Baltimore Dental Co. is a local dentist office that offers periodontal disease treatment in Glyndon, MD. Gum disease is a very common dental concern that we treat in our office. During each regular dental exam, we will screen for it along with other common dental concerns. Beyond screening and providing thorough dental cleanings to stop the development of gum disease, we can also help you restore your smile if you develop gum disease. As your trusted local restorative dentist, Dr. Leah Romay is passionate about keeping her patient’s smiles healthy and disease-free. No matter what stage of the disease you are in, she can provide you with the appropriate treatment and then help you maintain a healthy smile for a lifetime.
What is Gum Disease?
Gum disease, formally known as periodontal disease, is a common yet serious condition that affects the gums and tissues in the mouth as well as the teeth. This disease develops from a buildup of plaque that forms on the teeth. Plaque contains bacteria, and if it’s not removed from your teeth regularly, the bacteria will begin to harm your gums. Without proper treatment, the disease will progress and can eventually do serious harm to your oral health and even your overall health.
Understanding Plaque
Plaque is a sticky, yellow film that is filled with bacteria. It constantly forms in your mouth and coats your teeth. It develops when your saliva mixes with sugar and starches from foods you consume. The only way to remove plaque is with daily brushing and flossing, or else it will cause harm to your teeth and gums. If not consistently removed, it will build up on your teeth and make its way to your gums. Furthermore, plaque can harden into a substance called tartar. Tartar cannot be removed with brushing and can be very harmful to your teeth and gums. The buildup of plaque and tartar from lack of proper oral hygiene is the leading cause of gum disease.
The Symptoms of Gum Disease
- Swollen, red, and tender gums
- Bleeding gums
- Bad breath (halitosis)
- Receding gums
- Gum pockets
- Loose teeth
- Teeth that shift
- Change in bite
- Gum abscess
- Change in denture fit
The Stages of Gum Disease
There are actually several stages of periodontal disease. Since it is a progressive disease, it starts off very mild and then slowly progresses into a more serious disease. The stages of gum disease include:
Gingivitis
This is the first stage of periodontal disease and often goes unnoticed. During this stage, the gums are red or swollen and may feel irritated or inflamed. Patients may suffer from bleeding gums when the brush their teeth or floss in between their teeth. Your dentist can treat your gingivitis if it is caught early.
Periodontitis
Gingivitis that is left untreated will develop into periodontitis. This is an advanced stage of gum disease and the signs and symptoms should never be ignored. During this stage, deep pockets have formed along the gum line and they harbor bacteria. The gums are inflamed, red, swollen, bleeding and the underlying bone is also likely affected.
Advanced Periodontitis
The most serious stage of gum disease is advanced periodontitis. This is a critical condition that will require treatment immediately. The disease at this point is irreversible. Very deep pockets of have formed along the gums causing the gums to pull away from the teeth. This leaves the underlying bone exposed to bacteria and bone loss is inevitable. Tooth loss is also likely.
Periodontal Disease Treatment in Glyndon, MD
To treat gum disease, often we will recommend scaling and root planning to help deep clean the pockets of your gums that hold built-up bacteria. It’s important to treat gum disease sooner rather than later because this excess bacteria can begin to eat away at your gum line and cause gum recession or even tooth loss.
Scaling and Root Planing
This deep cleaning treatment is used to treat gum disease in the earlier stages when it’s mild to moderate. The first step is called scaling. This is when the dental hygienist or dentist will remove the plaque and tarter from the surface of the teeth and below the gumline. This will eliminate the bacteria that causes inflammation and irritation.
The second step in the treatment is called root planing. After the scaling, your dentist or hygienist will smooth down or plane the roots of your teeth. This part of the process will help remove the rough areas of on the tooth roots. Rough areas on the roots attract bacteria and allow them to reattach to the tooth surface. Root planing also helps the gums reattach to the tooth roots and reduce the size of the gum pockets.
Periodontal Disease FAQs
Dr. Romay is happy to answer any questions you might have about periodontal disease treatment. Here are some answers to frequently asked questions:
How can I prevent gum disease development?
The best way to prevent gum disease development is to schedule regular oral health and wellness appointments with your general dentist. During these appointments, our staff will clean your dental structures and rid your gum line of any plaque or tartar buildup.
This buildup is the cause of gum disease and needs to be professionally removed by a dental professional. By scheduling regular oral health and wellness appointments once every six months, plaque and tartar buildup will be removed from your smile before it gets the chance to cause extensive damage.
What are the symptoms of gum disease?
The first sign of gum disease development is gingivitis or bleeding gums. If you notice a small amount of blood in the sink after brushing or flossing, this is a good sign that you are in need of a thorough cleaning.
Other symptoms may include inflamed gums, gum recession, gum tenderness, loose teeth, teeth sensitivity, or bad breath. Report any of these symptoms to your dentist at your next appointment.
How long does periodontal treatment take?
The average gum surgery procedure lasts two hours. In some circumstances, patients will need to be asleep or semi-conscious during the surgery. Sometimes the operation only entails numbing the gums using a local anesthetic, however the numbing injection used may cause some minor discomfort.
How long is periodontal surgery recovery?
It may take up to two weeks for your gums to fully recover, so it’s critical that you follow your dentists instructions. During this time be careful when chewing and engaging in strenuous activity, as your body is still healing.
How painful is periodontal treatment?
Periodontal treatment is not painful. You may experience some discomfort after treatment, but you will be numbed for the actual procedure. Discomfort after treatment should only last a few days.
Are you put to sleep for periodontal surgery?
Patients are either put to sleep or numbed using conscious sedation during periodontal surgery. Treatment generally takes about 2 hours in total to complete.
Can bone regenerate after periodontal disease?
After periodontal disease, bone cannot regenerate on its own. If you suffer from bone due to gum disease, you will need a bone graft. Bone grafts and tissue-stimulating proteins can help to encourage regrowth in regions where bone was lost.
Can laser treatment cure periodontal disease?
Periodontal disease can be effectively treated using laser therapy. According to recent controlled research, lasers produce comparable outcomes to other treatment options, such as scaling and root planing.
Schedule an Appointment for Periodontal Disease Treatment in Glyndon, MD
Are you in need of periodontal disease treatment in Glyndon, MD? Do you suspect you are showing signs of gum disease development? Dr. Leah Romay is happy to evaluate your smile and offer you a treatment plan to restore your dental health and your peace of mind. To book can appointment, please call our local dentist office or request an appointment online. We look forward to seeing you soon.