Gum Disease
Treatment for Gum Disease in Stratford, CT
Gum disease is one of the most serious conditions that one will ever have to encounter, yet timely prevention or intervention can preserve your dental health and save you from any long-term repercussions. This is where Hawley Lane Dental comes in. As a highly skilled gum disease … Click to open this link in the same window … specialist in Stratford, we are here to help! Our office is conveniently situated just east of CT-8 and Merritt Parkway, serving residents of Stratford, Trumbull, and Bridgeport.
Gingivitis and Periodontal disease are easily detectable through the processes of periodontal charting. Periodontal charting is done by a dentist, periodontist, or dental hygienist. Periodontal charting primarily consists of probing (measuring) how tightly the gums are attached to the teeth. Healthy gums … Click to open this link in the same window … will have a measurement of 1-3 millimeters. Readings of 4 millimeters or higher may indicate the presence of periodontal disease. During periodontal charting, gum recession is noted, as well as inflammation, tooth mobility (loose teeth), bleeding, or puss.
What Are the Risk Factors for Gum Disease?
Your dentist or hygienist will also discuss your risk factors. These may include:
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Tobacco use
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Long periods between dental visits
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Family history
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Medications
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Stress
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Overall health
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Age
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Lack of proper home care (flossing and brushing)
What Are the Stages of Gum Disease?
There are different stages of periodontal disease, and your recommended treatment … Click to open this link in the same window … may vary based on the stage of the periodontal disease diagnosed by your dental provider.
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Gingivitis
This is the beginning of periodontal disease and the only stage that can be reversed. It is treated by both dental cleanings and routine at-home care. Signs of gingivitis may include slight sensitivity or soreness as well as bleeding when brushing and flossing. It is important to note that even gums that measure in the “healthy range” of 1-3 millimeters may still show signs of gingivitis. Your diagnosis is not based solely on numbers. The amount of plaque or tartar, bleeding, and the visual appearance of the gums also contribute to your diagnosis.
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Periodontal Disease (Periodontitis)
This is the progression of gingivitis. The bacteria that remain in the mouth and on the surface of the teeth have migrated below the gum and have begun to destroy the tissue and bone that support the teeth. The gums separate from the teeth, and bone loss may begin. Periodontal charting may show measurements of 4 millimeters or higher. Bleeding and recession may also be present. Because bacteria are present below the gum line, a “regular” dental cleaning (prophylaxis) that cleans the surface of the teeth is not enough to treat the disease. Scaling and root planing (deep cleaning) may be recommended by your provider to remove the bacteria below the gums. Antibiotics may also be used in combination with scaling and root planning.
More advanced or aggressive forms of periodontal disease are the most difficult to treat. At this stage, the signs and symptoms are easily noticed. These include bleeding or pus, difficulty or pain when eating, tooth mobility, gum recession, and severe bone loss visible on an X-ray. Your provider may recommend gum surgery to try to preserve your teeth. Teeth that may not respond to treatment may be recommended for extraction.
Studies have shown that up to 80% of the population has some form of periodontal disease present at any given time. The only way to prevent … Click to open this link in the same window … or treat … Click to open this link in the same window … the disease is to see your dental provider for proper diagnosis and treatment.
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Monday - 9:00am–5:00pm
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Tuesday - 8:00am–5:00pm
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Wednesday - 8:00am–5:00pm
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Thursday - 8:00am–5:00pm
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Friday - 8:00am–5:00pm
