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Periodontal Therapy Charlotte, NC

Periodontitis affects millions of Americans each year. Swollen gums, also known as gingivitis, precedes gum disease so it is important to catch it in the early stages. Dr. Greg Reece and the staff at Dentistry of the Queen City provide periodontal treatment in our Charlotte, NC dental office.

You may not have thought of it this way, but gum disease is actually a sneaky disease. This condition begins slowly when bacterial plaque builds up on the teeth. The first indications of this infection are usually gums that are red, swollen and bleeding. However, the condition is easily reversible at this stage.

Without treatment, gingivitis can develop into a more severe condition we call periodontitis. This can eventually cause bone loss and the loss of your teeth. Fortunately, before letting it get to that point, you have a number of treatment options available to you. Let’s look at some common causes, and how we can fix periodontal disease issues.

periodontal therapy in Charlotte North Carolina

Treating Gum Disease in Charlotte, NC

Dr. Greg Reece uses periodontal therapy treatments to help our patients address gum disease issues. He will examine your teeth and gums to determine if your gums need a deep cleaning or surgery. Dr. Reece has periodontal therapy treatment options for you. He may also refer you to a specialist for more extensive procedures.

Periodontal therapy involves the removal of plaque and tartar from the teeth and gums, as well as the use of antibiotics to reduce inflammation and infection. This type of therapy can help to prevent further damage to the gums, teeth, and other structures in the mouth. It can also help to restore lost tissue and bone structure. We can help our patients live a healthy oral hygiene lifestyle with the following periodontal therapy procedures in our Charlotte dental office.

Scaling and Root Planing

Scaling and root planing are two common dental procedures that Dr. Reece uses to treat gum disease. These intensive professional cleaning treatments often go together. Plaque and tartar buildup on your teeth causes gum disease, which can lead to inflammation and infection of the gums.

Scaling involves removing the plaque and tartar from above and below the gum line. Root planing involves smoothing out the rough surfaces of the teeth so that the plaque and tartar can’t easily adhere to them. Root planing also helps gums reattach to your teeth.

Both scaling and root planing are relatively simple procedures that we can complete in a single dental visit. However, in some cases, multiple visits may be necessary to fully treat the gum disease. If you think you may have gum disease, be sure to see your dentist for an evaluation.

Gum Graft Surgery

Graft surgery is a procedure a dentist or oral surgeon can use to treat gum recession and prevent tooth loss. Gum recession is when the gum tissue around the teeth begins to pull away, exposing the roots of the teeth. This can happen for a variety of reasons, including Periodontitis, brushing too hard, or genetics.

Gum graft surgery involves taking gum tissue from another part of the mouth and grafting it to the area of gum recession. This can help cover the exposed tooth roots and prevent further gum loss. Gum graft surgery is a relatively common procedure.

Flap Surgery

Gum flap surgery is a common treatment for advanced stages of periodontal disease. This oral surgery helps address periodontal disease by removing the infected tissue and hardening the gum line. The dentist usually completes this type of surgery in two steps.

The dentist or surgeon starts by making an incision in the gums and flap them back. This exposes the underlying bone and tissue. The surgeon will then remove tartar from beneath them, clean out the infection, and remove any damaged tissue. Patients with deep gum pockets can benefit from this surgery.

The second step is to suture the gums back in place. In some cases, a patient may need a bone graft or other type of tissue graft to help rebuild the damaged area. Gum flap surgery is an effective treatment for advanced periodontitis. It can help save your teeth and gums from further damage, and loss.

The Stages of Periodontal Disease

Periodontal disease has three distinct stages, each with characteristic symptoms. Prompt treatment for early-stage gum disease can help you avoid complex problems and even permanent damage to your teeth and gums.

Gingivitis

Gingivitis is the first official stage of gum disease. Some patients mistaken bleeding gums as the first stage, but this is just the first symptom. The first signs of gingivitis can include red or swollen gums, gums that bleed when brushing, and increased gum sensitivity.

These symptoms indicate a developing infection in the gums that your dentist can resolve when treated early. We can prescribe an antibacterial mouth rinse for patients with gingivitis.

Periodontitis

Left untreated, gingivitis can progress into periodontitis. This is a deeper infection of the gums. Periodontitis creates pockets around the teeth and begins to compromise gum health and the integrity of the teeth. Symptoms can include changes in the fit of the bite, loose teeth or noticeable changes in the look of your gums.

Advanced Periodontitis

Advanced periodontitis is the most serious stage of gum disease that can lead to tooth loss and other serious health problems. If you have advanced periodontitis, it means that you have severe damage to your gum tissue and bone supporting your teeth. This can cause your teeth to become loose and eventually fall out.

Bacteria that accumulates in the pockets around your teeth causes advanced periodontitis. These bacteria release toxins that damage the gum tissue and bone. If left untreated, advanced periodontitis can lead to a host of health problems, including heart disease, stroke, and diabetes. If you think you may have advanced periodontitis, it’s important to see a dentist or periodontist right away.

Common Causes of Gum Disease

The following conditions may predispose patients to gum disease and worsen their symptoms.

  • Smoking
  • Tobacco Use
  • Improper oral hygiene
  • Certain medications

Brushing and flossing twice a day is the main preventative measure against gum disease. Also, schedule regular dental cleanings and visits to the dental office to ensure that you are getting the oral care you need to maintain healthy gums.

Symptoms of Gum Disease

You should look out for the symptoms and signs of gum disease. Common symptoms of gum disease include the following:

  • Swollen gums
  • Bleeding gums
  • Receding gums
  • Loose teeth
  • Bad breath
  • Toothaches
  • Mouth sores

If you notice any of these symptoms, it is important to contact our dentist as soon as possible for further evaluation and quick and effective treatment. Dr. Reece will provide prompt treatment before your gingivitis or periodontitis issues get worse.

My Periodontal disease has progressed. What kind of treatment will help me?

We may recommend periodontal pocket reduction if your gum tissue is still not snugly fitting around your teeth, and you are having difficulty keeping deep pockets clean. This is when your dentist or periodontist will fold back your gums, removing bacterial infection and smoothing damaged bone. In turn, this allows your gum tissue to reattach to healthier bone.

Schedule a Periodontal Exam with our Dentist in Charlotte, NC

Do you think you have gingivitis or periodontitis in Charlotte and Mallard Creek, NC? Are you experiencing bleeding gums that just won’t go away? Call 704-486-8911 or schedule an appointment online for a gum disease treatment consult with Dr. Greg Reece today.