Gum disease affects most of the adult population to varying degrees. Untreated plaque and tartar can work their way beneath the gum line, causing the gums to become tender and swollen and eventually pull away from the teeth. Our dentists provide conservative periodontal treatment for the beginning stages of gum disease.
At 4Excellence in Dentistry, we are committed to maintaining your complete oral health. Healthy gums are an important aspect of your oral health and overall wellbeing. Unfortunately, gum disease is an all-too-common problem, leading to inflammation, a receding gum line, and eventual tooth loss. We offer complete periodontal care at our Long Island practice, including regular screenings, and treatment for both early and advanced stages of gum disease. With early detection and treatment, we can protect your smile for years to come. To schedule your oral screening, contact our office today.
Without good daily oral hygiene and regular trips to the dentist, plaque can accumulate above and below the gum line, leading to an inflammation of the gums and other complications. This early stage of gum disease is called gingivitis, and if it is detected early, it is completely reversible. However, if the condition is not treated, it can progress to full periodontitis. Pockets of bacteria will accumulate in your gums, and eventually the soft tissues may start to pull away from the teeth. Over time, you may experience a receding gum line, tooth loss, and jawbone degradation. Although periodontitis is not reversible, advanced treatments can replace lost tissues, and special ongoing care can stop it from progressing.
We offer a number of effective treatments for gum disease. In the early stages, gingivitis can usually be treated with a thorough dental cleaning, in which your dentist will remove all plaque and tartar from your teeth. Scaling and planing is one of the most common treatments for advanced cases of gum disease. Your dentist will treat the pockets of bacteria from your gums and smooth the rough patches on your dental roots, since bacteria often accumulate in these areas. Your dentist may also prescribe a regimen of antibiotics. If you have a severe case of gum disease that has resulted in receding gums or degraded jawbone tissue, a gum graft or bone graft may be necessary. If you have lost teeth as a result of gum disease, restorative treatments can rebuild your bite. Healthy gums are absolutely necessary before work such as dentures, implants, or implant-supported dentures can be performed.
Proper gum maintenance is one of the most important things you can do to protect your oral health. You should floss daily and brush your teeth at least twice a day. Mouthwash and water flossing devices, though certainly no substitute for brushing or flossing, can also help you maintain healthy gums. Of course, you should also schedule biannual cleanings and exams at 4Excellence in Dentistry. With early detection of gum disease, we can pursue immediate treatment to protect your smile.
Be proactive about your periodontal health. Call our office to schedule your biannual cleaning and exam. If you are experiencing swollen, bleeding, or sore gums, you should definitely schedule an appointment as soon as possible so we can treat your condition in the earliest possible stage.
