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Gum disease is often referred to as periodontal disease. It is a common oral condition that can lead to tooth loss and other general health problems when not treated on time. Proper oral hygiene practices and regular professional cleanings are the first lines of treatment against gum issues. During your routine oral exams, our experienced dental professionals will have the opportunity to check for initial symptoms of gum disease. If the problems are identified early, we offer prompt treatment before the condition can progress. At Premier Dental Group HI, we provide many effective gum disease treatments to help you maintain your oral health and healthy smile.

What Is Gum Disease?

Plaque accumulation along the gumline is most often the reason for gum disease. These accumulations can reach below the gum line, creating deep pockets between the soft tissue and the teeth. As the infection spreads, the symptoms of gum disease can become more severe. Other causes include hormonal changes, nutritional deficiencies, diabetes, tobacco use, and stress. While gum disease can affect your dental health immediately, the condition may also pose risks to your overall general health.

What Are the Symptoms of Gum Disease?

There is a wide range of symptoms associated with gum disease. They include:

• Swollen, red, or inflamed gums
• Gum bleeding after brushing or flossing
• Gum recession
• Gaps between the gums and teeth
• Foul breath
• Discharge along the gumline
• Teeth movement
• Ill-fitting bridge or denture
• Loose teeth

When left untreated, gum disease has also been linked to several health problems, such as heart disease, diabetes, and stroke. Hence, managing the disease is vital for protecting your overall health.

Gum Disease Treatments

• Scaling and Root Planing

Scaling and root planing are techniques of gum care that can effectively remove plaque and hardened plaque. In the scaling procedure, the teeth and deep pockets along the gum line are meticulously cleaned. Root planing can decrease the size of these pockets and boost the healthy gum tissue to reattach to the teeth. For patients with more severe bacterial infections, relevant antibiotics may also be used during treatment.

• Laser Treatment

Modern dental technology has changed the way dentists can treat gum disease. In most cases, lasers are used instead of scalpels, improving the efficiency of procedures and patient safety and comfort. These lasers target the diseased gum tissue without damaging the surrounding healthy tissue. After all plaque and tartar buildup has been eliminated, a laser is employed to seal and sterilize the gums and teeth, reducing the risk of future infection and assisting the body’s natural healing process.

For more information about gum disease treatments, visit one of our Premier Dental Group HI offices in the Hawaiian Islands.