Do you have swollen, red, or bleeding gums? You may have gingivitis which is also known as gum inflammation. Gingivitis is the precursor to periodontitis or gum disease. Dr. Stefan Speck provides periodontal disease treatment at Oxford Family Dentistry in Oxford, PA. Although early signs of gum disease may be easily reversed, more complex treatments are needed as the disease progresses.
Please contact Oxford Family Dentistry for restorative dental care to improve the health of your teeth and gums.
Symptoms of a Gum Infection
Common signs of gum inflammation include:
- Bleeding gums
- Tender gums
- Swollen gums
As harmful bacteria build upon and around the gums, patients may experience these symptoms of gum disease:
- Gum recession
- Bad breath (Halitosis)
- Pus between the gums
- Tooth loss
If any of these symptoms sound familiar to you, contact Dr. Speck for a consultation. He will thoroughly examine your smile to find the best treatment for your needs.
How to Treat Gum Disease
Antibacterial rinses as well as scaling and root planing are preventative treatments that Dr. Speck uses against gum disease. These treatments may be performed at routine dental appointments for a deep clean. Antibacterial rinses remove harmful bacteria that can easily hide between teeth in areas that are difficult to reach. Scaling and root planing treatments also remove bacteria.
During scaling treatment, a dental hygienist uses a thin metal tool to remove plaque and tartar from around and beneath the gums. Plaque is a sticky film of bacteria buildup, and tartar is the hardened form of plaque. Root planing smooths the tooth roots, which helps the gums reattach to the teeth.
Dr. Speck may refer patients with severe periodontitis to specialists for oral surgery. Periodontists can remove diseased gum tissue and graft healthy tissue to areas affected by gum recession. Gum grafting helps remove infection and regenerate the gum tissue.
Periodontal Disease Treatment FAQs
Is periodontal disease treatment painful?
Periodontal treatment might cause some discomfort, but it should not be painful. Your dentist or periodontist will use local anesthesia to numb the area they will be treating. You might feel some pressure or discomfort, but it shouldn’t be painful. After the procedure, you may experience some tenderness or swelling, but you can usually manage this will over-the-counter pain relievers.
Can a gum infection go away on its own?
Serious gum infections, like periodontitis, don’t go away without professional dental treatment. Periodontitis requires professional treatment to stop its progression and prevent tooth loss. So, if you’re experiencing symptoms of gum infection, like swollen, red, or bleeding gums, contact your dentist right away.
How long does it take to get periodontal disease?
Periodontal disease doesn’t happen overnight. It usually starts as gingivitis. If you do not treat gingivitis, it can progress to periodontitis over a period of months to years. The rate at which it progresses can vary greatly from person to person and depends on many factors, including oral hygiene habits, genetics, smoking, and overall health. So, keep up with your brushing and flossing and regular dental check-ups.
Does gum disease go away when teeth are removed?
Removing teeth can help manage gum disease, but it doesn’t prevent it. Bacteria and dental plaque cause gum disease. Removing teeth can reduce the areas where plaque can accumulate. However, the bacteria can still exist along the gum line and in the pockets between the gums and remaining teeth. So, even after tooth extraction, it’s important to maintain good oral hygiene and continue with any treatment your dentist or periodontist recommends.
Will periodontal disease go away after one treatment?
No. While a single treatment can significantly improve the health of your gums, it’s unlikely to eliminate the disease. Periodontal disease is a chronic condition that requires ongoing management. The goal of treatment is to control the infection and stop its progression. After your initial treatment, which may include deep cleaning or surgery, you’ll need regular follow-up care. You will also need a solid at-home oral hygiene routine.
How long can you keep your teeth with periodontal disease?
It is difficult to predict how long you can keep your teeth with periodontal disease. It will depend on the severity of the disease and how quickly you seek treatment. With early detection and proper treatment, stopping the progression of periodontal disease and keeping your teeth for a lifetime is possible. But if left untreated, periodontal disease can lead to tooth loss. So, if you have periodontal disease, it’s important to work closely with your dentist or periodontist to manage the condition.
Request a Dental Consultation Today
Are you noticing the early signs of gum disease? Do you already have periodontal symptoms, including gum recession and pain? Contact Oxford Family Dentistry for gum disease treatment at 610.981.1320 or schedule a dental appointment with Dr. Speck on our website.