Gum disease is very common and affects an estimated 50% of U.S. adults (or around 65 million people). If left untreated, this common condition can not only lead to tooth loss, but also increase your risk of serious illnesses like heart disease. At Greenwood Dental, we want to help you maintain good oral health and overall well-being, so we offer multiple types of gum disease therapy that address the root cause of gum disease. If you think your gums could use some help, give us a call to schedule an appointment. After Dr. Greenwood has evaluated your needs, he'll create the perfect treatment plan for your smile.
Gum disease occurs when plaque and bacteria cause inflammation and damage the gums and underlying bone that surround the roots of the teeth. These structures support the teeth and keep them in place, giving them the stability they need for chewing hard, crunchy, or tough foods.
One of the first symptoms of gum disease is bleeding gums, particularly after brushing or flossing. This early stage is called gingivitis and may also include swollen or tender gums. As gum disease progresses to more advanced stages, you may notice more severe bleeding, chronic bad breath, gum recession, loose teeth, or discomfort when chewing.
Many people don't realize it, but gum health is the foundation of their smile. By getting the treatment you need, you'll greatly reduce your risk of tooth loss. Not to mention the many studies that have found that having healthy gums lowers your risk of:
If you notice any of the symptoms of gum disease mentioned above, give us a call. As a dentist in Sagamore Hills, we have several different treatments that are very effective, but the earlier we start, the better.
Also called a “deep cleaning,” scaling and root planing is usually done in 2-4 visits, depending on your needs. We make your comfort a top priority, so we'll numb you beforehand to make sure you stay comfortable. Then we’ll use special instruments to gently but thoroughly remove the plaque, tartar, and bacteria from under your gumline. We'll also smooth the roots of your teeth to discourage bacteria from re-accumulating.
With advanced training and experience, we can also use a soft-tissue laser to treat your gums, which offers many significant benefits. This concentrated beam of light is not only gentle, but also very effective at targeting and killing bacteria (the source of gum disease) under the gumline.
Not to mention that it's so comfortable that anesthetic isn’t usually necessary, which is ideal for patients who don’t like needles. In addition, you'll have significantly less bleeding and won't need sutures or stitches. And since we can be more precise with a laser, we're able to treat diseased gum tissue without affecting healthy tissue, so you'll heal faster as well.
Applying a topical antibiotic under your gums can be a wonderful addition to either of the above therapies. This “gel” is only placed in isolated areas where it's needed and offers extra antibacterial protection for your gums. You could almost compare it to applying antibiotic ointment to a cut after it’s been cleaned, except it's used under the gums instead.
Finally, after your initial gum disease therapy, we'll recommend coming in for cleanings every 3, 4, or 6 months (depending on the severity of your gum disease). These visits will maintain your progress and keep your gums healthy over the long-term.