If you have problems with your gums, you might require gum treatment to correct them. Your periodontist can provide a variety of options to treat your gums, including laser gum therapy, deep cleaning techniques, or gum surgery.
Gum disease is a common problem among adults. In fact, it is the leading cause of tooth loss. If you are suffering from gum disease, it’s important to receive appropriate treatment to ensure effective recovery and the long-term health of your mouth. Without proper treatment, gum disease could develop into severe periodontitis, requiring invasive treatment such as gum grafts or surgery. If your gums begin to recede, your teeth could become loose or even fall out.
If you notice any indication that you might be having gum problems, bring this to the attention of your dentist. Symptoms can include:
- Bleeding when you brush your teeth
- A shiny, red, or swollen look to your gums
- A bad taste in your mouth
- Persistent bad breath
Your dentist or periodontist might also notice deepening pockets between the gum tissue and the tooth roots, which can indicate developing inflammation or infection. Spotting symptoms early can help your dentist insure correct and effective gum treatment so you can avoid eventual tooth loss.
Options for Gum Therapy
The type of gum treatment recommended by your periodontist depends upon your individual diagnosis. You might require only a deep cleaning, such as planing and scaling, or a round of antibiotics and a special toothpaste if the inflammation is still relatively minor. As your gums become more infected, however, more complex treatment is required.
One way gums can be treated is with laser gum therapy. This method uses special lasers designed for dentistry to remove infected tissue or to reduce the levels of bacteria along your gumline. Using lasers instead of traditional surgical methods for gum surgery reduces healing time, reduces bleeding, and greatly increases patient comfort. Lasers can be very precisely targeted, so less tissue is removed, leading to a less invasive overall treatment even of severe gum disease.
Contact the office of Dr. Duval today to let us help you!