December 13, 2017

The holidays are a favorite season for many people, and eating all your favorite foods is one of the reasons why. When you bite into a slice of pie and experience jaw pain, it might be something more serious, such as gum disease. Dr. Greg Moore is an experienced dentist with expertise in gum disease treatment.

What is Gum Disease?

Plaque contains bacteria that can develop into the beginning and temporary stage of gum disease: gingivitis. Swollen, bleeding gums signals this stage of the disease. Gums begin pulling away from the teeth, creating deep pockets where bacteria continues to build into periodontitis, the later and permanent stage of gum disease. This can lead to loss of your teeth and additional health concerns, such as bone loss in the jaw. There are several types of gum disease treatments, depending on how far it has progressed.

Scaling and Root Planing

Scaling and root planing is a procedure to remove plaque and tartar buildup below the gum line. It is a type of deep cleaning that is non-surgical and available for treatment in the early stages of gum disease.

Osseous Surgery

During this surgery, your dentist removes diseased tissue, reducing the size of pockets between teeth and gums. Sometimes called flap surgery, this treatment is for medium to advanced gum disease.

Gum Graft

Receding gums may require a graft to restore the gum line and your smile. Recession can cause root damage, cavities, and sensitivity, so it is important to restore that coverage.

Bone Graft

The loss of a tooth signals the beginning of bone loss and can require a graft to replace bone tissue. Some dental implant patients need this procedure for bone augmentation to support the implants.

Contact Us Today

Pay attention to jaw pain this holiday season, as well as bleeding or swollen gums. These are warning signs of something that could become much worse if ignored. Contact the office of dentist Dr. Moore in Johnson City, TN for an exam that can jumpstart a healthy future.

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