Dr. Dechter and Dr. Moy can diagnose and treat gum disease in Silver Spring. They place an emphasis on the importance of gum health in the long-term care of your smile.
The gums perform a key role in supporting oral health and also provide a barrier between harmful bacteria in the mouth and the bloodstream. Healthy gum tissue supports healthy, stable teeth and is a necessary part of keeping your natural oral structure stable throughout your life.
Restorative dentistry often becomes necessary when gum disease progresses, as it can lead to tooth loss and other significant dental issues. Routine dental care can provide a foundation for maintaining gum health, providing the opportunity for us to screen for the early signs of gum disease. If you catch and treat gum disease early, less invasive treatments can be successful.
Regular dental care helps prevent gum disease, reducing the risk of tooth loss and other dental issues. Gum disease is a leading cause of tooth loss in adults, but good oral hygiene can easily prevent it.
Stages of Gum Disease
Gum disease is a progressive disease and has two distinct stages of development. Recognizing the stages of early gum disease is important. This way your dentist can address it before damage occurs to soft tissues and the teeth.
- Gingivitis.Gingivitis is the early stage of gum disease. Dentists characterize it by looking for signs of red or swollen gums, bleeding gums, increased sensitivity, or irritation of the soft tissues. These symptoms are often most noticeable during tooth brushing and daily oral hygiene.
- Periodontitis. This stage affects the gum tissue and also begins to impact the integrity of the teeth. Symptoms can include those of gingivitis as well as changes in the fit of the bite, shifting and loose teeth, changes in the fit of an oral appliance, and deep pockets between the teeth and gums.
- Advanced Periodontitis: At this stage, there may be bone loss around the teeth which can lead to tooth loss. Treatment for advanced periodontitis includes scaling, root planing, antibiotic therapy, and oral surgery to remove the disease.
We will evaluate the condition of your gums if the signs of gum disease are evident. We can also use advanced digital diagnostics as needed if there is damage that goes beyond the gum line.
Gum Disease Treatment
The goal of periodontal therapy is to reduce the inflammation and pain caused by gum disease, and restore your gum health. Treatment is dependent upon the stage of your gum disease and any damage that you have to your mouth. For patients who may have chronic gum disease due to genetics or a medical condition, we offer personalized care for your needs to help you maintain healthy gums between visits. Treatment for gum disease can include:
Antibacterial Rinse
Using an anti-bacterial rinse is a the most conservative approach to early stage gingivitis. We will suggest it as part of your daily oral hygiene routine to minimize plaque on the teeth and gums. Patients with chronic gum disease may get a prescription as an ongoing treatment.
Scaling and Root Planing
This treatment is a thorough cleaning of all tooth surfaces and along the gum line. Scaling and root planing also removes plaque from deep pockets where it affects exposed tooth roots. The goal is to remove bacteria and allow the gum tissue to begin to heal and regenerate to avoid larger problems with the teeth.
Oral Surgery
For patients with advanced periodontitis, we may need to coordinate care with a local oral surgeon. Our trusted oral surgeon can remove or repair damaged gum tissue and set the stage for the healing process. The surgeon will also remove any infected bone tissue. It can be performed under local anesthesia or under general anesthesia. The duration of this procedure can vary from 30 minutes to one hour,r depending on the extent of removal of infected tissue.
Gum Disease FAQs
Gum disease is a common condition that affects millions of people. While it is primarily caused by the accumulation of plaque, a sticky film of bacteria that forms on teeth, there are other risk factors. Understanding the signs, causes, and treatment options for gum disease is crucial for treatment it and avoiding it. Here we have gathered some of the most frequently asked questions about gum disease to help you better understand this condition and how to prevent it.
Does pregnancy cause bleeding gums?
The hormonal changes that occur during pregnancy can often lead to more sensitive soft tissues in the mouth and patients may notice that their gums bleed or seem more sensitive. It is important to visit with us for routine care or to address any new concerns while pregnant to maintain your overall health and wellness.
Is bad breath a sign of gum disease?
Yes. Bad breath, also called halitosis, can be a sign of gum disease. It is often present in patients with periodontitis as bacteria significantly impact the gums.
Can gum disease cause heart problems?
Gum disease can lead to heart problems. People who suffer from gum disease may be more prone to having a heart attack, stroke, or heart disease. This happens when the infection in your gums reaches your bloodstream.
Will I lose my teeth if I have periodontal disease?
Without treatment, periodontal disease may cause issues in soft tissue. It may entirely destroy soft tissue, and will continue to eat away at bones that support your teeth. This may cause your teeth to become loose or fall out.
Can gum tissue grow back?
Gum tissue does now grow back. Once the disease damages your gums, the tissue will not regenerate. Taking better care of your gums may build them up and make them stronger. However, damaged gums cannot regrow.
How is periodontal disease diagnosed?
Our dentist will check your gums for redness, swelling, or bleeding—signs of gum disease. Using a small, painless tool called a probe, the dentist will measure the spaces (pockets) between your teeth and gums. Healthy gums have shallow pockets, while deeper pockets may indicate gum disease.
X-rays help the dentist see if there is any bone loss around your teeth. Bone loss is a sign that gum disease has progressed to a more serious stage. If gum disease is advanced, it can cause teeth to become loose. The dentist will check if any teeth are shifting or moving abnormally.
Can gum disease affect overall health?
Yes, gum disease is linked to many other health issues since the infection can enter your bloodstream and spread. You can develop heart disease, diabetes, stroke, and more if you suffer from gum disease. If you already suffer from these problems and notice changes in your gums, please call our office.
Is gum disease reversible?
The early stage of gum disease, known as gingivitis, can be reversed with good oral hygiene and professional treatment. The more advanced stages are not fully reversible, but are simply manageable. This is why you must seek professional help as soon as you notice any symptoms of gum disease.
Can children get periodontal disease?
Yes, children can develop gum disease. Gingivitis can also will develop into periodontal disease, a more severe form of gum disease. However, it is more prevalent in adolescents with poor oral hygiene and other risk factors.
What is the difference between gingivitis and periodontitis?
Gingivitis is the first stage of gum disease, characterized by inflammation and bleeding gums. If you do not treat gingivitis, it will progress to periodontitis. Also known as gum disease, this can damage the soft tissue and bone that support the teeth.
How often should I see a dentist for periodontal disease?
We recommend that you visit the dentist every six months for a regular dental check-up. However, if you have a severe case of gum disease, you will require more frequent dentist appointments. We may recommend that you visit us every 3 to 4 months.
Is periodontal disease contagious?
Gum disease is not contagious. However, the bacteria that causes it can be transmitted through saliva. We advise that you avoid sharing utensils or kissing if you have gingivitis or gum disease.
What is scaling and root planing?
Scaling and root planing is a deep cleaning and non-surgical procedure. Scaling can clean plaque and tartar from the teeth. It also removes it from below the gum lines. Root planing will smooth the tooth roots which aids in the gums reattaching the gums reattach to the teeth.
How can I prevent gum disease?
Preventing gum disease starts with good oral hygiene and healthy habits. Here are some simple steps you can take to keep your gums healthy:
- Brush Twice a Day
- Floss Daily
- Use Mouthwash
- Eat a Balanced Diet
- Quit Smoking
- Visit Our Dentist Regularly
What are my risk factors for gum disease?
Gum disease happens when plaque builds up on your teeth and gums, causing inflammation and infection. Some people are more likely to get gum disease than others. Here are some common risk factors:
- Poor Oral Hygiene
- Smoking or Using Tobacco
- Diabetes
- Genetics
- Hormonal Changes
- Certain Medications
- Poor Diet
Restore Your Gums
Treat gum disease in Silver Spring, MD. Call Dr. Dechter and Moy today at (301) 508-9755. You can also request an appointment with us online.