Periodontal Care
Periodontal disease, also known as gum disease, is a chronic infection of the gums that affects almost half of all adults in the United States, according to a recent study by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Gum disease is damaging to more than just the tissues in your mouth. This chronic infection has also been linked to diabetes, heart disease, and pancreatic cancer. Pregnant women who have gum disease may be at greater risk of giving birth to a low birth-weight baby. Gum disease is a silent epidemic that is affecting the health of millions of people across the country. If you think you may have periodontal disease, it is important to see a dentist or periodontist as soon as possible to get treatment.
Dentistry by Dr. Kaplansky is on the front lines in the fight against gum disease. We believe that gum disease is a serious issue that can have a negative impact on your overall health. That’s why we make it our top priority to prevent gum disease through good preventative care and timely treatment. We educate our patients on the importance of brushing and flossing, and we provide regular cleanings and checkups to ensure that gum disease is caught early. When gum disease is detected, we work quickly to treat it with the latest methods and technologies. We are committed to keeping our patients healthy, and that starts with keeping gum disease under control.
What Causes Periodontal Disease?
Gum disease is a serious condition that can lead to tooth loss and other health problems. It begins with bacteria that naturally occur in the mouth creating waste products. This waste combines with saliva, bits, and particles of food, and the bacteria themselves to form a film called plaque, which collects on the surface of your teeth. If this harmful film is not adequately removed through good dental hygiene habits, it can harden into a substance called tartar. Tartar creeps below the gum line and pushes the gums away from the teeth, creating a pocket where infection can occur. Gum disease is a preventable condition, but it requires good dental hygiene habits and regular visits to the dentist for professional cleanings.
Gum disease is a serious oral health problem that should not be taken lightly. If left untreated, it can cause extensive damage to your teeth and gums. The first stage of gum disease is gingivitis, which is characterized by red, swollen, and bleeding gums. If gingivitis is not treated, it can progress to periodontitis, which is a more serious form of gum disease. Periodontitis occurs when the infection spreads to the tissues and bone around the tooth. This can cause the gum to pull away from the tooth, creating pockets where bacteria can grow. Over time, the bone around the tooth can begin to recede, leading to looseness and eventually tooth loss. Gum disease is a serious infection that requires prompt treatment in order to protect your oral health.
Treatment Options
At our office, we always aim to provide the most conservative treatment possible. For early-stage gum disease, also known as gingivitis, this may simply mean making changes to your personal care routine. In more advanced cases, we may need to perform deep cleaning, using a method called scaling and root planing. This involves removing plaque build-up from beneath the gum line and smoothing away the grooves in the roots of your teeth where bacteria can settle. We may also prescribe antibiotics to help stop the infection in your mouth. By taking a conservative approach, we can often avoid the need for surgery and help you keep your natural teeth for life.
We are committed to providing the highest quality of care for our patients. That is why we are happy to offer soft tissue laser treatment for those suffering from advanced gum disease. Laser gum treatment is a minimally invasive procedure that can remove damaged gum tissue with little discomfort or recovery time. In fact, patients typically experience quick healing times and easier recoveries. As a result, laser gum treatment can provide significant relief for those suffering from advanced gum disease. If you are interested in learning more about this procedure, we encourage you to contact our office to schedule a consultation.
Are You Suffering From Gum Disease? Call Us Now!
Dentistry by Dr. Kaplansky offers excellent gum disease treatment to residents of Gasport, Lockport, Middleport, Terrys Corners, Wrights Corners, Carlisle Gardens, Hartland, Highland Park, and Medina, NY.
Some of the beginning symptoms of gum disease include redness or swelling of the gums, gums that bleed easily, and tenderness. If you believe you have gum disease, we recommend that you seek treatment as soon as possible. The timely treatment of this infection could help reduce your risk of developing the major illnesses associated with periodontitis. These include heart disease, stroke, diabetes, and respiratory disease.
For more information on our gum disease treatment options or to schedule an appointment, please call Dentistry by Dr. Kaplansky today.