the procedure is finished, your gums will be stitched back into place.
If you've undergone such significant bone loss that your teeth are becoming loose and even falling out, then none of the procedures described above will be effective for you. Because bone does not regenerate, you will need to have your existing teeth extracted and decide on a tooth replacement alternative before any other teeth become involved in the situation. This must be done before any other teeth become implicated.
How to Keep Periodontal Disease at Bay
Gum disease is avoidable; all that is required is a dedication to maintaining healthy teeth and gums. The following is some advice that can help you maintain healthy gums over your lifetime.
At Least Twice Per Day, Brush Your Teeth
Even while brushing your teeth after each meal is ideal, you should at least do it twice a day at the very least. Make an angle of 45 degrees using a toothbrush that has soft bristles, and then tilt the toothbrush so that the bristles may reach under the gum tissue. If you notice any bleeding from your gums, this indicates that you have an infection in those areas. If you detect any blood coming from your gums, don't be afraid to brush your teeth because this will encourage the healing process of your gums.
Daily Flossing
Even though a toothbrush can be highly efficient at cleaning your teeth if it is used in the right way, there is simply no way for it to remove all of the plaque from in between your teeth. Because of this, you should floss at least once every day. The conventional flossing string can be purchased for a low price and works quite effectively. You can use floss picks, or even a water flosser, if that is more to your liking.
Get Regular Dental Cleanings
If you go to the dentist once every six months for a professional cleaning, our hygienists will be able to remove plaque and tartar accumulation from places of your teeth that are difficult to access.
Quit Smoking
If you are a smoker, the time has come to put an end to your habit once and for all. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that smoking reduces the effectiveness of your immune system, making it twice as likely that you may acquire gum disease. In addition, once a person has periodontal disease, it is far more difficult for their gums to recover after an injury. Your chances of developing periodontal disease are increased both by the quantity of cigarettes you smoke and the length of time you've been doing so.
Obtaining the Assistance of Professionals
If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, it is imperative that you seek treatment for gum disease as soon as possible. The gum disease known as periodontitis does not heal on its own, nor can it be treated at home. If you put off going to the dentist, the problem will only become worse.
If it has been a while since you've had your teeth cleaned, there is a good chance that you may be suffering from some form of gum disease. Visit the office of Dr. Cohan, our Summerlin dentist, to get immediate treatment for whatever ails you. We will assess your condition and devise a treatment strategy for the gum disease that is currently present in your mouth. We will get you back on the path to recovery and having a grin on your face once more. Call today!
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GET TO KNOW YOUR BEST DENTIST IN SUMMERLIN
Dr. Marianne Cohan was voted The Best Dentist/ Dental Office and Best Cosmetic Dentist from The Las Vegas Review-Journal in 2020 and 2021. She received her Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) from the State University of New York at Buffalo in 1992.
With an emphasis on cosmetic dentistry, complete makeovers, and implant dentistry, Dr. Cohan is committed to continuing education and feels that we never stop learning. Dr. Cohan takes pride in using high-powered magnification to perform minimally invasive restorative dentistry. She uses all the latest technological advances including digital radiography, digital photography, computer simulations, and high-resolution pictures of your proposed treatment on 55-inch screens. She also utilizes CBCT (cone beam) and laser technology.
Dr. Cohan is always available to her patients and is available for any dental emergency.
