The Impact of Gum Disease
Gum disease is a chronic infection caused by bacterial plaque and tartar colonizing under the gum line. This bacterium eventually causes bone deterioration, which, if untreated, will lead to tooth decay and loss. Sometimes, periodontal infections can be present for years before they are noticed, showing no symptoms and causing no pain.
Going to see a dentist for routine checkups is imperative, especially if you suffer from other health conditions like diabetes or heart problems. There are subtle signs, such as red or inflamed gums that bleed for no reason and halitosis (bad breath).
At Birchmount Dental Group, we focus on early detection and diagnosis. We offer non-surgical treatment and maintenance of the inflammatory phase of gum disease to detect malignant or premalignant changes in oral tissue related to oral cancer early.
Gum grafting surgery may be beneficial for those with a 'gummy' smile or gum recession. Speak with our dental team to learn more about our periodontal services.
Meet Our Periodontist
Dr. Adam Ohayon is our periodontist. He offers a wide range of periodontal treatments at our clinic, including implant placement and gum surgeries.
Meet Our SpecialistsGum Disease Therapy
The treatment of gum disease will depend on the severity of the condition. Our dental professionals will work with you to create a treatment plan based on your specific condition and needs.
Once your periodontal treatment has been completed, regular dental examinations and preventive therapy are typically recommended.
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Preventive Gum Therapy
Preventive therapy will be recommended if the disease is caught in the early stages.
This will include regular hygiene cleanings and exams to prevent and detect any gum issues. We also use dental lasers to assist in clearing away plaque and tartar and to kill any bacteria lurking between your teeth and under the gumline.
To maintain the health of your gums, you must practice good oral hygiene at home including daily teeth brushing and flossing.
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Non-Surgical Gum Therapy
If you are experiencing mild gum disease, the effects may be able to be reversed with a deep cleaning.
To do this, your dental hygienist will scrape away the plaque and tartar around and below the gum line and smooth out any rough areas left behind through scaling and root planing.
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Surgical Gum Therapy
For patients with more advanced forms of gum disease, more invasive surgical treatments may be necessary.
Different types of surgical gum therapy may include gum grafting, crown lengthening, and frenectomy.
Cosmetic Gum Therapy
If your gums sit too low or too high on your teeth and you are dissatisfied with your smile, you might be a candidate for gum grafting surgery or recontouring using dental lasers. This may help create a more uniform gum line, giving you a smile you can feel confident about.
Placing Dental Implants
Periodontics includes placing dental implants beneath the gum line to replace missing teeth. Once the dental implant has been placed and is fully healed, a tooth replacement, such as a crown, will be added. This procedure can help restore the function of your teeth and bite.