Getting Your Healthy Gums Back
While this disease can be reversed in the early stages, advanced cases may progress to chronic gum disease. Dr. Pramod Thomas offers personalized treatment for all stages of the condition at our Richardson, TX, dental office. Our team tailors your gum disease treatment to your specific needs. Our experienced oral surgeon and periodontist perform any necessary surgical interventions right here in our office. We specialize in scaling and root planing, deep cleaning, and preventive dentistry to restore and maintain your oral health. Furthermore, we offer effective gingivitis treatment and gum recession treatment to ensure comprehensive care.
The Causes of Gum Disease
Although certain risk factors such as poor oral hygiene and smoking can increase your likelihood of developing gum disease, it’s primarily caused by an overgrowth of bacteria. Therefore, prompt gum disease treatment is crucial for maintaining oral health and preventing periodontal disease.
When bacteria form plaque and tartar, it causes inflammation, swelling, and redness of your gums, known as gingivitis. This early stage of gum disease can be effectively treated with professional dental cleanings and improvements in oral hygiene. Gingivitis treatment typically involves scaling and root planing procedures.
Early detection and treatment of gingivitis require minimal intervention from your dentist, including scaling and root planing procedures. Your dentist performs gingivitis treatment, which can significantly help in restoring your healthy gums and preventing the progression to more severe periodontal disease.
Advanced Gum Disease
Gum disease treatment becomes necessary when periodontitis develops. Periodontitis causes deep pockets to form near the teeth, accompanied by tissue inflammation and other related issues. Addressing these problems with appropriate gum disease treatment is essential to manage the condition effectively and prevent further complications.
Advanced Stages
Periodontitis develops when gum disease deepens the gum pockets around your teeth. Additionally, bacteria can attack the tooth roots, resulting in bone loss, tooth loss, and gum tissue recession. Consequently, the disease can progress to a chronic stage. However, with proper periodontal care, including scaling and root planing, tissues can be restored, and the disease can be controlled.
Non-Surgical Treatment Options
In the early stages, our doctors can perform initial periodontal therapy to prevent the onset of more serious symptoms. Furthermore, this proactive approach helps in maintaining optimal oral health.
Scaling and Root Planing
- Scaling and root planing, also known as a deep cleaning, is the first step that our doctors will take to treat your periodontal condition.
- During this non-surgical procedure, one of our doctors will access the area beneath the gumline and remove the underlying plaque and bacteria using a laser.
- Using this tool instead of traditional metal tools fosters more comfortable treatment and a shorter recovery time.
- Once the area is completely free of bacteria, your doctor will begin planing the roots or smoothing their surfaces, to prevent bacteria from accumulating in the future.
- If you are exhibiting signs of gum disease, we encourage you to visit our dental office as soon as possible to receive treatment before the onset of more serious symptoms.
Advanced In-Office Surgical Treatment
When necessary, our doctor can perform advanced surgical procedures in our dental office.
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What can I do to prevent gum disease?
A healthy diet with lots of fresh fruits and vegetables is essential to preventing gum disease. We recommend brushing twice a day, flossing regularly, and seeing your dentist every six months.
Can you prevent gum disease by flossing only once a day?
Flossing twice a day will remove more plaque than flossing once a day, so we recommend doing so twice daily. However, flossing only once a day is certainly better than not flossing at all.
Is there any benefit to using a laser to treat gum disease?
Yes! Laser gum therapy can kill bacteria, and in doing so, may prevent the need for surgery. There are also lessened risks of side effects. We strongly recommend it as part of a comprehensive treatment plan for gum disease.
What causes gum disease?
If plaque remains on the teeth for extended periods of time, the gums become irritated, which creates inflammation and ultimately leads to gum disease.
What can I do if I have gum disease?
The best option is to talk to our dentists about a personalized at-home care plan. We may recommend particular oral hygiene products that can minimize gum disease’s progression.
Call For A Consultion
Soft tissue grafting entails transferring a small amount of tissue, typically from the roof of the mouth, to replace receded gum tissue. Additionally, Dr. Thomas offers sedation for patients who feel anxious about undergoing periodontal surgery.