Gum disease attacks the gums and the bone that supports your teeth. A sticky film of food debris, bacteria, saliva, and plaque buildup causes this issue. If you don’t visit the dentist to remove plaque, it can harm your gums and bones. Also known as periodontal disease, gum disease shows up as red and swollen gums that bleed easily. If you have gum disease, we offer periodontal disease treatment in Carrollton, TX.
Our dental team has experience treating gum disease and restoring smiles with periodontal treatments. Gum disease is part of our restorative dentistry services. Treating gum problems can improve the function and comfort of the teeth and gums. Professional care for gum disease is essential. Over time, the symptoms of gum disease worsen and lead to loose teeth and deep gum pockets.
Signs of Gum Disease
The signs and symptoms of periodontal disease include:
- Bleeding gums when brushing or flossing
- Red, swollen, or tender gums
- Persistent bad breath
- Receding gums
- Pocket formation between teeth and gums
- Loose or shifting teeth
Please contact our office if you notice signs of gum disease, like redness, swelling, or bleeding gums. One of the main reasons people develop gum disease is that they don’t keep up with their hygiene appointments. Let us help you achieve and maintain a healthy smile with expert periodontal therapy. Early detection and treatment are key to successful care.
Periodontal Disease Treatment in Carrollton, TX
At Hebron Family Dental, we treat gum disease at the source to ensure your gums stay strong and disease-free. We use the latest techniques to fight gum disease effectively. We aim to restore your gum health, prevent further damage, and preserve your natural teeth.
Our dentist will carefully examine your gums and develop a straightforward recovery plan. With the right care and treatment, we can manage your gum disease and even reverse it in its early stages. The effects are much easier to reverse if your gums are in the gingivitis stage.
If you don’t treat gingivitis, it can become permanent periodontal disease. This form of gum disease affects the bone attached to your teeth and the tissue. So it is vital to catch gum disease before it progresses.
Our experienced dental team offers treatments to address your specific needs and give you better oral health. From deep cleaning procedures to advanced treatments, we tailor our approach to ensure effective and long-lasting results. Some treatments we can offer include:
Deep Cleaning
A deep cleaning helps remove harmful plaque and tartar that build up below the gum line. This process includes scaling, which removes the buildup, and root planing, which smooths out the surface of tooth roots. Smoothing the roots helps your gums heal and reattach to your teeth to make them stronger and healthier.
Antibiotic Therapy
Our dentist can apply localized antibiotics directly to the infected areas to help control bacterial growth and promote healing. We often apply antibiotics to the gums after a deep gum cleaning.
Laser Therapy
We use special dental lasers to gently remove infected or damaged gum tissue. This precise treatment targets only the unhealthy areas, leaving healthy tissue untouched. The laser also helps encourage the growth of new, healthy gum tissue to promote faster healing and a more comfortable recovery. Lasers can treat gum disease with minimal discomfort.
Surgical Treatments
In advanced cases of gum disease, you may need surgical procedures like flap surgery or bone and tissue grafts to restore your oral health. During flap surgery, the dentist lifts your gums to clean deep pockets of plaque and tartar that are hard to reach with regular cleaning. After cleaning, they secure your gums back in place to help them heal properly.
Bone and tissue grafts rebuild areas where gum disease has damaged or caused loss of bone and gum tissue. Bone grafts add new bone material to support your teeth, while tissue grafts restore receded gum tissue. These surgeries work together to repair damage, strengthen your teeth and gums, and protect your oral health from future problems.
Our team will work closely with you to make sure you understand your condition, and give you the tools for good home care. We help patients make healthy choices that benefit their gums and overall health. Remember, healthy gums are the key to a confident, long-lasting smile.
If you have any concerns about your gum health, please don’t hesitate to contact us. We’re here to help you get the smile you deserve.
How to Prevent Gum Infection
We know that a healthy smile is about more than just straight, white teeth. The foundation of a stunning smile begins with healthy gums. We take many preventative measures to keep gum disease from developing in the first place.
Schedule Visits
Coming in for your bi-yearly hygiene appointments is one of the best ways to prevent gum disease. Our hygienists will thoroughly clean your teeth and remove any disease-causing plaque and tartar.
Brush and Floss
In addition to your regular visits, you can help prevent gum infection by practicing good oral hygiene at home. Make sure to brush your teeth at least twice a day with fluoride toothpaste. Don’t forget to floss daily to clean between your teeth and remove food particles and plaque that your toothbrush can’t reach.
Eat Healthy Foods
Eating a balanced diet can also support your gum health. Try to include plenty of fruits and vegetables, which are rich in vitamins and minerals. Foods high in sugar can contribute to plaque buildup, so it’s best to limit sugary snacks and drinks.
Avoid Tobacco Products
If you smoke or use other tobacco products, it can weaken your gums. It can also make it easier for infections to develop.
Tobacco can slow down the healing process when you get dental care. This means that your gums may take longer to recover, which can affect the success of gum disease treatments. Talk to our dentist about resources to help you quit.
Periodontal Disease Treatment FAQs
Learn more about periodontal disease treatment in Carrollton, TX, with answers to these patient questions:
How is gum disease connected to heart problems?
the bacteria from infected gums can enter your bloodstream. Once in the bloodstream, these bacteria may travel to your heart and cause inflammation. This can increase your risk of conditions like heart disease, heart attack, or stroke. People with gum disease are more likely to have these heart issues.
Why do I have sensitive gums when I’m pregnant?
Pregnancy can cause sensitive gums because of the changes in hormone levels. These hormones can make your gums react more to bacteria, leading to swelling, tenderness, and bleeding when you brush or floss. This condition is called pregnancy gingivitis.
Take extra care of your teeth and gums during pregnancy. Continue to brush, floss, and visit our dentist regularly. If your gum sensitivity continues or worsens, contact our dentist for advice and treatment.
Is gum disease contagious?
No, gum disease isn’t contagious, but the bacteria that cause gum disease can spread. These bacteria can transfer through saliva. If you share utensils, toothbrushes, or even kiss, it could increase the chance of spreading harmful bacteria. However, just because you come into contact with these bacteria doesn’t mean you will develop gum disease.
Does gum disease cause tooth loss?
Yes, gum disease can cause tooth loss if left untreated. As a gum infection progresses, it damages the bones that support your teeth. When this happens, teeth can become loose and may fall out or need removal.
Do I have gum disease if my gums bleed?
Bleeding gums can be an early sign of gum disease, but it’s not the only cause. Gums might bleed because of inflammation caused by plaque buildup, which leads to gingivitis, the first stage of gum disease. Other causes can include brushing too hard, hormone changes, or certain health conditions. If your gums bleed often, see our dentist for care.
What are the risk factors for gum disease?
Several factors can increase your risk of developing gum disease. These include:
- Poor oral hygiene: If you don’t brush or floss regularly, it can lead to plaque buildup, which causes gum disease.
- Smoking or tobacco use: This weakens your gums and makes it harder for them to heal.
- Family history: Genetics can play a role in how likely you are to develop gum disease.
- Health conditions: Diseases like diabetes can make your gums more vulnerable to infection.
- Hormonal changes: Pregnancy, menopause, and other hormonal shifts can increase gum sensitivity and risk for gum disease.
- Medications: Some medicines can reduce saliva flow, which helps protect your gums.
- Stress: High stress levels can weaken your immune system and make it harder for your body to fight infections like gum disease.
How often should I visit the dentist if I have gum disease?
If you have gum disease, you should visit the dentist more often than twice a year. Most people with gum disease need checkups and cleanings every three to four months. These visits allow our dentist to monitor your gums, provide cleanings, and prevent your gum disease from worsening.
How much does gum disease treatment cost?
The cost of your periodontal disease treatment in Carrollton, TX, will depend on the extent of your infection. You can easily treat gum inflammation with routine dental cleanings. If you develop mild gum disease, scaling and root planing can cost more than routine cleanings. Gum surgery is the most expensive option if you have advanced gum disease.
Prevent and Treat Gum Disease
Get periodontal disease treatment in Carrollton, TX. Call our dental office for care today at 972-236-5871. You can also request a dental appointment online. Our skilled team proudly serves Carrollton, Texas, and surrounding cities and towns in the Dallas-Fort Worth area. We are excited to serve you and help your gums heal.