Gum Treatment
Dr. Wayne Suway recommends routine cleanings and checkups to detect gum disease, a very common condition that affects millions of Americans. If you are diagnosed with gum disease, Dr. Suway offers state-of-the-art, non-surgical treatment options in advanced dentistry to prevent your condition from getting worse.
Bleeding or inflamed gums, persistent bad breath, and/or tooth loss, are all signs of potential gum disease. Much too often, patients aren’t aware they have the condition until it has caused irreversible damage to their teeth and gums. In fact, untreated gum disease can increase the risk of developing conditions that threaten your overall health. That’s why diagnosis and treatment are essential to avoiding the serious effects this condition can cause.
If you would like to learn more about our treatment options, or would like to set up an appointment, please contact us today!
What is Gum Disease?
Gum disease, also known as periodontal disease, is a condition that can increase your risk for systemic diseases including diabetes, heart disease, and stroke. It is often caused by poor oral hygiene, but it can be influenced by such factors as tobacco use, certain medications, and crooked teeth. Even those who take excellent care of their teeth and gums can be affected by gum disease. The beginning stage of gum disease is gingivitis, where bacteria begin to thrive and produce plaque. If this continues to go untreated, the bacteria will continue to affect the soft tissues inside the mouth, taking the condition to a more serious level. Gum disease can eventually lead to tooth decay, cosmetic and functional issues, tooth loss, and overall health problems.
Although gum disease may not be obvious to the average person in its beginning stages, the following symptoms are often signs of the disease developing:
- Bleeding or swelling gums
- Receding gum line
- Chronic bad breath
- Loose or separating teeth
- Changed bite alignment
The good news is, when gum disease is caught early, further damage can be prevented. If you experience any of the above symptoms, it is crucial to schedule an appointment with an experienced dental or periodontal professional for immediate treatment.
Gum Treatment Options
Your treatment plan will ultimately depend upon the severity of your gum disease. For mild to intermediate cases, a special laser can be used to thoroughly clean the teeth and gums. Through this technology, the effects of gum disease can be slowed, if not completely stopped. If a patient shows signs of more severe damage, Dr. Suway may recommend additional treatments.
Laser Gum Cleaning
Our laser technology is designed to treat soft-tissue damage before it becomes a severe problem. The laser allows for a pain-free method of removing and killing bacteria deep between the gums and teeth. It also acts as a sterilization device for gums before or during such treatments as root canals or cavity procedures. Our dental hygienist, performs the deep cleaning with patient comfort in mind. Many people have even commented on how gentle she is. She takes her time to thoroughly clean below the gum line for best damage prevention.
Advanced Options
If a patient’s gum disease is at a more advanced level, additional treatment may be necessary. For these cases, Dr. Suway often recommends antibacterial solutions, mouth rinses, or deep scaling and root planing (a non-surgical method of removing bacteria and tartar deep within the gum pockets). To monitor any changes and help slow the progress of gum disease, more frequent checkups and cleanings may also be necessary.
Dr. Suway encourages his patients to be proactive in their oral health, so gum disease never becomes a problem. By living a healthy lifestyle and practicing good oral hygiene through routine brushing, flossing, and oral exams, you can go a long way toward reducing the many risks associated with gum disease.
Why Choose Dr. Suway for Your Gum Treatment?
Dr. Wayne Suway has many years of experience treating patients with gum disease. With the advanced laser cleaning technology, he can effectively treat gum disease in a gentle, virtually pain-free way. Dr. Suway and his dental team pursue additional training and education to provide patients with the best, most up-to-date treatment options possible.
Contact Dr. Wayne Suway
If you would like to learn more about gum disease, or if you think you may have the condition, please contact our Gum Treatment Dentist today to schedule an appointment. We will be happy to answer any questions you may have.