Being diagnosed with gum disease is no fun – but it’s also not the end of the world. With today’s advanced periodontal solutions, there’s never been a stronger arsenal to fight back. At my Boulder, Colorado dentistry practice, we evaluate and treat the various stages of gum disease with state-of-the-art techniques.
Fighting Gingivitis
Personalized treatment plans depend the stage of the gum disease. Early stage gingivitis can be reversed with exceptional hygiene, antiseptic rinses, and avoidance of tobacco use. Antibiotic medication is also recommended to stave off infection.
Whether you have initial signs of early gum disease or not, you may benefit from our FDA-approved laser used to kill bacteria, and we recommend every adult get this deep laser cleaning at every check-up. Patients with early stage gum disease are encouraged to return every three to four months for aggressive cleaning methods. Regular removal of plaque and tartar is imperative to break the momentum that collective bacteria have created.
Addressing Periodontitis
Advanced gum disease, or periodontitis, can rob you of the things that make your smile great. If left untreated, gums can become red and swollen and recede significantly, causing an uneven gum line that exposes too much enamel. Plaque that continues to build up can create deep cavities and cause infection. Today’s treatments are aimed at removing the plaque and restoring your smile to a healthy form.
In addition to antibiotics to control infection, the following efforts may be used to treat advanced-stage gum disease.
- Scaling and root planing is a hygiene method where we physically remove plaque and tartar with dental instruments.
- Tooth extraction may be needed for badly damaged/infected teeth.
- A soft tissue graft is a procedure that replaces lost or damaged gum tissue.
- Crown lengthening is sometimes used excess gum and bone tissue is reshaped to expose more of the natural tooth.
- Laser hygiene is a very effective way to remove bacteria and diseased tissue from deeper pockets with less bleeding, swelling, and discomfort than physical removal. In many cases, laser hygiene is so effective, it takes the place of antibiotic medication.
- Gingivectomy involves use of handheld instruments to remove diseased gum tissue.
Whether you are currently aware of your periodontal disease , you are experiencing signs of gum disease, or you’d like to know more about prevention, choosing an experienced cosmetic dentist can make all the difference in the health and longevity of your smile.
If you would like to learn more about the innovative treatments we have for gum disease, please contact my Boulder, Colorado dental office for a comprehensive discussion.
Dr. Ania
Comprehensive & Cosmetic Dentistry
