Treatment of Gum Disease

No matter what your level of anxiety when it comes to visiting the dentist and dental hygienist, Brookside Family Dental promises to make you comfortable, be gentle, be thorough, and spend unrushed personal time with you. This is what distinguishes us!
We encourage patients at Brookside Family Dentalt keep regularly scheduled oral hygiene and check-up appointments. In addition to finding dental decay and other dental problems early, it’s important to catch gum inflammation before it advances. With good oral hygiene habits at home and regular care in our office, we can work together to control the bacteria that cause periodontal inflammation and to treat any periodontal inflammation that occurs.

Left untreated, periodontal inflammation advances and can become problematical.

When bacterial inflammation occurs on the outer surface of the gums, your gums will become red, swollen and bleed easily. This mildest form of gum inflammation is called “gingivitis”and may not be noticeably uncomfortable. At this early stage, it is reversible with professional treatment and good oral home care.

Gingivitis is caused by the build up of plaque on your teeth along the gum line. Plaque is an invisible, sticky film composed mainly of bacteria that feed on starches and sugars. Plaque that remains on the teeth longer than 2-3 days hardens into a coating called “tarter” (also called “calculus”). Twice daily thorough brushing and daily flossing is required to keep tartar at bay. Many patients find an electronic toothbrush is more effective than brushing manually with a traditional toothbrush.

Tartar cannot be removed easily by twice daily flossing and cleaning. Over a period of weeks it can build up sufficiently to require professional teeth cleaning by a dentist or dental hygienist. The colonizing bacteria in plaque and tartar release acid as they feed on food debris. It is this acid that eats away dental enamel. Toxins produced by the bacteria irritate the gum tissue and become a source of infection. Gum inflammation is the body’s attempt to heal itself.

Untreated gingivitis can advance to “periodontitis” as colonizing bacteria grow below the gum line. Toxins produced by the bacteria stimulate a chronic inflammatory response in which the gingiva (gum tissue) and bone that support the teeth are broken down and destroyed. Patients sometimes come to us in need of extensive treatment because gum tissue has separated from the teeth and formed pockets that are infected. Gum and bone tissue can become destroyed to the point that one or more teeth become loose and may have to be removed.

Risk Factors for Periodontal Disease

Those with a history of poor oral health are at greater risk for periodontitis, as are those living with diabetes and compromised immune systems. Smoking, certain medications, and genetic factors significantly increase susceptibility.

Treatment of Periodontal Disease

The treatment Dr. Lampert recommends for you will depend on the severity of your inflammation. Gingivitis is reversible with professional treatment and good oral hygiene. After your thorough dental cleaning in our office, Dr. Lampertmay prescribe an antibiotic mouthwash or other medication, and also a greater frequency of hygiene appointments to keep bacteria under control.

If inflammation has progressed, it may be necessary to perform a “deep scaling” below the gum line or “root planing” to removed diseased parts of tooth roots. This can been done in the comfort of our Brookside Family Dental office. We can provide anti-anxiety oral sedation, topical numbing, and injected local anesthetic to keep you fully comfortable. Any post-procedure discomfort will be easily managed with an over-the-counter pain reliever.

If you have suffered serious damage to your gum tissue, bone tissue, or teeth, Dr. Lampert will compassionately care for you and develop a treatment plan for your situation. With today’s knowledge, dental materials, methods, and tools—with patience and care, your mouth can be fully restored to sound function, health and attractive appearance. If you need the interdisciplinary care of a periodontal specialist or surgical procedures, Dr. Lampert will refer you to a preferred specialist and be in full communication to ensure you receive the best of care.

Do you have symptoms of gum inflammation or periodontal disease?

Give us a call right away if you notice:

  • Gums that bleed during and after tooth brushing,
  • Red, swollen, or tender gums,
  • Receding gums,
  • Separation of the gum tissue from teeth (formation of gum pockets),
  • Persistent bad breath or a bad taste in the mouth,
  • A localized abscess on the gums (collection of pus),
  • Loose or shifting teeth,
  • Changes in the way teeth fit together when you bite
  • Changes in the fit of partial dentures

Also call if you are due for your regular dental cleaning, or have an unexplained or persistent sore in your mouth. Dr. Lampert and his team love helping patients. New patients are always welcome! To schedule an appointment, contact us today.