Gum Disease Treatment – Virginia Beach

Gum disease is one of the greatest threats to your teeth, and it is much more common than you may think. Nearly half of adults over the age of 30 have some level of gum disease, and this percentage increases as you get older. Gum disease can lead to permanent damage and even result in tooth loss. The good news is that we offer gum disease treatment to help restore your gum tissue and maintain a healthy foundation for a healthy smile! Continue reading to learn more about gum disease and how we address it at Esparza Family Dentistry.

What Is Gum Disease?

Gum disease is an infection of the gums and supportive tissues in the mouth. In most cases, it is a result of plaque and tartar buildup due to poor oral hygiene. This can lead to permanent gum damage, tooth loss, and other serious health risks. Here are the two different states of gum disease:

• Gingivitis: This is the earliest stage of gum disease. It can usually be reversed by improving your dental hygiene routine at home and seeing your dentist for professional cleanings and dental exams.
• Periodontitis: This is a more advanced stage of gum disease. At this point, it cannot be cured, only managed. However, management is necessary to prevent further infection and serious complications, including tooth loss.

Several factors increase your risk of developing gum disease. Some of the most prevalent ones are smoking, chewing tobacco, poor oral hygiene, genetic factors, immune-compromising conditions, medications, and hormonal changes.

Symptoms of Gum Disease

It’s important to be on the lookout for and recognize the symptoms of gum disease. This way, you will know when change is necessary.

Gingivitis:

• Halitosis (bad breath)
• Bleeding when flossing and brushing
• Red, inflamed gum tissue
• Gum tenderness
• Recession of the gums

Periodontitis:

• Pain while chewing
• Loose teeth
• Sensitive teeth
• Bite changes
• Tooth loss

How Do We Treat Gum Disease?

First, we will thoroughly examine the teeth and soft tissues of your mouth so we can determine the best approach for your unique case. We will also discuss the symptoms you are experiencing in detail. At Esparza Family Dentistry, we offer a two-part gum disease treatment called scaling and root planing. This is essentially a deep cleaning that is used to rid the mouth of harmful bacteria and promote healing.

Scaling & Root Planing

Scaling and root planing usually takes place over the course of two appointments. First, we will thoroughly remove all the plaque and tartar from your teeth to minimize the presence of bacteria in the mouth. We will also scale down into any pockets of the gums to ensure nothing is hiding. Then, for the root planing portion of the procedure, we will smooth down the surface of your tooth roots, removing hardened bacteria deposits. This will allow the gum tissue to better reattach to the teeth and provide future protection to the roots.