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What is Gum Disease?
Gum (periodontal) disease is an infection of the supporting tissues of the teeth. It is typically caused by poor oral hygiene habits that allow plaque to build up on the teeth and harden, eventually affecting the gums.
If left untreated, gum disease can lead to a variety of oral health issues including inflamed and bleeding gums, a receding gum line, bacteria-filled pockets between the teeth and gums, and eventual bone loss.
Dr. Scott MacLean has a keen interest in periodontal disease and dental implants.
Causes of Periodontal Disease
Both genetic and environmental factors can be involved in the onset of periodontal disease. Some of the most common causes of periodontal disease include, poor dental hygiene, tobacco use, genetic predisposition, pregnancy, menopause, chronic stress, poor diet, diabetes, teeth grinding and medications.
Preventing Periodontal Disease
Having a great at-home daily oral hygiene routine is very important in preventing periodontal disease. You should be brushing twice daily, and flossing. Scheduling regular visits to your dental hygienist to have a more in depth cleaning will also help prevent this disease.
Gum Disease Therapy
Periodontal treatment methods depend upon the type and severity of the disease. Our Halifax dentists will work with you to create a treatment plan based on your particular case.
- Preventive Gum Therapy
If the disease is caught in the early stages, preventive therapy will be recommended.
Regular dental hygiene cleanings and exams are important for maintaining the health of your gums.
By practicing good oral hygiene at home and eating a balanced diet, you can also significantly reduce your chances of ever getting gum disease.
- Non-Surgical Gum Therapy
For patients with mild gum disease, a deep cleaning performed by a dental hygienist may be enough to reverse it.
The dental hygienist will scrape away the plaque and tartar around and below the gum line, and smooth out any rough areas left behind through a process called scaling and root planing.
- Cosmetic Gum Therapy
If your gums rest too low or too high on your teeth and you are unhappy with your smile, you may be a candidate for gum grafting surgery.
This cosmetic dental procedure may be able to even out an uneven gum line and reduce the perceived length of the teeth to give you a smile you can be proud of.
- Surgical Gum Therapy
For patients with more advanced forms of gum disease, more invasive surgical treatments may be necessary to reverse it.
There are a few different types of surgical gum therapy such as gum grafting and bone grafting.
Placing Dental Implants
Periodontics include placing the dental implants underneath the gum line to start the process of replacing any missing teeth. After the implant is placed, the gums will need to heal and a tooth replacement will be added. This procedure can provide you with a variety of oral health benefits.