Periodontal Disease Treatment (Gum Disease)

Gum disease is a serious condition that affects people from all walks of life. Our dentistry provides periodontal services for all stages of gum disease to restore your oral health.

Gum Disease

Periodontal disease, commonly referred to as gum disease, is an infection of the gums that can damage the soft tissue and, if untreated, can destroy the bone that supports your teeth, potentially leading to tooth loss. It ranges from simple gum inflammation, known as gingivitis, characterized by bleeding gums, to more severe forms, such as periodontitis.

Gingivitis is an inflammation of the gums and one of the earliest stages of gum disease. Common symptoms of gingivitis include minor redness, swelling, or light bleeding of the gums. If left untreated, gingivitis turns into a more serious infection known as periodontal disease, which can lead to permanent structural damage.

Treatment varies depending on the disease’s severity but often includes deep cleaning procedures like scaling and root planing to remove plaque and tartar buildup below the gum line. Advanced cases might require surgical interventions to restore supportive tissues. Regular dental check-ups, good oral hygiene practices, and quitting smoking are crucial preventive measures. Managing periodontal disease is essential for maintaining overall oral health, and early treatment can help avoid its progression and the associated complications.

Lakeview Family Dentists offers gum disease treatment in Dracut, MA. Make an appointment online or call our office today.

Illustration of a dental pick scraping plaque off a bottom row of teeth
  • What are the signs of periodontal disease or gum disease?

    Periodontitis begins with an irritated gum line causing discomfort or bleeding. If left untreated, the gums will recede and create spaces between the teeth and gums called periodontal pockets, which can quickly fill with harmful accumulations. Your dentist will measure these pockets to determine the extent of the condition and necessary treatment. Gum disease can eventually lead to jawbone deterioration and tooth loss.

  • How does a dentist identify if gum disease is present?

    Detecting gum disease at an early stage is crucial to prevent tooth and bone loss. To identify if you have periodontitis and its severity, we will perform the following steps:

    1. Review your medical history to check for certain risk factors that may increase the likelihood of gum disease, such as genetics, smoking, or taking certain medications.

    2. Examine your teeth and gums to see if there is severe plaque/tartar buildup or if your gums bleed easily. These are both indicators that gum disease is present.

    3. Measure the depth of your gum pockets by placing a dental probe between your teeth and gums in different areas of your mouth. A healthy and normal gum pocket depth is between 1-3 mm. Gum pocket depth of 3-5 mm indicates early or mild periodontitis, while 5-7 mm indicates moderate periodontitis. Advanced periodontitis is suggested by gum pocket depth of 7-10 mm.

    4. Take x-rays of your mouth to check for any bone loss in areas where deeper gum pocket depths are present.

    1. By following these steps, we can determine if you have gum disease and its severity, and take appropriate action to prevent further damage to your teeth and gums.
  • How is periodontal disease or gum disease treated?

    Periodontal disease, or gum disease, can be treated in two ways. Scaling and root planning are highly effective in the early to moderate stages of the disease, while bone grafting is necessary when the disease has caused deterioration and decay of the jawbone. Scaling and root planning involve removing harmful accumulations of plaque and oral bacteria, while bone grafting regenerates the jawbone by applying proteins and artificial bone-like material.

  • How do I know if I have periodontal disease or gum disease?

    If you notice your gums are swollen and red or bleed when you brush or floss, these are initial indications of gum disease. Gingivitis, if left untreated, can also lead to more severe signs of gum disease, such as tooth loss and the exposure of your tooth’s root. However, with proper treatment, you can avoid these issues and maintain a healthy smile. Don’t hesitate to seek professional help if you suspect you have periodontitis or gum disease.

What are you waiting for?

At Lakeview Family Dentists, we believe in providing the best dental care, at the most affordable prices. Make an appointment, see more about our office, or explore all of the dental services we provide, using the links below.

Lakeview Family Dentists

1448 Lakeview Ave.
Dracut, MA 01826
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Hours

Monday: 8:00 AM - 5:00PM
Tuesday: 8:00 AM - 5:00PM
Wednesday: 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Thursday: 8:00 AM - 5:00PM
Friday: 8:00 AM - 2:00 PM
Every Other Saturday: 8:00 AM - 1:00 PM
Sunday: Closed

Phone

978-957-6300

Email Address

[email protected]