Gum Disease
What is Gum Disease?
Gum disease, also know as periodontal disease, is a serious bacterial infection that affects nearly half of the adult U.S. population. It is most often caused by the build-up of plaque and tartar when teeth are not routinely brushed and flossed. Although gum disease may be painless, it can damage the attachment of the gums and bone to the teeth. Additionally, it is very possible to have infected gums without any apparent symptoms. At Bonita Prime Dental, we use the latest dental hygiene technology for our patient’s gum disease treatment to halt the problem before it causes tooth loss or other serious issues.
What are the Dangers of Gum Disease?
Gum disease is more serious than some people may think. Since the gums in your mouth are meant to help prevent inflammation that may damage your body, if you have gum disease you can be prone to many health issues. In fact, research has shown that gum disease has been connected to health issues such as heart disease, stroke, diabetes, asthma, Alzheimer’s, cancer and more.
How Can You Prevent Gum Disease?
Prevention is always the best path to living a healthy life. Brushing and flossing your teeth on a regular basis, along with visiting your dentist regularly for check ups and routine cleanings can all help in preventing gum disease.
Do you have Gum Disease?
As plaque begins to build, creating a biofilm on your teeth, inflammation of the gums will often result. This redness and irritation of your gum tissue is typically referred to as gum disease. Without intervention, infection can spread deeper, eventually leading to gum detachment, bone loss, and tooth loss.
If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms of gum disease, call our office for an evaluation:
- Tartar buildup along your gumline
- A persistent bad taste in your mouth
- Bad breath
- Loose teeth
- Tooth loss
- Deep pockets developing between your gums and teeth, allowing food to pack between meals
Deep Cleanings
The first step to treating your gum disease is periodontal scaling and root planing to deeply clean the infected area. Over the course of two visits to our office, the gum pockets and root surfaces are thoroughly cleaned by one of our hygienists. Sedation options are available to ensure your comfort and localized anesthetic is also used, so you won’t feel a thing.
Lanap® Laser Therapy
When gum disease has progressed into a more serious condition, we offer LANAP laser periodontal treatments. This option requires no cutting, no stitches, and virtually no pain when compared to traditional flap surgery. Instead, our laser therapy sterilizes the infected areas and promotes healing, when used in combination with a professional deep cleaning.