Raleigh Gum Disease Treatment
Gingivitis, periodontitis, advanced periodontitis
More adults lose their teeth to gum disease (periodontal disease) than any other dental condition. Although preventable, periodontal infections can lead to long-lasting effects that permanently alter your smile. If you believe you suffer from gum disease in Raleigh, contact North Ridge Dental right away.
The Overall Risk To Your Health
Extensive scientific research shows a positive correlation between gum disease and medical conditions like heart disease, stroke, pneumonia, diabetes, infertility, erectile dysfunction, preeclampsia, and stillbirth. Being that the bacteria can spread through infected gums into your bloodstream and respiratory tract, it can strain your immune system overall.
Treating periodontal infections can statistically boost your wellness and make co-existing conditions more easier to manage. Some people see an improvement in their overall health within just three months after periodontal therapy.
What Is Gum Disease?
Periodontal disease is a condition where infection invades the gum tissues and bone surrounding your teeth. As the condition progresses, these tissues detach from the tooth and begin to recede. Over time, teeth become unstable, loose, or fall out.
Warning Signs Of Periodontal Disease:
Some of the most common symptoms of gum disease include:
- Bleeding gums when you brush or floss
- Chronic halitosis
- Tartar buildup
- Sensitive, swollen, or red gums
- Gum recession
- “Black triangles” between your teeth
- Tooth sensitivity
- Mobile teeth
- Pain or soreness
Stages Of Gum Disease
Gum disease begins as gingivitis. Fortunately, gingivitis is 100% reversible assuming you intervene early. Since this mild form of inflammation is restricted to the outermost edges of your gums, it can typically be remedied within two weeks of proper brushing and flossing.
Left untreated, gingivitis will evolve into active periodontal disease. At this point the tissues will begin to detach and create “pockets” under them, which can harbor additional plaque and tartar. The deeper the periodontal pocket is, the more severe the disease becomes. Any pocket deeper than 3mm is considered atypical and unhealthy. Pockets 6-7mm or deeper are typically considered severe.
Can Gum Disease Run In Families?
Periodontal bacteria can be passed by sharing food or kissing. But probably the most important factor is that oral hygiene habits are often passed on generationally between family members. If preventative care wasn’t something that was a priority per se, those families may have a higher incidence of periodontal infections. But even if gum disease runs in your family, you can still take steps to keep your smile healthy for life!
How To Treat Gum Disease
Since gum disease is beyond the scope of managing with preventative cleanings, a more progressive therapy is required. Typically, we will prescribe a series of periodontal scaling and root planing (deep cleaning) appointments to target deeper pocket areas. You can usually expect to have one half of your mouth cleaned at a time, since local anesthetic may be required. After the deep cleanings are complete, our dentist in Raleigh will place you on a recurring maintenance program to help prevent disease relapse.
Periodontal Screenings In Raleigh
North Ridge Dental incorporates periodontal disease screenings into each preventative care appointment. If you have symptoms of gum disease that aren’t improving with daily home care, contact our dentist in Raleigh for an exam.
