Periodontal Gum Disease Treatment Scottsdale, AZ

If your dentist has mentioned periodontal or gum disease to you, there is no cause for alarm or fear in the exam chair. Periodontal disease is much more common than many patients realize, with more than 3 million affected patients in the United States every year. However, no matter how common, it is vitally important to quickly work to remedy and prevent future periodontal gum disease from appearing. If you’ve noticed the signs of periodontal gum disease during your at-home oral care routine – call our office today to schedule an appointment.

What is Periodontal Gum Disease?

Periodontal gum disease is a severe infection that, when untreated, can cause significant damage to your gums and the structure of your jawbone. Periodontitis, as it is often called, is expected but also very preventable. Typically periodontal gum disease is caused by inadequate oral hygiene. However, it can also be caused by underlying conditions such as pregnancy. Periodontitis must be addressed quickly by your dental care team; otherwise, this gum disease can spread, lead to bacterial infection, and eventual tooth loss.

The Dangers of Periodontal Disease

Untreated, periodontal gum disease can lead to tooth loss, bacterial infection, and damage to your gums and jaw. Many patients do not realize that when allowed to spread, periodontal disease grows bacteria in your mouth and creates a risk factor for cardiovascular and lung diseases. Extensive periodontal gum disease can also cause difficulties for diabetic patients to manage blood sugar.

Symptoms of Gum Disease

The most common symptoms of periodontal gum disease include swollen, red, and tender gums. One of the easiest to observe symptoms is bleeding gums during brushing or while flossing. Periodontal disease can also lead to bad breath, pain in the teeth or jaw, loose teeth, receding gums, and in extreme cases – tooth loss. Unfortunately, once a patient begins to notice symptoms, periodontal gum disease is likely already present. The good news is that with regular dental check-ups and improved oral hygiene, you can reverse gum disease and its effects.

Treatment of Periodontal Gum Disease

There are several treatment options available for periodontal gum disease, depending on the level of care required based on the disease’s spread. The mildest treatment options include professional dental cleaning and improved oral hygiene at home, including flossing, brushing, and using an antibacterial mouth wash each day.

If professional intervention is required to remedy gum disease, our Scottsdale, AZ dental office can professionally clean the pockets around your teeth to prevent damage to the surrounding jawbone. Your dentist may also prescribe an antibiotic to clear the bacteria associated with your advanced periodontal gum disease.

Some patients may require a medical procedure to remedy more extensive cases of periodontal disease. This procedure involves removing unhealthy tissue and skin or bone grafting surgery to repair your gum line and jaw.