What Is Gum Disease?
Gum disease, also known as periodontal disease, is a common yet serious condition that can lead to painful symptoms and significant oral health issues if left untreated. It begins with plaque buildup on the teeth, which, if not removed through regular brushing and flossing, hardens into tartar and irritates the gums, causing inflammation and bleeding.
As the disease progresses, it can result in gum recession, tooth mobility, and even tooth loss. Recognizing the signs early is crucial, and our experienced dentist can provide comprehensive evaluations and personalized treatment plans to effectively address gum disease. With our expert care, we aim to restore your gum health and protect your smile, ensuring you receive the support you need for optimal oral health.
The Warning Signs of Gum Disease
- Red or swollen gums
- Bleeding gums
- Persistent bad breath
- Receding gums
- Loose or shifting teeth
- Pain or discomfort
- Pus between teeth and gums
- Change in bite
Why Choose Salina Dental Arts for Gum Disease Treatment?
With extensive experience in treating gum disease, our team is dedicated to helping patients regain their oral health and prevent future issues. We emphasize the importance of regular dental checkups, proper oral hygiene practices, and a balanced diet to help prevent gum disease from developing in the first place.
Understanding that access to care is crucial, we strive to make gum disease treatment available to everyone by offering third-party financing options and accepting most major insurance plans. Our goal is to ensure that you receive the necessary care to maintain healthy gums and a beautiful smile without the added financial burden.
Periodontal Treatment Options for a Healthy Smile
Scaling & Root Planing
Scaling and root planing is a deep cleaning procedure designed to treat gum disease by removing plaque and tartar buildup below the gum line. During the scaling process, we carefully clean the surfaces of the teeth, including the roots, to eliminate harmful bacteria and prevent further infection.
Root planing smooths the tooth roots, making it more difficult for plaque to accumulate in the future and promoting healthier gum tissue. This thorough treatment helps restore gum health and can prevent the progression of gum disease, ensuring a healthier smile for our patients.
Gingival Graft
Gum grafting restores receded gum tissue and improves your smile's overall health and appearance. During the procedure, tissue is taken from another area of your mouth or a donor source and carefully placed where the gums have receded.
This helps cover exposed tooth roots, enhances gum contour, and prevents further gum recession. Gum grafting can improve oral health by reducing sensitivity and lowering the risk of cavities and decay in the affected teeth.
Crown Lengthening
Crown lengthening removes excess gum tissue to expose more of a tooth's structure, often enhancing its appearance and health. This treatment is typically recommended for teeth that appear too short or have decay below the gumline, allowing for better restoration access.
Crown lengthening can reshape the gumline, creating a more balanced smile and improving the overall aesthetics of the teeth. It can also facilitate more effective dental treatments by ensuring that restorations fit properly and securely.
Frenectomy
A frenectomy is a minor surgical procedure that involves removing or modifying the frenulum, the small band of tissue that connects the lip or tongue to the gums. This procedure is commonly performed to address tongue-tie or lip-tie, which can affect speech, feeding, and oral hygiene.
A frenectomy can improve tongue mobility by releasing the frenulum, allowing for better movement and function. This quick and effective treatment can significantly improve a patient's quality of life, especially in infants and children.
Gingivectomy
A gingivectomy involves removing diseased or excess gum tissue to improve the overall health and appearance of the gums. This treatment is often recommended for patients with severe gum disease or gingival overgrowth, which can lead to complications if left untreated.
A gingivectomy reshapes the gumline, helping eliminate pockets of infection and promoting better oral hygiene by making it easier to clean the teeth effectively. The procedure not only enhances the aesthetics of the smile but also supports long-term gum health and stability.
Restore Healthy Gums and Ensure a Beautiful Smile!
Schedule your periodontal appointment with our Salina Dental Arts team today!