Gum Disease Treatment
Gum disease is a chronic infection of the gums or soft tissues. It occurs when plaque builds up below the gum line, causing an inflammation. Mild gum disease, known as gingivitis, stems from poor oral hygiene and can be reversed with professional treatment and thorough home care. Advanced gum disease, known as periodontitis, cannot be reversed but can be treated.
Dentistry of the Carolinas offers non-surgical treatment for gum disease, including:
- Deep Scaling – removing hardened plaque from below the gum line
- Root Planing – smoothing tooth roots to prevent bacterial attachment
- Antibiotics – battling infection with antibiotic therapy
Symptoms of gum disease are often mild, and many patients aren’t aware of a problem until after they visit the dentist. Bleeding, sore, or irritated gums, loose teeth, and pockets between teeth may indicate gum disease. If left untreated, gum disease can lead to tooth and bone loss. According to recent studies, patients with gum disease are twice as likely to develop heart disease and type 2 diabetes (www.perio.org).