How Our Encino, LA, Dentist Treats Gum Disease
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What Causes Gum Disease?
There are many factors that can contribute to gum disease, but poor brushing and flossing habits are among the most common causes. As a result, harmful bacteria build up along and beneath the gumline.
These oral bacteria combine with remaining food particles and saliva to form a sticky layer called plaque that coats the tooth surfaces. Eventually, this causes gingivitis or early-stage gum disease. Over time, it can progress into periodontitis, which can severely impact the health of your gums and the supporting tissues.
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Signs of Gum Disease You Shouldn’t Ignore
The early stage of gum disease is known as gingivitis (inflammation of the gums). You may notice slight redness, swelling, and bleeding from gums upon brushing. If left untreated, it can progress to a more severe form called periodontitis.
Periodontitis can damage the supportive foundation of your teeth. It can cause gum recession, bleeding gums, bone loss, a bad taste in your mouth, bad breath, and teeth that move more easily. If you don’t get treatment right away, you might even lose a tooth.
If you notice any of these symptoms, make an appointment at our Encino, Los Angeles office for a full periodontal evaluation and gum disease treatment.
What Our Dentist in Encino, LA, Offers for Gum Disease Treatment
First, we perform a detailed exam, including dental X-rays, to check if there’s bone loss. Our treatment options for gum disease depend on how severe your symptoms are.
Scaling and root planing
This is a deep cleaning treatment that gets rid of plaque and tartar from above and below the gumline. Local numbing is often used to keep you comfortable during the procedure.
In some cases, we also use targeted antibiotics to reduce the number of harmful bacteria.
Laser gum therapy
Laser gum therapy gets rid of bacteria with great accuracy and speeds up the healing of the gums. In general, there is less pain and bleeding.
We may use this technique as an adjunct to conventional gum disease treatment.
Surgical options
In very serious cases, we opt for surgical methods such as gum flap surgery or gum grafting. These techniques can help restore your gum health to the best possible extent.
Summing Up
The earlier gum disease is detected, the easier it is to limit the condition from worsening. Even if you have advanced gum disease, our dentist in Encino, LA, can address it using advanced laser therapy and surgical techniques.
So, as soon as you notice issues with your gum health, consult our dental expert at Cloud9 Dental. Call us at (818) 986-7411 to set up your appointment.