Achieve a Healthy, Infection-free Smile with Periodontal Therapy
Do you see blood spots when flossing and brushing your teeth? Or do you have noticeable gaps between your teeth and gums? These are tell-tale symptoms of gum disease. We are glad you have found Divine Dental Center in Murfreesboro, Tennessee because most gum disease cases are treatable in our office. Whether you are dealing with mild or advanced gum disease, make an appointment with Dr. Osayomore Eguakun for expert guidance on recovery.
What do I need to know about gum disease?
Anyone who doesn’t brush or floss their teeth will surely develop periodontal disease. Insufficient oral hygiene allows plaque to accumulate in the mouth. Dental plaque contains harmful bacteria that secrete toxins that irritate your gums, causing gingivitis—the earliest form of gum disease.
Gingivitis symptoms include:
- Swollen or puffy gums
- Bleeding gums, especially when brushing or flossing your teeth
- Gum redness
- Bad breath
- Gums that feel tender when touched
Gum disease is a progressive oral condition. If left untreated, it advances beneath the gingival tissues, damaging the gums and bone that support teeth. We recommend prompt gum disease treatment to deny this oral condition a chance to damage your smile.
How is gum disease treated?
We use a conservative approach to gum disease treatment. The earliest form of gum disease (gingivitis) responds favorably to brushing, flossing, and standard cleanings. At this early stage, the goal is to eliminate the buildup of plaque and bacteria that cause gum inflammation with simple, non-invasive treatments.
When you have moderate to severe gum disease, your dentist will recommend deep teeth cleaning. This non-surgical procedure is like standard cleaning but more thorough. The dentist uses a scaler to remove built-in plaque and calculus from the tooth surface and the deep periodontal pockets. The final step is to plane (smooth) the roots to create a smooth, healthy surface to promote gum healing.
Can gum disease involve surgery?
Deep teeth cleaning works, but sometimes, the pockets formed are too deep for scaling equipment. Gum flap surgery exposes the roots to give the doctor better access for effective cleaning. Once the cleaning is complete, the dentist repositions the gum flap and stitches it back into place.
Advanced periodontal disease can be destructive. When the gums and bone are irreparably damaged, you may need grafting to replenish lost tissues. Even when surgical treatments are necessary, we’ll guide you every step of the way until you achieve optimal gum health.
Can I prevent gum disease?
Although we can treat gum disease, we emphasize prevention. Advanced periodontal disease causes irreversible damage, so you’d rather prevent it in the first place. Observe the following tips to keep your smile infection-free.
- Brush your teeth for a full two minutes twice a day
- Floss your teeth at least once daily
- Use a medicated mouthwash to reach areas where your toothbrush and floss might miss
- Eat a dental-friendly diet and keep your mouth hydrated
- Don’t skip your bi-annual dental visits
- Manage stress and other immune-suppressing conditions
Are you interested in periodontal disease treatment?
Gum disease often leaves a trail of destruction throughout the body. However, this doesn’t have to be the case—Divine Dental Center offers several periodontal treatments to ensure you preserve your healthy, beautiful smile—call (615) 200-1195 to schedule an appointment today.
