What Is Gum Disease?
Gum disease typically begins with bacterial buildup on teeth and gums, forming plaque. These bacteria release compounds that provoke an immune response, causing symptoms like swollen, red, tender gums that bleed easily. Gum infection can advance without intervention, jeopardizing the gums’ attachment to teeth and potentially impacting underlying bone tissue.
Left untreated, gum disease can lead to tooth sensitivity, chewing challenges, and, ultimately, tooth loss. At Hardy Family Dentistry, we offer thorough gum disease treatment, prioritizing your comfort and overall well-being.
Symptoms of Gum Disease
- Swollen or enlarged gums
- Red or blue-red gums, especially between the teeth
- Gums that bleed easily when brushing, flossing, eating, or speaking
- Persistent bad breath
- Tenderness when eating or chewing
- Sensitive teeth
- Receding gumline that makes the teeth appear longer or shows the root surfaces of the teeth
- Damage to the supporting bone that can be seen on routine X-rays
The Systemic Connection Between Gum Disease and Overall Health
Our Top-Rated Periodontic Treatments
Crown lengthening is a surgical procedure that addresses gum disease by reshaping the gum tissue and, if needed, the underlying bone. The main objective of this treatment is to expose a greater area of the tooth’s surface, which is crucial for the accurate placement of a dental crown.
When there is not enough tooth structure to support a crown on its own, crown lengthening becomes an essential procedure. By reducing gum tissue and potentially altering bone structure, if necessary, crown lengthening guarantees that a larger portion of the tooth is visible above the gum line.
A gingival graft, commonly known as a gum graft, is a surgical method utilized to treat receding gums. This procedure entails harvesting tissue from the palate or a nearby region and securing it to the area experiencing gum recession. Choosing to undergo gum grafts can significantly improve gum health and result in a more visually appealing smile.
The LANAP procedure involves a minimally invasive approach utilizing the PerioLase® MVP-7 dental laser. This treatment, known as the Laser-Assisted New Attachment Procedure, promotes bone regeneration and tissue loss due to severe gum disease.
This treatment protocol has proven to be highly effective in addressing gum disease by directly addressing the root cause of inflammation without harming or removing any healthy gum tissue, reducing or halting attachment loss, and minimizing pocket depth.
Pocket reduction surgery, also called osseous surgery, is a periodontal treatment that removes bacteria from the pockets between the gums and teeth. During the procedure, we trim the gums to eliminate bacteria and restore any bone damage caused by gum disease.
Osseous surgery can reduce the size of periodontal pockets, stop infections from spreading by eliminating harmful bacteria, and help improve the health and strength of bone and gum tissue.
Crown lengthening is a surgical procedure that addresses gum disease by reshaping the gum tissue and, if needed, the underlying bone. The main objective of this treatment is to expose a greater area of the tooth’s surface, which is crucial for the accurate placement of a dental crown.
When there is not enough tooth structure to support a crown on its own, crown lengthening becomes an essential procedure. By reducing gum tissue and potentially altering bone structure, if necessary, crown lengthening guarantees that a larger portion of the tooth is visible above the gum line.
Frena are strips of tissue that link our lips and tongue to the surrounding structures of the cheeks and floor of the mouth. When these frena are excessively short or tight, they can cause various issues, such as speech impediments and difficulties with eating and chewing.
Tight tissue can contribute to gum recession by pulling the gum tissue away from its optimal position. A frenectomy releases these tight tissue attachments, allowing for proper movement of the cheeks, lips, and tongue while safeguarding the gums’ health.
Chronic inflammation of the gums can result in excessive growth, covering portions of the teeth that should remain exposed to the oral environment. This alteration in appearance can impact your smile and create challenges in maintaining proper oral hygiene, leading to further inflammation.
Through precise reshaping of the gum tissue and adjusting its positioning and contours, we can enhance the aesthetic appearance of your smile and alleviate inflammation. Gingivectomy is frequently incorporated as a component of the crown lengthening procedure.
Peri-implantitis treatment usually includes mechanical debridement to eliminate damaged tissue and bacteria, along with antimicrobial therapy. The primary objective of this treatment is to decontaminate the tissue surrounding the implant to prevent the infection from spreading to the jawbone.
If peri-implantitis is not treated, it can advance to a severe stage and result in the loss of the implant. However, if it is detected early and managed under the supervision of a skilled dentist, peri-implantitis can be addressed before it causes significant discomfort or embarrassment.
Scaling and root planing is an extensive dental cleaning technique specifically addressing gum disease. Utilizing a laser effectively eliminates plaque and tartar from teeth and gum pockets, eradicating detrimental bacteria and toxins. These therapies are recognized for their safety and minimal invasiveness in effectively managing periodontal disease.