What are the treatment options for gum disease patients in Garland area?

Gum disease affects millions of Americans each year. It has a direct correlation to an increased risk of other health conditions including stroke, heart attack, and diabetes, and can have a profound impact on oral health. A patient with gum disease will experience inflammation due to an excess of bacteria in the mouth. Treating gum disease is very important to overall health. Regardless of whether the gum disease is in the early stages or it has advanced, treatment options are available at Kings Dental in Garland, TX.

At Kings Dental, we make every effort to explore the least invasive treatments first. We will often explore antibiotics to help with infection and deep cleanings known as scaling and root planing. Scaling and root planing is a common procedure in the treatment of gum disease because it cleans all the way down to the root, removing plaque and tartar and smoothing out the surface of the root.

If the gum disease has advanced to periodontitis, there are times when more invasive treatment options may be necessary. If the gums have receded significantly, soft tissue grafts may be required. Some patients may also require pocket reduction if there is excessive amounts of swelling and inflammation around the gums and teeth.

If no treatment is sought for gum disease, the consequences can be irreversible. Gum disease can cause bone resorption in the jaw, which can lead to the loss of natural teeth. At that point, the gum disease will need to be treated and oral health restored before patients can look at options for replacing the teeth. Patients with extensive bone loss may need bone grafts before they are able to receive tooth restorations such as dental implants.

The bottom line is the earlier the gum disease is detected, the easier it is to treat and restore oral health. Knowing the symptoms of gum disease can be helpful in obtaining an early diagnosis. They may include:

• Bleeding of the gums during brushing and flossing
• Chronic bad breath
• Inflammation and redness around the gum line
• Pockets between the gum and teeth
• Shifting of natural teeth
• Change in fit of prosthetics such as dentures

The best way to prevent gum disease is through proper oral care. For more information, please give us a call at (214) 703-6900.