Gum disease, also known as periodontal disease, is an infection in the gums around your teeth. It’s a major cause of tooth loss in adults, yet many people don’t realize they have it at first because the signs can be easy to miss. At each checkup, your dentist will look for signs of gum disease by measuring the space between your teeth and gums. Fusion Dental offers treatment for gum disease in Killeen, Harker Heights, Waco, and Bellmead, TX.
Treating gum disease helps prevent problems like gum recession and tooth loss. Fusion Dental’s Waco office provides this as part of our restorative dental services.
What Causes Gum Disease?
Gum disease happens when plaque builds up. Plaque is a sticky layer of bacteria that forms on teeth and gums. Brushing, flossing, and regular dental visits help clear away plaque. But if plaque stays on the teeth, it releases toxins that can harm the gums.
Gum disease starts below the gum line, forming small pockets that pull the gums away from the teeth. The stages of gum disease are:
- Gingivitis: The early stage of gum disease. Gingivitis causes red, swollen gums that may bleed when brushing. This stage is treatable with regular cleanings and good brushing and flossing habits.
- Mild Periodontitis: If gingivitis isn’t treated, it can progress to mild periodontitis. At this stage, small pockets form as the gums pull away from the teeth. Scaling and root planing can help control the infection.
- Moderate Periodontitis: As the disease progresses, bacteria spread deeper under the gums and affect the tooth roots. This can lead to larger gum pockets, sensitive teeth, and bad breath. Treatment may involve non-surgical or surgical options based on your needs.
- Advanced Periodontitis: The final stage of gum disease. This stage can cause loose teeth and damage to the bone and gums. Surgery is often needed to treat advanced gum disease.
Symptoms and Risk Factors for Gum Disease
Certain factors can make gum disease more likely, including:
- Smoking or chewing tobacco
- Diabetes
- Certain medications (like steroids, anti-epilepsy drugs, cancer treatments, calcium channel blockers, and oral contraceptives)
- Bridges that no longer fit
- Crooked teeth
- Old fillings
- Pregnancy
While gum disease doesn’t always have obvious symptoms, some signs to watch for include:
- Gums that bleed easily
- Red, swollen, or tender gums
- Gums that have pulled away from teeth
- Bad breath or a bad taste that doesn’t go away
- Pus between your teeth and gums
- Loose teeth
- A change in the way your teeth fit when you bite
- A change in the fit of partial dentures
By catching gum disease early, you can work with your dentist to keep your gums and teeth healthy for years to come.
Gum Disease Treatments in Bellmead, TX
Gum disease treatments depend on how serious the condition is. Common treatments for gum disease include both non-surgical and surgical methods.
Non-Surgical Treatments
The first step in fighting gum disease is a deep cleaning called **scaling and root planing**. Using an ultrasonic tool, we remove plaque and tartar from hard-to-reach spots under the gum line, on the teeth, and around the roots. After that, we smooth the rough surfaces on the teeth and roots. This helps gums reattach to the teeth more easily.
If your dentist catches gum disease early, scaling and root planing may be the only treatment you need. But after-care is essential for keeping your gums healthy. To prevent gum disease from coming back, be sure to:
- Brush and floss daily
- Eat a balanced diet
- Avoid tobacco
- Schedule regular dental checkups
Even after a successful deep cleaning, gum disease can return if daily care is neglected.
Periodontal Surgery
If gum disease has advanced and damaged the bone or tissue around your teeth, we may recommend surgery. Several types of gum surgery can protect your teeth and bring back a healthy smile. We’ll discuss the best option based on your needs.
Pocket Depth Reduction
In a healthy mouth, the teeth are held in place by tight gums and strong bone. Gum disease damages this structure, creating pockets around the teeth. These pockets collect bacteria and plaque, which causes further damage.
During pocket reduction (or “flap surgery”), we fold back the gum tissue to remove plaque, tartar, and infected tissue. Then we stitch the healthy tissue back in place. With the bacteria cleared out and the pockets reduced, gums can reattach more firmly to the teeth.
Tissue Regeneration
If gum disease has caused tissue or bone loss, we can encourage regrowth through tissue regeneration. During this procedure, we fold back the gum tissue, remove bacteria and plaque, and may use a bone graft to promote new bone growth. Sometimes, we apply a special protein to stimulate new tissue growth to repair the damaged areas.
Soft-Tissue Grafting
Gum recession happens when the gums pull away from the teeth, exposing the roots. This can make teeth look longer and feel sensitive to hot or cold. Gum recession also increases the risk of further damage from plaque and tartar.
To treat this, we perform a soft-tissue graft by taking tissue from the roof of your mouth (or another source) and sewing it to the affected area. This covers the roots and restores the gum line to a healthier position. We also offer this graft for cosmetic improvements.
Periodontal Disease Treatment FAQs
Gum disease can have serious effects on the entire body. The answers to these commonly asked questions can help you learn more.
Can periodontal disease be cured?
Brushing, flossing, and professional cleanings can reverse early-stage gum disease (gingivitis). Once the disease reaches the periodontitis stage, it can’t be fully cured but can be managed. Your dentist or periodontist can help stop the infection, reduce inflammation, and keep the condition from getting worse through regular treatments and at-home care.
Does treatment for periodontal disease hurt?
Most gum disease treatments are not painful, especially with numbing medicine or sedation if needed. You might feel pressure during deep cleaning, but not sharp pain. Afterward, your gums might feel sore or tender for a few days. Your dentist will give you instructions on caring for your gums and may suggest over-the-counter pain relievers to help heal.
Will I lose my teeth if I have periodontal disease?
You don’t have to lose your teeth if you get treatment early and follow your dentist’s care plan. But if gum disease is left untreated, it can destroy the bone and tissues that hold your teeth in place. This can cause teeth to become loose or fall out. Timely treatment and good oral hygiene can help you keep your teeth for life.
How can I prevent gum disease from coming back?
To keep gum disease from returning, brush your teeth twice a day with fluoride toothpaste, floss every day, and visit your dentist regularly. Avoid tobacco and eat a healthy diet to support gum health. If you’ve already had gum disease, sticking to your periodontal maintenance plan is key to keeping your gums strong and healthy.
Can gum disease affect my overall health?
Yes, gum disease can impact more than just your mouth. Studies show it may be linked to other health problems like heart disease, diabetes, and stroke. The inflammation from gum disease can spread through your bloodstream and affect other parts of your body. That’s why treating gum disease and keeping your mouth healthy is so important.
What happens if I don’t treat periodontal disease?
If you ignore gum disease, it will likely get worse. Over time, the infection can destroy the bone around your teeth, cause pain, and lead to tooth loss. Untreated gum disease can also increase your risk of health problems in other body parts. Getting treatment early can help you avoid serious damage and protect your smile for years.
Preventing Gum Disease
Regular dental visits and gum checkups are key to keeping gums healthy. You can avoid tooth loss from gum disease by practicing good oral hygiene at home. Remember to brush, floss, eat well, and see your dentist regularly.
If you notice gum issues, call Fusion Dental. We offer gum disease treatment in Bellmead, Waco, Killeen, and Harker Heights, TX. Let us know if you have questions about gum treatments at any of our offices.