Gum Disease Therapy

GUM DISEASE THERAPY IN BENTON, AR

Your gums are an integral part of the oral health system and because of this, Scott Family Dentistry offers treatment for periodontal (gum) disease. When providing these treatments, the objective is to help heal damaged and diseased gingival tissue, while also stopping the progression of chronic gum disease. When left untreated, periodontal disease can destroy a patient’s health.

Gum Disease Therapy

PERIODONTAL DISEASE AND YOUR HEALTH:

Gum disease, especially in its advanced stages can have prolific and long lasting effects on your oral health and general wellbeing. Periodontal disease is so pervasive that it is the number one cause of tooth loss in adulthood. Gum disease means that a patient’s periodontal tissue is inflamed, irritated, and infected.

The most common cause of periodontal disease is improper and inadequate oral hygiene. Inadequate oral hygiene leads to the accumulation of tartar, which cannot be removed with flossing or brushing once it deposits along the gum line. As tartar builds up along the gums, they become irritated and begin to pull away from the teeth. Over time, the gums will recede further as tartar accumulates, ultimately exposing the roots of teeth to bacteria and debris.

On top of weakening the bond between teeth to gums and teeth to bone, gum disease affects the health of the entire oral cavity. Advanced stage periodontal disease means that there is a chronic and systemic infection in the mouth. Once periodontal disease advances to a certain point, it is not curable and can only be managed with routine professional care.
GUM DISEASE TREATMENTS:

In addition to encouraging meticulous oral hygiene practices, our dentist may prescribe specialized prophylaxis to remove both tartar deep within the gums and infected gingival tissue. The most common prophylaxis protocol for periodontal disease is a treatment called scaling and root planing. This treatment involves deeply cleaning the gums by removing tartar that has accumulated below the gums and along the roots of teeth. The roots are then gently smoothed to prevent the reattachment of new tartar and promote the rejuvenation of new gingival tissue. Scaling and root planing is minimally invasive procedure performed in increments to produce effective results managing periodontal disease and protecting oral health.

To learn more about treating gum disease and preserving your oral health, call Scott Family Dentistry to reserve a consultation.

Gum Disease FAQ

We've compiled a few of the most popular questions we get about gum disease. Click on the question below for the answer.

  • What are the stages of gum disease?

    Periodontal disease is broken down into different stages, each of which is characterized by a set of symptoms that help the periodontist understand how far it has progressed.  The three main stages of gum disease include: 


    Gingivitis – Early stage symptoms include inflammation of the gums, but the bone and connective tissue are not affected.

    Periodontitis – Gums are irreversibly damaged, but further damage can be prevented.

    Advanced periodontitis – Gums are destroyed, and teeth are beginning to shift or loosen

    The more advanced periodontal disease becomes, the more complex the treatment will be to restore oral health. 

  • Is gingivitis reversible?

    Gingivitis is the only stage of gum disease that can be reversed.  By working closely with a dentist or periodontist, and following their instructions for a proper oral hygiene routine, most people can restore the health of their gums. When left untreated and the gum disease progresses, however, the gums become irreversibly damaged.

  • What are the different types of periodontitis?

    Periodontitis is a broad term that is characterized by damage to gums and periodontal tissue.  There are different types of periodontitis, some classified by the rate of advancement and others by the specific associated symptoms. The four different types of periodontitis include:


    Chronic periodontitis – characterized by gradual pocket formation and bone destruction

    Aggressive periodontitis – characterized by rapid loss of gums and bone deterioration

    Periodontitis as a manifestation of systemic disease – common in people suffering from certain systemic diseases, such as heart disease, leukemia, and diabetes 

    Necrotizing periodontal disease – characterized by the death of gum tissue, rapid periodontal destruction, and bone loss often due to the deprivation of nourishment; typically involves intense pain

    It’s important to work closely with a periodontist if you have any type of gum disease. It will not go away on its own, but a periodontist can help restore your oral health. 

  • How does a periodontist treat gum disease?

    Your periodontist will first instruct you in good oral hygiene. In cases of mild gingivitis, improving your dental hygiene can actually reverse the condition and improve the health of your gums. If the disease has progressed to periodontitis, treatments might include scaling and root planing, laser treatment, and various surgical treatments.

GUM DISEASE NEEDS TO BE TREATED WITH CARE BY AN EXPERIENCED DENTIST

Send Scott Family Dentistry a message with ease. We have years of experience with treating gum disease and are more than happy to answer any questions you might have about the process. DO NOT send personal health information through this form. Specific patient care must be addressed during your appointment. We promise to provide professional service and the best dental care available to the residents of Arkansas.

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