Gum Disease

What is Gum Disease?

Gum disease (aka, periodontal disease) is an infection of the gums and supporting tissue of the teeth. It is caused by the bacteria that live in plaque and tartar that accumulate on teeth, which can lead to inflammation, bleeding, and eventually, tooth loss. This inflammation can lead to gum recession, which can expose the roots of the teeth and make them more susceptible to decay.

What Are The Risk Factors For Gum Disease?

Gum disease is usually associated with poor oral health which leads to the accumulation of tartar and plaque on your gums. However, there are several other risk factors that can cause gum disease. These include:

• Smoking
• Poor nutrition
• Poor oral hygiene
• Genetics
• Hormonal changes
• Certain medications 

• Underlying health conditions such as diabetes.

 

How To Know If You Are Suffering From Gum Disease?

Do you notice blood in the sink when you brush or floss? Do you experience pain when you eat? If so, it’s time to call Dr. Dassani for a proper diagnosis and personalized treatment plan. Gum disease is serious and can’t be ignored. Besides leading to tooth loss, if left untreated, gum disease has been linked to severe systemic health issues like stroke, heart attack, and Alzheimer’s. Don’t risk it. Make sure you schedule an appointment if you notice any of the following signs or symptoms.

• Bleeding gums
• Bad breath
• Loose teeth
• Teeth misalignment/bite changes
• Pain when eating
• Swollen or puffy gums
• Receding gums 

How Can You Get Rid of Gum Disease?

At Dassani Dental we believe maintaining healthy gums is very important in achieving a beautiful healthy smile. That is why we offer several treatment options to help you get your healthy gums back. So if you are suffering from gum disease, don’t worry. Gum Disease is common and treatable. After you schedule an appointment with Dr. Dassani, she will gladly help create a personalized treatment plan for you.

Gum Disease Treatment Options

At Dassani Dental, we offer both non-surgical to surgical treatment options for gum disease depending on the severity of your condition. Be it mild or severe, we will create a personalized treatment plan that will help you get back on your healthy oral journey. Schedule an appointment now and start your journey back to healthy gums.

Professional Cleaning

During this non-surgical procedure, Dr. Dassani and her team will do a professional cleaning to remove the plaque and tartar buildup. This procedure is suitable for gum disease that is still in its early stages and prevents further damage to your gums. 

Scaling and Root Planing

Scaling and root planing is a deep-cleaning dental procedure. Dr. Dassani removes the plaque settled in the pockets between your gums and teeth. Then, she will smooth the tooth root so your teeth can reattach to your gums. 

LANAP

If your condition is severe and needs surgery, Dr. Dassani will recommend a laser-assisted new attachment procedure (LANAP). This is a minimally invasive treatment that involves using a laser to remove infected gum tissue. Not only does this procedure have a fast recovery time, but it also promotes the natural regeneration of your bone. It is also suitable for patients with anxiety about surgical procedures due to it being minimally invasive, meaning no cutting or sutures. 

More reasons why to choose LANAP

• Quick recovery time
• Predictable outcomes
• No cutting or sutures
• Leaves healthy tissue intact
• Fewer post-op infections
• Less pain, bleeding, & sensitivity
• Promotes regeneration of gum & bone tissue
• Protects & saves teeth
• Reverses the progression of gum disease

Chao Pinhole® Technique

If your teeth seem to be getting longer, your gums might be receding. Fortunately, Dr. Dassani is a certified Chao Pinhole® Technique dentist who can use this minimally invasive technique, meaning no grafting, sutures, or incisions. As part of the procedure, Dr. Dassani gently loosens your gum tissue so that she can slide the gum line over the exposed root structure. The procedure promotes faster recovery, natural-looking, and long-lasting results.

Tunnel Technique

This less invasive treatment for gum disease may also be an option. Without cutting, Dr. Dassani carefully inserts tissue between the gums and tooth before using a single suture to keep the tissue graft in place.

Gum Graft Surgery

If gum disease is left untreated for long periods of time, it can cause gum recession. However, worry not, Dr. Dassani has a solution to help restore your gums back to help. Gum grafting is a surgical procedure in which Dr. Dassani will take tissue from one area of your mouth and use it to replace the missing gum tissue. This will help protect the roots of your teeth and restore the health of your gums.

Bone Graft Surgery

Severe gum disease can cause jaw bone loss and will require Dr. Dassani to perform bone grafting. Bone grafting is a surgical treatment that involves Dr. Dassani using bone taken from another part of your body or synthetic bone material to replace the bone loss. 

How To Prevent Gum Disease

As much as gum disease is treatable, it’s also preventable. By practicing good oral hygiene including brushing your teeth twice daily and flossing daily, one can help prevent gum disease. Here are some tips on how to prevent gum disease:

• Brush twice daily and floss daily to remove plaque and bacteria
• Use alcohol-free mouthwash to kill bacteria 
• Maintain a balanced diet
• Avoid smoking or using other tobacco products
• Visit your dentist regularly for checkups and cleanings

If you are experiencing symptoms of gum disease, it is important to see Dr. Dassani as soon as possible. With proper treatment and preventative care, gum disease can be managed and even prevented. Remember to practice good oral hygiene and maintain a healthy lifestyle to keep your gums and teeth healthy and prevent gum disease.

FAQs

What is the main cause of gum disease?
The main cause of gum disease is bacteria that live in plaque and tartar that accumulate on teeth.

How do dentists treat gum disease?
Dentists treat gum disease with non-surgical methods such as scaling and root planing, or surgical methods such as gum grafting or flap surgery depending on the severity of your condition.

What happens if gum disease is left untreated?
Besides leading to tooth loss, if left untreated, gum disease has been linked to severe systemic health issues like stroke, heart attack, and Alzheimer’s.

What is the best treatment for gum disease?
Prevention is the best treatment. By practicing good oral hygiene including, flossing and brushing twice daily, regular dental checkups and cleanings, and using mouthwash, one can prevent gum disease. However, if you have gum disease, visit a dentist and they will create a personalized treatment plan, from non-surgical to surgical treatments depending on the severity of the condition.