Gum Disease Treatment Columbus OH
"Because we believe that great dentistry and great health affects your every smile, every conversation, every meal, and every kiss profoundly"
How Do I Know If I Have Gum Disease?
If you suspect you may have a form of gum disease, check for the following symptoms and follow up with your dentist. Many people ignore the signs of the earliest stage, gingivitis, assuming they just have “sensitive gums” when that itself is a symptom of periodontal disease.
Gingivitis
Gingivitis is the most common form of gum disease. It is the earliest stage of periodontitis and is normally the result of a build-up of bacterial plaque along the edges of the gums where they meet the teeth. At this stage your gums may be easily irritated, become swollen, puffy, and red, and may even bleed slightly when you brush or floss. If gingivitis is left untreated, it can quickly advance to a later stage of gum disease that can pose serious risks to your oral health. Dr. Stoner can diagnose early stages of gum disease and recommend a deep cleaning to remove the plaque buildup. With proper oral care and routine cleanings, you can help prevent plaque from building up again.
Early Periodontitis
Early periodontitis is a more severe form of gum disease and should be treated right away. Early periodontitis is caused by a more aggressive build-up of periodontitis bacteria, and the symptoms are more severe than those present with gingivitis. The gums will feel irritated and painful and there will likely be excessive bleeding from the gums during brushing and flossing. The plaque build-up begins to spread below the gum line, where the bacteria will settle and breed, releasing toxins that cause massive inflammation. At this stage, laser gum treatment may be recommended.
Advanced Periodontistis
Advanced periodontitis is the stage at which the buildup of plaque, bacteria, and toxins below the gum line start to destroy the gum tissue. This creates pockets between your teeth and gums, which will also collect bacteria, causing the pockets to enlarge and leading to gum recession. These infections of the gums will spread, and the bone underlying the teeth can also become compromised, leaving the tooth with no firm foundation. The destruction of bone due to periodontitis is the leading cause of tooth loss in the U.S. Dr. Stoner can recommend minimally invasive treatments such as the Pinhole Technique or more complex solutions like gingival grafts to restore your gums to health.
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How Can Gum Disease Be Treated?
At Stoner Periodontic Specialists, we provide treatments for all levels of gum disease. Your overall health is connected to your oral health, and our goal is to keep your teeth and gums as healthy as possible.
Treatment for Gingivitis
If you have gingivitis, a deep cleaning and closer adherence to your at-home oral health regimen can often resolve the issue. If the gingivitis is advanced, Dr. Stoner may schedule a follow-up after your deep cleaning to ensure your gum health has continued to improve. If your gum disease has progressed, Dr. Stoner may recommend advanced periodontal treatment.
Periodontitis Treatment
At this stage, plaque and tartar have formed below the gum line, where they cannot be removed with brushing and flossing alone. Bacteria has begun to cause infections, which will damage the underlying bone and the attachment of the gums to the teeth. Gums may start to pull away from the teeth (gum recession), causing more tenderness and bleeding. As a periodontist, Dr. Stoner is trained to perform specialty dental procedures to restore your gums to health and halt or even reverse damage. Theseprocedures include:
- Deep cleanings to remove plaque and bacteria from below the gum line
- One-month follow up appointment after a deep cleaning to assess gum health
- Tissue and root therapy if required to help restore gums to health
Advanced Treatments
At this stage, the bone and the attachment of the gums to the teeth have been partially destroyed, and your teeth may begin to shift or loosen. You may notice a bad taste in your mouth, or notice that your bite has changed (how your teeth come together when you bite down.) Professional dental intervention is required to treat advanced periodontitis and save the teeth. Some of these advanced treatments include:
- Pocket reduction therapy
- Gingival grafting
- Bone grafting
Periodontal treatment can restore health to your gums, relieve symptoms such as tenderness, puffiness, and bleeding, and prevent the likelihood of tooth loss from advanced periodontal disease.
Schedule a Dental Checkup to Prevent Gum Disease
Contact Stoner Periodontic Specialists if you would like more information about gum disease symptoms or treating gum disease. Our trained staff can answer any and all questions you may have about gum disease, and the dental hygiene team is happy to help you with your at-home oral health plan. Contact us to schedule a dental check-up by calling our office (614) 889-8222 or by using our online Contact Form.