Periodontal Treatment With Dr. Larson
If you’ve noticed your gums become red, swollen, or start bleeding while you brush your teeth, you may have the beginnings of periodontal disease. Gum disease, also known as periodontal disease, is a common infection that affects up to half of American adults. Fortunately, the dental professionals at Larson Dental have a solution.
Our dentists, Drs. Seth and Zack Larson offer effective gum disease treatment options. Regardless of the severity of your case, we’ll tailor your treatment to your needs so you can enjoy a healthy smile again.
What is Periodontal Disease?
Periodontal disease, better known as gum disease, is an infection that attacks the soft tissues of your gums and the bone structures supporting your teeth. Gum disease is usually caused by an infection that occurs when oral bacteria attacks the gums. As a result, the gums begin to shrink away from the teeth, creating pockets that are difficult to clean. Bacteria-laden plaque and tartar end up getting trapped in these pockets, making it easier for the infection to develop and spread.
Periodontal disease is not only treatable but reversible in its earliest stages. Patients with gingivitis can reverse the effects of infection, but may not be able to if their infection has progressed to periodontitis. That’s why it’s so important to see a trusted dentist for professional gum disease treatment. The Prescott Valley dentists at Larson Dental can help get you back on track to good oral health.
There are three stages of periodontal disease:
Gingivitis: This is the earliest stage of gum disease where the infection can be easily treated with a thorough deep cleaning at our Southfield dental office. During this stage, you may notice your gums becoming red and inflamed. When treated promptly, gingivitis can be reversed without any lasting effects.
Periodontitis: When gingivitis is left untreated, it develops into periodontitis as the infection spreads from the gums to the jawbone. You’ll notice that your gums start receding to form pockets, making it easier for bacteria to build up. Without treatment, periodontitis can cause severe pain and other health complications.
Advanced Periodontitis: Without treatment, your gums will continue to recede further. This causes the pockets to deepen and harbor more infection. During this stage, your teeth may loosen and eventually fall out.
Symptoms of Gum Disease
Symptoms of gum disease include:
- Red and swollen gums
- Bleeding gums
- Receding gum line
- Persistent bad breath
- Painful or tender gums, especially when chewing
- Loose or shifting teeth
- Widening gaps between teeth
- Sensitive teeth
It’s crucial to pay attention to the state of your gums so you’ll notice any problems early. No matter how long you’ve been dealing with these symptoms, our expert gum disease treatments can help support and restore your oral health. If you notice any of the symptoms listed above, please contact our Prescott Valley, AZ office at (928) 772-8128.
Treating Gum Disease
Once our dentist has made an accurate diagnosis, Dr. Larson will make a recommendation for the treatment depending on the stage of your gum disease. The most common treatments for gum disease include:
Deep Cleaning– Deep cleanings are usually performed when gum disease is in its early stages. Because gum disease is easy to reverse in the beginning, a deep cleaning is often enough to restore your dental health. This can often be done in as little as one or two appointments at our Prescott Valley office.
Scaling and Root Planing– Scaling and root planing is a non-surgical procedure performed when your condition has started to damage your healthy gum tissue. This treatment removes all the plaque, excess bacteria, and tartar from your gums by smoothing out the rough spots on your root surfaces and teeth. This also helps prevent bacterial build-up from accumulating in these areas in the future.
Treatment for gum disease will vary depending on how advanced the condition is. We may combine treatments to increase the effectiveness of your treatment and ensure your periodontal disease doesn’t return. At Larson Dental, our dentists use laser dentistry to treat gum disease and provide you with better results. Once we’ve completed your gum disease treatments, you’ll experience relief right away.
Effectively Treat Gum Disease With Dr. Larson
If you’ve noticed any of the signs of gum disease, we highly recommend scheduling an appointment with us. The effects of gum disease can be reversed if they are caught and treated in time.
Don’t hesitate to schedule an appointment to get your oral health back on track. To learn more about our treatment options for gum disease, call our office by dialing (928) 772-8128 or filling out the online contact form on this page. We look forward to hearing from you and helping you enjoy a healthy smile!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can gum disease be cured?
Most early-stage cases of gum disease can be cured with professional treatment. The first stage, gingivitis, can even be reversed through better oral hygiene practices.
With the help of Dr. Larson, you may have a chance to cure your mild or advanced gum disease. Once your treatment is done, you need to follow oral health instructions from Dr. Larson so you can fully recover and help ensure your gum disease doesn’t return.
Are gum disease and heart disease related?
There is a link between gum disease and heart disease. Gum disease is caused by harmful bacteria gathering below your gum line. This same bacteria can spread to other parts of your body through your bloodstream once gum disease advances past gingivitis. When this occurs, the bacteria can cause serious health concerns, including heart disease.
Bacteria from gum disease can cause the narrowing of your arteries, and directly infect your heart valves. Getting treatment for gum disease can help increase your life expectancy and reduce your risk of health complications.
How soon after a deep cleaning will my symptoms go away?
Following a deep cleaning, any swelling or discomfort should subside within a short amount of time, usually a couple of days to a few weeks. The time will vary from patient to patient, depending on their unique physiology and level of infection. To promote healing and keep your mouth free of excess bacterial build-up, you’ll want to follow any instructions given to you by Dr. Larson. This includes rinsing your mouth with warm saltwater and using over-the-counter pain medications to ease any discomfort or swelling you may experience after a deep cleaning.