Learn about the early signs of gum disease and infection treatment with Knoxville, TN area dentist

At Sequoyah Dental Arts, patients in and around the community of Knoxville, TN are invited to enjoy smile by design with Dr. Pablo Foncea. Our team of professionals work hard to provide patients with general, cosmetic, and restorative dentistry solutions. The health of the smile is the foundation for improved oral wellness. When conditions such as a gum infection threaten oral health, it is important to seek treatment promptly.

What is a gum infection?

Gum infection is caused by bacteria. Bacteria in the mouth thrives with poor oral hygiene habits. Patients who do not brush and floss their teeth as recommended are putting their smile at risk. Gum infection, sometimes called gum disease or periodontal disease, is a condition that is preventative with proper care of the smile and routine visits to Sequoyah Dental Arts.

What are the early signs of gum disease?

At the beginning stage of gum disease, known as gingivitis, patients may notice some of these signs:

• Red, swollen gum tissues
• Bleeding when brushing and flossing
• Persistent bad breath

When these signs are present, it is very important to visit Dr. Pablo Foncea for an evaluation. The earlier the condition is found, the easier it is to treat. If left untreated, patients will have to deal with lifelong implications. Patients who allow the condition to progress will often notice the loss of bone, soft tissue, and teeth.

Who is at risk of developing periodontal disease?

Periodontal disease can affect anyone of any age. When bacteria have not been addressed with regular brushing and flossing, patients may be at risk of developing this infection. Additionally, any patient who has developed the condition needs to be assessed by a professional to get appropriate treatment as soon as possible.

Can periodontal disease be cured?

Unfortunately, no. Once the condition has developed, it can only be managed and maintained. This is done with the help of Dr. Pablo Foncea and his staff who are in Knoxville, TN and can provide quality, comprehensive care. Treatment is determined based on the stage at which the condition has reached.

What treatment options are available?

Treatment will depend greatly on how far along the condition has progressed. Dr. Pablo Foncea may recommend a simple deep cleaning which can remove plaque, tartar, and bacteria from the mouth. Antibiotics may be used to address the bacteria. They may be administered directly to the gum tissues or as oral medications, depending on the severity of the condition. Once the infection is under control, the dentist can educate patients on how to care for their smile to start reversing the condition as much as possible. For patients who have the advanced stage, periodontitis, a procedure called root planing and scaling may be performed. This is a more invasive procedure that cleans bacteria from the surfaces of the teeth as well as the roots. It is effective and provides patients with a chance to control the condition.

What can be done about prevention?

Taking care of the smile is the best way to keep periodontal disease from developing in the first place. Some tips for keeping the smile healthy include:

• Brushing after every meal
• Flossing at least once a day to eliminate food particles stuck between the teeth
• Visiting the dentist at least twice a year for an evaluation and cleaning
• Scheduling an appointment with the dentist when the signs of gum infection develop

Paying special attention to the health of your smile between visits is the best way to ensure that problems are caught early enough for successful intervention.

Concerned about gum disease?

Now is a great time to contact Dr. Pablo Foncea and the team at Sequoyah Dental Arts in Knoxville, TN to learn about preventive care, early diagnosis, and effective treatment. Call today at 865 973-9899 to book an appointment and discuss this and many other oral health issues with our professional staff. Our practice is conveniently located at 2719 Kingston Pike and accepts new patients.

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