Untreated gum disease–also called periodontal disease–can lead to worsening oral health and, eventually, extensive tooth loss. Our dentists in Dallas, TX, can help you fight gum disease with safe, effective, and non-surgical gum disease treatment.
At Lakewood Dental Group, Dr. Shaun Sigurdson and Dr. Mihir Patel use specialized tools alongside antibiotic solutions to help patients manage periodontal disease. This allows our patients to finally get relief from sore, inflamed, or infected gum tissue caused by progressive gum disease.
What is gum disease?
Gum disease is a condition in which the buildup of bacteria and plaque on the teeth leads to inflammation in the gum tissue. Without proper treatment, periodontal disease can lead to eroding gum tissue, jawbone deterioration, and permanent tooth loss.
There are two categories of gum disease: gingivitis and periodontitis. Gingivitis is the initial stage of gum disease and is reversible. Periodontitis, however, is incurable and is one of the leading causes of tooth loss in adults.
Although periodontitis is incurable, patients still have effective, non-surgical treatment options to manage and control this progressive disease.
What are my non-surgical gum disease treatment options?
At Lakewood Dental Group, our skilled team offers scaling, root planing, and antibiotic treatments to help patients manage periodontal disease.
Scaling
Scaling is the process of removing hardened plaque–also called tartar–and bacteria from the teeth. Our team uses an ultrasonic dental tool to safely and effectively remove tartar from above and below the gumline. This process helps prevent infections in the teeth and gums by flushing out disease-causing bacteria from periodontal pockets in between teeth.
Root Planing
Root planing helps smooth the roots of teeth so that the gum tissue can reattach to the surface of the teeth and heal. As a result, periodontal pockets shrink in size, which reduces the number of harmful bacteria that can accumulate below the gumline.
Antibiotics
In addition to scaling and root planing, Dr. Sigurdson and Dr. Patel may prescribe an oral or topical antibiotic to get a serious gum infection under control. Whether our team prescribes an oral or topical antibiotic, patients must follow the instructions on the label closely and finish the treatment completely.
What happens if I don’t treat gum disease?
Research suggests that periodontal disease can lead to or worsen oral and systemic health issues, such as:
- Tooth and gum infections
- Tooth loss
- Jawbone recession
- Diabetes
- Cancer
- Heart disease
- Pneumonia
- Alzheimer’s disease
How can I prevent gum disease?
Preventing gum disease requires good oral hygiene practices, such as:
- Brushing after snacks or meals, or at least twice daily
- Flossing at least once a day
- Replacing toothbrushes at least every three months
- Swapping a manual, soft-bristled toothbrush for an electric toothbrush
- Avoiding alcohol, tobacco products, and other recreational drugs
- Limiting sugary foods and drinks
- Drinking plenty of water and eating a balanced diet
- Visiting our Lakewood dentists every six months for dental checkups and cleanings
See How Non-surgical Gum Disease Treatment Can Help You
Gum disease will get progressively worse without proper treatment. So, don’t wait–schedule an appointment with a Lakewood dentist to discuss your non-surgical gum disease treatment options now. Our team is always ready to help you get the healthy teeth and gums you deserve!
To schedule an appointment at Lakewood Dental Group, new and existing patients can schedule an appointment online, or they can call our Dallas dental office at (214) 827-1885.
