Did you know that eight out of ten people have some level of gum disease, and that for many of these individuals, there are no present symptoms? Gum disease is exceedingly common, and that’s why our dentist, Dr. Donian Shen, offers periodontal therapy to help patients overcome varying degrees of this potentially serious condition. Gum disease can lead to tooth loss and bone damage; that’s why we provide patients with the tools needed to keep their gums disease-free.
The Importance of Periodontal Therapy
The detrimental effects of untreated periodontal disease aren’t limited to tooth loss, bleeding gums, painful swelling, and damage to the bone tissue in your jaw. Patients with periodontal disease are also at a higher risk of developing other critical health problems, such as the spread of infection from the gums to other areas of the body. Research has determined a link between advanced gum disease and a wide variety of seemingly unrelated systemic health issues, including the following:
- Complications in patients with diabetes
- Preterm birth and low birth weight in mothers with untreated periodontal disease
- Coronary artery disease
- Blood cancer, pancreatic cancer, and kidney disease
- Heart attack
- Stroke
- Worsening of existing heart problems
- Dementia in patients of advanced age
- Pulmonary hypertension (high blood pressure in the lungs)
- Respiratory illnesses, including pneumonia
Fortunately, the prognosis for patients with periodontal disease is good if they receive treatment in a timely manner. This is another reason that routine dental hygiene checkups play such an integral role in gum health.
Gum Disease: Diagnosis & Treatment
We will perform a thorough and complete examination to diagnose your condition. Once we know whether or not you have gum disease and determine how advanced your case is, we can design a treatment plan that is customized to suit your needs. This periodontal therapy plan may involve scaling and root planing, which are processes by which we remove gum disease-causing bacteria and take steps to prevent future flare-ups. The infection must be treated deep within the pockets that form between the gum tissue and the surface of your teeth. Periodontal maintenance visits should be scheduled more frequently than simple cleanings and routine exams.
The good news is that gum disease can be treated and prevented, and today, there are numerous aids available to help us. We’ll make recommendations for better self-care as well as help you improve your preventive dental habits. If you have any questions about periodontal disease or the types of treatment that are available to you, simply ask our team and we’ll be happy to explain. Our primary goal is helping you return to optimal oral health and wellness.
Protect Yourself from Gum Disease
Whether or not you are displaying symptoms of gum disease, make sure you attend regularly scheduled dental checkups to keep your oral health on track. Contact Alpine Dental Care for periodontal care and other general dental treatments for excellent health and smile longevity! Our friendly and knowledgeable team is happy to answer questions and to help you schedule a free consultation with Dr. Shen.*
