Gum disease treatment in Commack and Dix Hills

What is Periodontal Disease?

Also known as gum disease, periodontal disease is a progressive disease that starts with gum inflammation (gingivitis) and ends in infections that can lead to tooth loss. Plaque and tartar will damage soft tissue first. Then, the infection and damage will spread to the bone that holds the tooth in your mouth. Unfortunately, many individuals don’t realize how essential proper dental health is for gum health, as well.

How Do Individuals Develop Gingivitis?

Poor brushing and flossing habits, along with a diet high in sugar, causes gingivitis. If you don’t brush plaque away from your gums at least twice a day and floss at least once, the plaque will begin to build up. It may even turn into tartar, which is a hardened form of plaque that only a dental professional can remove. Smoking, a weakened immune system, and diabetes also make gingivitis more likely to develop. During pregnancy, some women experience gingivitis symptoms due to the hormonal changes.

What are the Typical Gingivitis Symptoms?

Look for:

1. Puffy gums
2. Bright red gums
3. Gums that bleed easily when you brush or floss
4. Tender gums
5. Bad breath

If you notice any of these signs of gingivitis, please contact our office for an appointment so we can get to work on a gingivitis cure for you.

What are Periodontitis (Gum Disease) Symptoms?

If your gingivitis symptoms get worse, your gum disease may have progressed to periodontal disease. If you’re developing periodontitis or advanced periodontitis, you may notice:

1. Pus between your teeth
2. Your gums separating from your teeth
3. A foul taste in your mouth
4. Unusual gaps between your teeth
5. Loose teeth
6. Changes in the way your teeth fit together
7. Your partial denture no longer fits correctly

If you have any of these gum disease symptoms, please contact us immediately.

Gum Disease Stages

Once one of our dentists examines you, she can determine if you have either gingivitis or periodontitis, and this will determine your treatment recommendations.

Gingivitis

This is the mildest form of gum disease. It occurs when the bacteria in plaque and tartar begin irritating your gums. Immediate gingivitis treatment can typically cure the gum disease and prevent the gingivitis from turning into periodontitis. Please call Helfner Dental Associates if you have any signs of gingivitis.

Periodontitis

When periodontitis arises, pockets form between the teeth and gums. Your gums will begin to physically pull away from your teeth, and there may be minor bone loss as the pockets deepen. At this point, getting treatment, like a deep dental cleaning, is essential for getting the teeth and gums to reattach and to avoid any further damage.

Advanced Periodontitis

In this stage of gum disease, your teeth will probably become loose from the jawbone because the infection caused so much damage. Severe periodontitis is also a danger to your general health because the bacteria begins to spread throughout the body. At this point, one of our general dentists may refer you to a periodontist, a gum disease specialist. In most cases, surgery is suggested to patients with severe periodontitis to replace the bone or gum tissue.

Is There a Cure for Gingivitis??

Yes. It is possible to reverse gum disease when the gingivitis stage is in its earliest stages. You may be able to do this at home with better oral hygiene, unless you have tartar on your teeth because tartar must be removed by a dental professional. At Helfner Dental Associates, we have a gingivitis cure; a professional teeth cleaning. However,  you will have to follow up at home with good oral hygiene and cannot skip brushing and flossing.

What is Periodontitis and Advanced Periodontitis Treatment?

If you are beyond the typical gingivitis treatment, you may need to take more serious measures. In this case, you’ll need a deep dental cleaning, also known as a scaling and root planing procedure. It is different from a routine cleaning because the area underneath the gums is cleaned first, and then the roots are smoothed out to allow the gums to reattach easily afterwards. During a deep dental cleaning, you’ll receive local anesthesia to numb the area and antibiotics afterwards to prevent infection. Depending on the severity of the case, our office may refer you to a periodontist for specialized gum disease treatments.

Where Can I Find Gum Disease Treatment in Commack and Dix Hills?

If you are in Commack, Dix Hills, or the surrounding area and are concerned that you may have gum disease, please contact Helfner Dental Associates right away. We can offer a gingivitis cure and will help eliminate the signs of gum disease from your smile.