Periodontal disease (also known as gum disease) is an infection of the tissue around your teeth. Your gum tissues are responsible for holding your teeth in place. Gum disease is a leading cause of tooth loss in adults today. It can have a significant impact on both dental health and overall health and well-being. Improper cleaning of the gums causes it which can lead to irritation and swelling of the gums.
Without proper brushing and flossing, a sticky, bacteria-filled film called plaque will build up on your teeth. This build up severely affects your gum health. It causes the gums to separate from the teeth. It also leads to a further tooth infection and decay.
Healthy gums are important for any beautiful smile. They provide the support structure for the teeth. They also play a role in keeping harmful bacteria out of the bloodstream. Maintaining healthy gums starts with good oral hygiene and regular professional care with Annapolis dentist Dr. Vernon Sheen.
We suggest you visit our office at least twice a year for professional teeth cleaning. Here, we will remove the plaque from hard-to-reach places in your mouth.
Periodontal Therapy in Annapolis, MD
As an accredited dentist in Annapolis, MD that specializes in the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of periodontal disease, Dr. Sheen knows the importance of proper gum maintenance and care for patients of all ages. Periodontal therapy is one of the dental services that Dr. Sheen provides in Annapolis, Maryland. He provides thorough periodontal health screenings during routine preventive care visits and recommends personalized treatment plans to improve overall periodontal health.
Dr. Sheen will identify the stage and severity of gum disease and recommend appropriate treatment for restoring health. As a team, we take the time to get to know our patients and understand the unique risk factors affecting their oral health. We offer individualized oral hygiene care and advice so that you can keep your mouth healthy between visits.
Gum Disease Treatment in Annapolis
We offer a range of treatment options for addressing gum disease:
- Traditional cleaning with ultrasonic instruments
- Laser-assisted treatment: we can use lasers to gently remove tartar and unhealthy tissue beneath the gum line. It can also stop bleeding gums, reduce discomfort and promote more rapid healing.
- Scaling and root planing: a thorough and intensive cleaning of the tooth roots and along the gum line, removing plaque and tartar.
- Antibacterial rinses: available for use at home, an antibacterial rinse can reduce the buildup of tartar and the incidence of gingivitis between visits.
- Referral to a specialist: for advanced cases of periodontitis, where significant damage has occurred, Dr. Sheen may coordinate care with a local specialist to help you get back a healthy smile.
Stages of Gum Disease
Gingivitis: this stage is simply when you have inflammation in your gums. Plaque build-up is present and not removed, and this causes the gums to eventually become irritated. At this stage, you may not notice any symptoms at all, or you may notice red, swollen gums that bleed easily while you are brushing your teeth.
Periodontitis: gingivitis will eventually turn into periodontitis without proper treatment. In this stage, plaque will turn into a harder substance, tartar. You will not be able to remove it by brushing alone. This is a severe form of gum disease, and you need treatment quickly.
You may notice symptoms such as bad breath, bleeding gums, sore or red gums, gum recession, or pockets forming as your gums pull away from your teeth. At this stage, you may suffer permanent damage to your jawbone that may result in tooth loss.
Advanced Periodontitis: at this point, you have suffered from so much damage to your bone, teeth, and gums that it is irreversible. You may have symptoms such as pus coming from your gums, painful swelling, and your bite will be off.
At this stage, the pockets are much deeper, and there are so many bacteria built up in them. The damage is long-term and may even result in your teeth falling out, or you will need an extraction.
Gum Disease FAQs
Will my bleeding gums stop bleeding on their own?
Not likely. Bleeding gums every time you brush your teeth is one of the top signals of gum disease. Gum disease does not go away on its own without help from a dentist. You can do many things to slow down the process, but only your dentist can return your gums back to optimal health.
Can gum disease lead to other health concerns?
Yes. Gum disease may increase your risk of contracting all kinds of other health issues. Gum disease can lead to stroke, oral cancer, diabetes, and heart disease. Bacteria have a big opportunity to enter your bloodstream through bleeding gums.
Is gum disease easily treatable?
Yes, caught in the early stages, we can easily treat your gum disease with a procedure that’s similar to a deep massage for your gums, scaling, and root planing. Procedures like this do not require gum surgery and can be painless.
Will my dental insurance cover periodontal therapy?
Most dental insurance providers do cover part or all of the cost of periodontal therapy. There may be some stipulations, but it’s ultimately up to the insurance provider to decide if they will cover the cost or not. It is best to ask your insurance provider directly for coverage details before visiting the dentist.
Schedule A Dental Exam Today
Be proactive with your oral health and take advantage of the benefits of preventative dental care. Contact Annapolis dentist Dr. Sheen to schedule a periodontal screening today. Call (443) 482-5202 or schedule a consultation online.