Harmful bacteria can cause gum disease or periodontitis. These bacteria can build up on the teeth and gums, particularly if patients do not properly brush or floss their smiles. If it is not removed, this bacteria feeds on food debris left on the gums and creates digestive acids that irritate the gum tissue.
Over time, patients can experience swollen and irritated gums. Eventually, gum disease leads to gum recession and bone loss. Dr. Stan Nova offers periodontal disease treatment for patients in Gaithersburg, MD. Gum disease treatment restores oral health and helps prevent reinfection.
Symptoms of Periodontal Disease
Gum disease commonly presents itself through various symptoms before it is diagnosed. Patients with gum disease often experience one or more of these symptoms:
- Bleeding gums
- Gum recession
- Swollen and irritated gums
- Red or purple gums
- Loose teeth
Please contact us if you have noticed any signs of gum disease or changes in your gum health. Even if you have gingivitis or swollen gums, you can experience painful symptoms that can become gum disease over time.
Stages of Gum Disease
There are four main stages of gum disease. Gum disease progresses quickly, so we recommend learning the signs and symptoms to diagnose and treat gum disease before it can cause permanent damage.
Gingivitis
The first stage of periodontal disease is called gingivitis. This is the only stage where the disease can be cured, and any damage can be fully reversed. Symptoms may include swollen gums and bleeding when brushing and flossing. Patients may also experience chronic bad breath and a slight metallic taste in the mouth. A thorough dental cleaning and increased oral care routine can reverse and cure gingivitis.
Slight Periodontitis
The second stage of periodontal disease is mild periodontitis. During this stage, your gums will begin to pull away from your teeth, forming pockets that house bacteria and plaque. This will lead to further infection, which can cause irreversible damage. Some symptoms include discolored and swollen gums, bleeding upon contact, and tender pain. Patients may also experience pain while chewing and notice gum recession.
Moderate Periodontitis
The third stage of periodontal disease is moderate periodontitis. At this point, damage is irreversible, and the infection may affect your entire body as it enters the bloodstream. This can cause bone deterioration; patients may experience pain while eating, brushing, and chewing. You may also notice chronic halitosis and inflammation throughout the entire body. Treatment for this stage includes scaling and root planing, and we may prescribe medication to fight infection.
Advanced Periodontitis
The final stage of gum disease is advanced periodontal disease. This is the most severe stage of infection. Patients are at risk for tooth loss, and bone deterioration is present. You may experience extreme sensitivity to hot and cold temperatures, bleeding gums, pain while speaking and eating, tooth loss, and misaligned or shifting teeth. Damage is irreversible. However, treatment can help prevent the loss of all teeth and prevent infection from impacting the rest of your body.
Treating Gum Disease in Gaithersburg, MD
Scaling and root planing are deep-cleaning treatments that we offer in the office to remove bacterial buildup from the teeth and gums. When bacteria build up, they form a sticky film called plaque. As plaque hardens, it creates calculus, also known as tartar.
Patients can find it difficult to remove tartar, even with good oral hygiene. Our dental hygienists use dental tools to remove bacteria buildup from the teeth and gums. Our professionals are trained in our office to reach deep pockets and remove plaque that is otherwise difficult to remove at home.
Dental lasers can provide gum surgery without sutures. Lasers are small, handheld tools to remove infected gum tissue. Additionally, dental lasers not only remove infected gum tissue but also help patients regrow healthy gums. Using lasers allows dentists to work with extreme precision and removes the need for invasive procedures.
We will also recommend gum grafting as needed for patients with receding gums. Gum recession can expose the tooth roots and leave patients prone to loose teeth. Grafting takes healthy gum tissue from one part of the mouth and places it over receded gums to support healthy gum growth.
Renew Your Gum Health
Do you have gum problems? Call our dental office at (240) 226-1482 or schedule a dental consultation with us online. We welcome patients’ questions about their symptoms or treatment options.
