Gum Disease Treatment – Midwest City, OK
Healthier Gums for a Healthier You
Gum disease, also known as periodontal disease, is one of the most common
oral health problems in the United States. While many people dismiss it as a
minor issue, it can lead to devastating consequences if it is left
untreated! Dr. Steven Kendrick is ready to help you combat and conquer gum
disease with effective and conservative gum disease treatment in Midwest City. If you believe
that your gum health could be improved,
contact our team
today to schedule a consultation.
What Is Gum Disease?
Gum disease is inflammation of the gum tissue, caused by harmful bacteria.
It has two basic stages:
- Gingivitis is the earliest stage of gum disease. Its symptoms are subtle and include things like red, swollen gums and gums that bleed when you brush. Bad breath is also common.
- Periodontitis is the advanced form of gum disease. It is characterized by irreversible damage to the gums and underlying bone tissue. Symptoms include gum recession, loose teeth, dental sensitivity, and noticeable pockets between the gums and teeth. Pus along the gumline may be present.
What Causes Gum Disease?
Missteps in oral hygiene are the most common cause of gum disease. For
example, you are at an increased risk if you do not floss or if you
regularly miss a specific spot when you are brushing. Genetics, dental
misalignment, dietary choices, and underlying health conditions can also
contribute to the development of gum disease. Individuals of any age can
suffer from this condition, but it is most common in older individuals.
The Importance of Treatment
If you suspect that you have gum disease, it is vital that you seek
treatment as soon as possible. While the condition is still relatively
mild, it can usually be reversed without any long-term consequences to
your oral health. However, if it remains untreated, it can lead to tooth
loss. It is also associated with an increased risk of numerous systemic
health conditions, including heart attack, stroke, and preterm birth.
During your regular checkups with Dr. Kendrick, he will evaluate your gum health and let you know if there is any cause for concern. If you require gum disease treatment in Midwest City, he will recommend a specific service to get your oral health back on track.
Treatment Options
In many cases, it is possible to reverse gum disease with changes to your oral hygiene routine. Our team can give you personalized coaching and product recommendations to help you fight the bacteria in your mouth that is causing the problem. We may strongly recommend that you begin visiting us more often so we can keep a closer eye on your gum health.
Scaling and Root Planing
In certain cases, you might benefit from a deep cleaning procedure called scaling and root planing. During the treatment, we thoroughly clean the teeth both above and below the gumline. We also smooth out the roots of the teeth so it is more difficult for bacteria to cling to them. Scaling and root planing gives your gum tissue a chance to heal and firmly reattach to your teeth.
Do I Need Scaling & Root Planing?
It depends on how advanced your gum disease currently is. If it’s still in the gingivitis stage, you may be able to reverse it simply by improving your oral hygiene routine; after a certain point, though, scaling and root planing might be necessary to protect your oral health.
We may suggest scaling and root planing if you have noticed any of the following symptoms:
- Gums that bleed easily.
- Bad breath or an unpleasant taste.
- Teeth that have shifted out of place.
- Gums that have receded.
- Increased difficulty while chewing.
The important thing is to contact our office as soon as possible if you suspect that you’re suffering from advanced gum disease. Acting quickly to get the care you need from a trusted expert is often the key to protecting your grin from the worst consequences of a gum infection.
The Process of Scaling & Root Planing
You may need to schedule two visits for scaling and root planing. During the scaling step, plaque and tartar will be removed from your teeth and gums. We will specifically target bacteria that are hiding in the gum pockets, which would be very difficult to clean using normal methods.
Next comes root planing, which involves smoothing out the roots of the teeth. This helps protect the teeth from bacteria accumulation, which in turn lowers the chances of a new infection occurring. On top of that, smoothing the roots makes it easier for the gums to adhere to the teeth again.
Aftercare Tips for Scaling & Root Planing
If a local anesthetic was used for the procedure, you should hold off on eating until the numbness in your mouth has worn off; you don’t want to bite your tongue or cheek without realizing it. When you are ready to eat, be sure to stick to a soft diet for at least the next couple of days.
As your mouth recovers from the scaling and root planing process, make a point of rinsing with warm salt water every few hours. You can still brush and floss your teeth as long as you’re careful around the area that was treated.
Gum Disease Frequently Asked Questions
If you’ve recently been diagnosed with periodontal disease, you might feel completely caught off guard. Although many people believe tooth decay is the only threat to their oral health, gum disease is equally devastating. It’s estimated at least 50% of adults have a form of the infection. Thankfully, we can save your smile with periodontal therapy. We know you have a few concerns, which we will address during your initial consultation. While you wait for your appointment, here are the answers to a few of the most common questions patients ask us.
What are the signs of gum disease?
The early signs of gum disease (gingivitis) are often overlooked because they might not seem concerning, like bleeding, red, or swollen gums. Unfortunately, if the symptoms are ignored, they can progress in severity, such as gum recession, chronic bad breath, and pus pockets near the roots of the teeth. Eventually, your teeth may even loosen, shift out of alignment, or fall out. Although gum disease is preventable, it’s the leading cause of tooth loss. To preserve your smile, it’s best to contact your dentist for an appointment at the first sign of infection.
Can gum disease affect my general health?
Your oral and general health are linked to one another. As a result, untreated gum disease affects more than just your smile. The infection can enter your bloodstream through the pressure of regular chewing. As it circulates throughout the body, it can wreak havoc on your overall health. Research shows the infection can increase your risk of cardiovascular disease, respiratory infections, Alzheimer’s disease, diabetic complications, and more.
How can I prevent gum disease?
Although gum disease is common, you can help prevent it by committing to your oral hygiene at home and regular care from your dentist. It’s best to use a soft-bristled toothbrush and tartar control toothpaste at least twice a day. Clean all surfaces of your teeth for at least 2 minutes each session. In addition to brushing, don’t forget to floss in between each tooth before going to bed at night. Flossing cleans the areas between your teeth and around your gum line missed by your toothbrush. Without nightly flossing, harmful plaque and bacteria will accumulate and infect the gingival tissue.
Besides your oral hygiene routine at home, don’t forget to visit your dentist at least twice a year for a cleaning and checkup. They will look for early signs of the infection to provide gum disease therapy. You may need more frequent checkups to keep the infection at bay.
How much does gum disease therapy cost?
There isn’t a set rate for periodontal therapy because the cost is based on your specific treatment plan. Every policy differs, but many dental insurances offer coverage for gum disease treatment. Our dental office will file the necessary claim forms to maximize your benefits to lower the amount you pay out-of-pocket. If there’s any remaining balance, we’ll explain your payment options. We’ll help you restore a healthy smile for affordable rates.