Tempe, AZ
Gum Disease Treatment at Tempe Smiles Family Dental
Do You Have Gum Disease?
Gum disease is an infection in the soft gum tissue surrounding the teeth. It can be caused by poor dental hygiene, however it can also be a genetic disease that certain people are predisposed to have. There are a number of factors that can lead to periodontal disease, and it can get significantly worse if allowed to progress without treatment. Bacteria from plaque buildup can cause inflammation in the gums, teeth, and bone under the gum tissue. If left untreated, gum disease can cause bone and tooth loss. Some of the symptoms of developing gum disease include:
- Bleeding gums during brushing and flossing
- Red or swollen gums
- Pain when chewing
- Loose teeth
- Bad breath or metallic taste in the mouth
- Sensitivity to hot and cold temperatures
If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, make an appointment for an evaluation with Tempe Smiles Family Dental. Even if you keep up with regular dental cleanings, you still could show symptoms if you are predisposed to gum disease.
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Stages of Gum Disease
The severity of gum disease depends on the stage to which the disease has progressed. There are three stages of gum disease. The stages are:
- Gingivitis - This stage is generally caused by poor dental hygiene. A buildup of plaque can cause inflammation of the gum tissue. This presents itself through the presence of red, puffy gums or bleeding of gums during brushing and flossing. In this first stage, the gum tissue surrounding the teeth are affected, but the infection has not spread below the gumline or into the bone. This is one of the gum disease stages that can be easily treated with a professional dental cleaning and treatment.
- Periodontitis - When your gum disease has progressed below the gum line, it is called periodontitis. This stage affects the fibers below the gum line that keep the teeth in place. Pockets under the gum can form, collecting food, plaque, and bacteria, spreading the infection more deeply under the gums. Improving home dental care and seeking regular dental treatment, possibly more frequently than twice a year, can help combat the disease at this stage.
- Advanced Periodontitis - This final stage is the most serious stage of gum disease. By this point, the connective tissues and bone have deteriorated due to infection and may have been irreparably destroyed. Gum disease treatment for this stage is highly recommended as quickly as possible to repair any bone loss and prevent tooth loss, or to replace missing teeth. Patients with advanced periodontitis may experience significant pain, loose teeth, or even tooth loss.
If you have any of the symptoms of gum disease, see Tempe Smiles Family Dental as soon as possible to seek gum disease treatment before the disease can progress to a serious stage.
What to Expect From Us
At Tempe Smiles Family Dental, we understand that caring for your gums is an integral part of your complete oral health care. Our high quality exams and dental cleanings will comfortably and effectively remove any plaque and tartar that can lead to gum disease. We also check your gums during each dental exam for signs of gingivitis, receding gums, or loose teeth. Regular dental visits can help you remove plaque and tartar that can lead to bacteria buildup.
We also offer laser treatment for gum disease. Laser treatment provides more comfortable, less invasive methods for tartar removal which can be more effective at cleaning and easier on your gums. Laser treatments also help prevent bacterial infection by sterilizing the area as it cleans.
If you have advanced periodontal disease, our team can provide treatment to replace missing teeth and help prevent bone loss. We provide treatment options such as bridges, dental implants, and other cosmetic options to restore your smile. Our highly skilled experts will walk you through every step of the process to restore your gum health and your smile.
Contact Tempe Smiles for Your Gum Disease Treatment
If you are experiencing symptoms of gum disease, contact us at Tempe Smiles Family Dental today for a consultation. Our friendly staff will be happy to answer all of your questions and schedule an appointment for you. We offer a variety of dental services that will provide you with comfortable, professional care for your oral health for the whole family.