Best Care Dental · Colorado Springs

Gum Disease Treatment in Colorado Springs

Periodontal disease affects the tissues supporting the teeth. It can progress from gum inflammation to loss of supporting bone, making early diagnosis and ongoing care important.

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Gum disease is a common issue many will experience at some point in their lifetime. While almost half of adults in the United States currently have some form of gum disease, the probability of it developing as we get older increases. From preventive measures to more advanced treatment interventions, addressing gum disease is integral to maintaining proper oral health. At the Mini Dental Implant Center of America in Colorado Springs, we are committed to helping our patients understand, prevent, and manage this condition.

What Is Gum Disease?

Gum disease, or periodontal disease, is an infection that begins in the gums. It’s typically a result of poor brushing and flossing that allow plaque to build up on the teeth and harden over time. The stages of gum disease progress as follows:

Gingivitis:

Gingivitis is the early stage of gum disease. It occurs when the gums become inflamed due to plaque, a bacterial film that can accumulate on the teeth.

Periodontitis:

When untreated, gingivitis can advance to periodontitis. At this stage, the gums pull away from the teeth, forming pockets that become infected.

Advanced periodontitis:

As the disease progresses, the bone supporting your teeth becomes weak, which causes the teeth to become loose and eventually fall out.

When to Seek Gum Disease Treatment

Bleeding or swollen gums

One of the primary signs of gum disease is bleeding. People often notice that their gums bleed while brushing or flossing. Additionally, patients may experience swollen or tender gums, indicating potential inflammation and the presence of infection.

Receding gums

As an inflammatory response, the gums pull away from the teeth. This can lead to the tooth’s roots being more exposed, heightening tooth sensitivity.

Loose or shifting teeth

If gum disease progresses, it can affect the supporting structures around your teeth, leading to changes in alignment and stability.

Pus between teeth

If the infection progresses, the body’s immune response kicks in, forming pus as white blood cells combat the bacteria. The pus collects in pockets between the teeth and gums, indicating a more severe stage of gum disease.

Gum Disease Treatment Options

Professional Cleanings

For mild cases of gingivitis, improved oral hygiene practices and professional dental cleanings can help reverse the condition. However, scaling and root planing may be necessary in more advanced cases to clean the infected area more deeply.

Unlike a regular dental cleaning that addresses the visible part of the tooth, scaling and root planing involves removing tartar beneath the gumline and smoothing the root surfaces to eliminate bacterial buildup. This process aims to reduce inflammation, promote healing, and prevent further progression of gum disease. This is typically recommended for patients with moderate to severe gum disease, and it is a crucial step in comprehensive periodontal therapy to restore and maintain optimal gum health.

Additionally, Dr. Bashi may prescribe antibiotics as part of your treatment plan to control the infection and prevent it from spreading.

Laser Dentistry

Laser dentistry is an innovative method for treating gum disease. Using a dental laser, Dr. Bashi can remove or reshape infected gum tissue. The precision of lasers makes the procedure less invasive, reducing discomfort and promoting faster healing than traditional methods. Beyond targeting bacteria, lasers stimulate tissue regeneration, contributing to overall gum health.

Dr. Bashi may suggest laser dentistry as a modern and effective option for treating gum disease, offering a more comfortable and efficient experience.

Tooth Restoration Options

If gum disease has progressed to a point where saving the tooth is no longer feasible, extraction may be considered to prevent the spread of the infection. Dr. Bashi will assess the severity and recommend the best course of action. After extraction, various tooth replacement options can help restore your smile.

Mini dental implants are a beneficial solution for tooth replacement, especially in cases of advanced gum disease that has impacted the gum and bone tissue. Their smaller size makes them suitable for jawbones with limited space or reduced bone density. Often, Dr. Bashi can extract a tooth and immediately place a mini implant, reducing the number of appointments needed to restore your smile. Additionally, their minimal invasiveness and shorter healing period add to their attractiveness as a feasible alternative, particularly in situations where traditional implants may present difficulties.

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Quick answers

Frequently Asked Questions

What does gum disease look like?

Gum disease is identifiable through various signs, including gums that bleed or appear swollen, a noticeable recession of the gums, persistent bad breath, and teeth that feel loose or shift in position. These symptoms signal the need for attention and potential gum disease treatment. Recognizing these signs is important for early detection.

Regular dental check-ups with Dr. Bashi are instrumental in detecting issues. At these routine visits, we can tackle the infection early and keep your teeth healthy.

Can children develop gum disease?

Yes, children can develop gum disease, especially gingivitis. While it’s more common in adults, factors like poor oral hygiene, certain medical conditions, or genetic predispositions can contribute to gum issues in children. Early detection and proper oral care, including regular dental check-ups, are essential for addressing and managing gum disease in children effectively.

What's the worst that can happen if gum disease is left untreated?

Untreated gum disease can lead to serious problems, like weakened support structures, tooth loss, and the spread of infection to other parts of your body. Seeking professional treatment early is important to prevent these issues and keep your overall oral health intact.