July 10, 2018

Gum disease affects approximately half of adults in the United States. Even when you regularly brush and floss your teeth, you can develop gingivitis and other periodontal issues. Visiting your dentist in Gahanna, OH, every six months can help to treat gum disease before it causes serious problems, but some people put this off for various reasons. You may want to get in for a checkup sooner rather than later, though.

Gum Disease Progresses The Longer You Wait

Periodontal disease is no small matter. You might think the only side effect is bleeding gums, but the buildup of plaque can also affect your bone and ligaments as well as deteriorate your gum line, leading to sensitive teeth. Left untreated, advanced gum disease could result in the permanent loss of teeth. 

Treating Gum Disease 

Gum disease treatment is pretty straightforward, and you may not even need some advanced treatments if you get in to see your dentist twice a year: 

  • Scaling and Root Planing: The plaque and tartar is scraped from the teeth and the roots smoothed to discourage buildup of bacteria in the future.
  • Laser Treatment: Lasers can be used to remove infection in the gum tissue without an incision. There is minimal discomfort and patients can get back to their normal routine quickly.
  • Pocket Reduction: The dentist removes bacteria from gum pockets and smooths the bone to let the gum reattach properly.
  • Gum Grafts: Gum tissue is taken from another part of the mouth and used to cover the roots of the teeth.
  • Periodontal Maintenance: Proper brushing and flossing and visits to your dentist are vital to keeping your gums and teeth healthy. 

Schedule a Visit Today

Preventive maintenance is best when it comes to gum disease. Schedule your visit with Dr. Jon Runion or Dr. Jessica Runion by contacting the office at Beecher Crossing Dental Group in Gahanna, OH today.

Comments

comments

Related Articles

Dental Consulting By Progressive Dental