If your gums bleed when you brush or floss your teeth, you may have gingivitis or developing periodontitis. Periodontitis, or gum disease, affects many people across the country and must be treated by a professional. There are multiple causes that help gum swelling develop over time into gum disease. Restorative dentistry from Mid Michigan Smiles can help treat your bleeding gums and keep advanced periodontal disease away.
Periodontal Therapy in Mount Pleasant, MI
More than half of Americans will suffer from some degree of gum disease in their life and it is attributed to the number one cause of tooth loss in adults. Our gums are what help to hold our teeth in place. Neglecting your gums can lead to bleeding, recession, and premature tooth decay.
Gum disease is a serious periodontal concern that should be tended to by a periodontist as soon as you start to notice warning signs. Identifying and treating gum disease as early as possible can help to avoid lengthy and costly procedures. Gum disease can vary in severity and will progress if not properly treated. Gingivitis is a common and mild form that often causes irritation, bleeding, and swollen gums. When gingivitis goes untreated, it can develop into periodontitis. Periodontitis is aggressive and often leads to tooth loss. Gum disease has also been linked to an increased risk for developing overall health conditions as serious as strokes, heart disease, and diabetes.
Dr. Raymond Ribitch will assess your teeth and gums to determine if you have gingivitis (gum inflammation) or periodontitis (gum disease). Dr. Ribitch will perform a deep tooth cleaning to remove plaque and tartar from gums. Following the procedure, he may recommend anti-bacterial rinses and antibiotics to ensure that the teeth and gums are thoroughly cleaned. If you have chronic gum disease that doesn’t respond to deep cleaning, Dr. Ribitch, and his team will work with you to find a solution.
Common Causes and Symptoms of Gum Disease
There are several common causes of gum disease:
- Smoking
- Use of Tobacco Products
- Certain medications
- Poor Oral Hygiene
- Pregnancy
- Diabetes
Everyone should aim to brush and floss their teeth twice a day. Regular dental appointments can also help catch cases of gingivitis gum swelling, and signs of periodontitis. But how do I know if I have periodontal disease? There are multiple symptoms of gum disease. Patients don’t have to experience all of the symptoms, but even just one is a sign that you are in the early stages of developing the problem.
- Swollen gums
- Loose teeth
- Receding gums
- Bad breath
- Toothaches
- Bleeding gums
- Mouth sores
Gum Disease Treatment
Treatment for periodontal disease is tailored to the needs of each patient. Our team will carefully examine the teeth, gums, and bone structure to determine the best form of treatment to help restore your oral health.
- Scaling & Root Planing: This treatment is extensive deep cleaning of the areas above and below the gum line. A dental hygienist uses special tools to remove plaque, tartar, and bacteria from the gum line. Depending on your needs, this may need to be completed more than once to achieve the desired results.
- Antibacterial Rinse: for the early stages of gum disease, a simple antibacterial rinse can help restore health to the gums. A dentist may prescribe a specific rinse to help improve your dental health.
- Gum Surgery: For advanced stages of gum disease, gum surgery may be needed to remove diseased tissue and restore your oral health.
- Laser Dentistry: This revolutionary treatment may eliminate the need for gum surgery. Dental lasers can be used to safely remove diseased tissue while minimizing the risk of infection, reduce bleeding, and promote a faster healing response from the body.
Periodontal Therapy FAQs
Is periodontal therapy necessary?
Yes, periodontal therapy is essential if the health of your gums and jawbone are in jeopardy. It may be cosmetic to start, but gum disease leads to receding gums and possibly the loss of your teeth. It’s best to take care of gum disease as soon as possible to prevent the need for invasive procedures like surgery and to minimize the risk to your oral health.
How long does it take before gum disease is healed after periodontal therapy?
It all depends on the case. Antibacterial rinses can help take care of a mild case quickly while scaling and root planing can require multiple sessions. If gum surgery is necessary, it takes a few weeks for everything to heal suitably. Laser periodontal therapy can typically take care of it with a few short sessions, depending on the severity.
What’s the best periodontal therapy treatment?
Laser therapy has been emerging as one of the best ways to take care of gum disease. It minimizes any pain, reduces bleeding and swelling, minimizes the risk of infection, and promotes a faster healing response from your body.
Schedule a Dental Exam Today
Do you think that you may be developing gum disease? Call to schedule an appointment with Dr. Ribitch and his professional team at 989.268.7966. We ensure that our patients are comfortable during each step of dental treatment.