What treatments are done to the gums if periodontal disease develops in a Knoxville patient?

When patients do not take proper care of their teeth, they can develop periodontal disease, commonly referred to as gum disease. Gum disease is a condition that affects most Americans at some point in their lifetime if they are not brushing, flossing, and visiting their dentist regularly.

There are two main stages of periodontal disease: gingivitis and periodontitis. The first stage is gingivitis. This stage of gum disease is characterized by problems with the gums, such as redness, inflammation, and bleeding. When this begins to occur, patients should contact their dentist promptly for an examination, even if their bi-annual appointment is months away. Immediate treatment for gingivitis can reverse the condition and bring the smile back to health. If not addressed, it can progress into periodontitis, which can cause severe damage. Patients begin to experience bone loss, the disintegration of gum tissue, and as the disease progresses, the loss of teeth. At this point, periodontal disease is controllable but not curable.

Patients with periodontal disease have a variety of treatments they can undergo to bring their mouth back to health. In the earlier stage of gingivitis, patients can visit Dr. Foncea for a thorough, professional cleaning. Plaque and tartar are removed from the teeth, as well as the bacteria that are present. Patients are sent home with instructions on caring for their teeth properly after gum disease treatment.

When the condition advances, patients may need to undergo scaling and root planing, which is a type of deep cleaning that gets down into the roots of the teeth for a thorough removal of plaque, tartar, and bacteria. As the condition continues, patients may be at risk of losing their teeth. Extractions may be necessary, as well as restorative services to bring the patient’s smile back to its original appearance. Gum grafting may be completed to restore gum tissue, and bone grafting may be done if dental implants need to be placed.

Patients who believe they have developed periodontal disease should consult with Dr. Foncea of Sequoyah Dental Arts as soon as possible to ensure the health and wellbeing of their smile-for life! Call today to schedule an appointment and get started bringing your smile back!

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