The gums are responsible for molding around teeth, covering the roots and ensuring that everything stays where it should. When bacteria penetrate the gums, it can compromise this tissue. Gingivitis is the common term dentists use to describe the precursor to gum disease. At this stage, the gums appear red and inflamed around the teeth. A dentist can usually help treat gingivitis through increased cleanings and office visits. Periodontitis is when the condition deteriorates. This is considered gum disease. Periodontal treatments with a practitioner who has a concentrated practice in this issue may be warranted.
Brushing, flossing and cleanings with a hygenist can help stop the progression of gingivitis to gum disease. However, in some instances, these routine procedures do not work and advanced treatment is necessary. People who go too long before getting treatment for gum disease may lose teeth if the tissue around them is compromised beyond repair. Some advanced treatments may be warranted depending on how the disease has developed.
Aside from usual tooth cleaning, dentists may step the cleanings up to help rid the gums of the bacteria infecting them. Scaling and planing is a method used to perform a much deeper cleaning of the mouth, with a concentration on the gum line and below it. The dental professional focuses on removing thicker layers of tartar and plaque from around and under the gum line. The dentist or hygenist may also then take the time to smooth out areas of the teeth that are pitted or uneven, either from bacterial intrusion or plaque and tartar build-up. This helps to discourage future bacterial growth in the grooves of these teeth.
Some cases of gum disease may require a more aggressive approach. Surgery is one option that some patients may consider, especially if the gums are in bad shape. According to WebMD, there are five common surgical procedures that can help restore the gums and fend off tooth loss:
All of these procedures generally include thorough cleanings under the gum lines and, in some cases, a transplanting of bone from one area to another.
Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: Routine Dental Procedures in Dallas, TX.
Keeping gums healthy is a top priority of routine dental procedures. Dentists want to help patients ensure that the mouth is healthy enough to sustain the teeth for many years ahead.
Request an appointment or call Lalangas Family Dentistry at 972-534-6008 for an appointment in our Dallas office.
People with tooth loss can smile with confidence again, thanks to the help of an implant dentist. Tooth loss can greatly impact a person's quality of life, affecting how they speak, eat, and feel about their smile. Also, tooth loss can eventually lead to bone loss and changes in facial structure. Fortunately, an implant dentist…
Congratulations on your new dental implants. They are an effective investment in your oral health and smile appearance. However, taking care of them properly and maintaining a schedule with the implant dentist is crucial to ensure your implants' long-term success and longevity. This article includes tips on how to care for and maintain your new…
All-on-4® dental implants provide an innovative, natural-looking solution for patients experiencing extensive tooth loss. Unlike traditional dentures, this treatment combines the permanence and stability of implants with the efficiency of a streamlined design. A general dentist is often the first to identify candidates for this treatment, helping to coordinate care and ensure patients achieve lasting…
People with tooth loss can smile with confidence again, thanks to the help of an…
Congratulations on your new dental implants. They are an effective investment in your oral health…
All-on-4 dental implants restore a full smile with a few strategically placed implants.
If you have missing teeth or are planning to get dentures, you might be wondering…
Family dentistry is not just about oral health—it is about improving the quality of life…
If you have lost one or more of your teeth, talking to an implant dentist…
