Periodontal Disease Treatment In Greenville, SC
Gum disease is a chronic disease that affects millions of Americans. This disease begins with inflammation of the gingival tissue around teeth and progresses to the loss of bone around the teeth. The gums include the bone and soft tissues that support the teeth. If patients develop severe gum disease, the teeth can become mobile after the foundation of the bone and gums has been lost. Dr. Adam Carraway treats gingivitis and periodontal disease in Greenville, SC. He offers his patients restorative dental care that helps reverse the harmful effects of bacteria on the teeth and gums.
Signs of Gum Disease
Look out for these signs of gingivitis and periodontitis
- Irritated and Swollen Gums
- Bleeding Gums
- Gum Sensitivity
- Gum Recession
- Bone Loss
Please let us know if you have recently noticed gum inflammation or gum disease symptoms. We will help you get the care you need as soon as possible.
The Stages of Gum Diseases
Please let us know if you have recently noticed gum inflammation or gum disease symptoms. We will help you get the care you need as soon as possible.
Gingivitus
This is the first stage of gum disease that is reversible. During this stage, plaque builds up around the edges of your gums and causes irritation and inflammation. The majority of adults in America suffer from gum disease. Unfortunately, patients may not notice gingivitis symptoms because they are painless. The most prominent symptom is bleeding gums. Schedule an appointment immediately if you see your gums frequently bleeding when brushing or flossing.
Slight Periodontal Disease
Gum disease is manageable at this stage. However, the infection begins to destroy bone tissue, and leads to bone structure loss. We manage this stage with scaling and root planing treatment. Scaling cleans deep gum pockets full of bacteria and debris. We clean out these gum pockets and sterilize them. Then, we smooth down the tooth roots so that the gum tissue can reattach to the bone.
Moderate Periodontal Disease
Infection deepens in this stage. Not only are the bacteria attacking your bone structure, but they’ve also gotten into the bloodstream. As a result, the inflammation and infection are spread throughout your body in your bloodstream. This can lead to problems in other parts of your body aside from your mouth. Scaling and root planing manage the disease at this stage.
Severe Periodontal Disease
The infection has fully evolved at this stage into disease-causing bacteria. Your gums are swollen and oozing pus, your breath is severely bad, and it’s painful for you to chew and bite. If nothing is done to manage the disease, your teeth become loose and can fall out. Only periodontal surgery or laser gum treatment can manage the condition at this stage. If you let it go, it’ll lead to losing your teeth and bones.
More About Periodontal Disease Treatment
Periodontal disease, also known as gum disease, is a common oral health condition that affects the gums and supporting structures of the teeth. It is caused by bacterial infections that lead to inflammation and damage to the tissues around the teeth. Without proper treatment, periodontal disease can progress and result in tooth loss and other health complications.
The treatment of periodontal disease aims to control the infection, reduce inflammation, and restore the health of the gums and supporting tissues. The specific treatment approach depends on the severity of the disease.
For mild cases of periodontal disease, non-surgical treatments are often effective. These may include scaling and root planing, which involve removing plaque and tartar buildup from the teeth and smoothing the tooth roots to prevent bacteria from adhering. This procedure helps the gums reattach to the teeth and reduces pocket depths where bacteria thrive.
In more advanced cases, surgical interventions may be necessary. Flap surgery involves lifting the gums to access and clean the root surfaces thoroughly. Sometimes, bone grafts or tissue grafts are performed to regenerate lost bone or gum tissue.
For cases where pockets persist even after surgery, more specialized treatments like laser therapy or antibiotic treatments may be employed. Laser therapy removes infected tissue and promotes healing, while antibiotics help control bacterial infections.
Ongoing maintenance is crucial to managing periodontal disease. Regular dental cleanings and check-ups are recommended to monitor the condition and prevent relapse. Patients are also educated about proper oral hygiene practices to maintain healthy gums and prevent recurrence.
The success of periodontal disease treatment largely depends on early detection and intervention. Regular dental visits and good oral hygiene habits are essential in preventing and managing this condition. By addressing periodontal disease promptly, patients can preserve their oral health, prevent tooth loss, and promote overall well-being.
