Periodontal disease (gum disease) is a progressive bacterial infection of the gum tissue. If affects millions of people and is the number one cause of tooth loss. Advanced periodontal disease can compromise the health and integrity of the gum tissue, teeth, and the supporting bone structure. Periodontal disease is usually the result of poor oral hygiene, which suggests it is preventable with routine visits to the dentist and healthy oral hygiene practices. LIFESmiles Dental offers periodontal therapy in Boise, ID for those who suffer from gum disease.

What is Gum Disease?

Periodontal disease forms when there is a buildup of plaque and tartar in the mouth. Both substances are filled with harmful bacteria that will attack the gums. Pockets of bacteria will form under the gums and lead to infections causing the gums to separate from the teeth. Without treatment, the disease will progress and the damage to the gums will worsen and extend to the teeth and underlying bone. Eventually, you may also suffer from recessed gums, loose teeth, missing teeth, or bone loss.

Signs and Symptoms of Gum Disease

Dr. Garpetti or Dr. Hyder will examine your gums to look for signs of periodontal disease during each routine dentist appointment. Most people many not even realize they have it during the early stages. However, gum disease is best treated during the earliest stages. This is another important reason why visiting your dentist on a regular basis is so important. As the disease progresses, patients may experience advanced symptoms like tooth and bone loss if the disease is left untreated. The goal is to catch gum disease before it compromises the overall health and function of your natural smile.

Common Signs of Gum Disease:

• Halitosis (bad breath)
• Swollen or tender gums
• Receding gum line
• Shifting teeth
• Changes in the bite
• Tooth sensitivity
• Bleeding gums
• Tooth loss

If you notice any changes to your oral health, be sure to inform Dr. Garpetti or Dr. Hyder during your next visit. Any of the symptoms listed above can be an indication of a developing form of periodontal disease.

Stages of Periodontal Disease

There are two stages of gum disease and it is important to know the difference between the two. If you are diagnosed during the first stage, treatment is likely to reverse the disease. Unfortunately most people do know the problem exists until the later stages. This is why regular dental care is so vital to your oral health. Dentists screen for early signs of this disease to avoid it from progressing into a serious health concern.

The earliest stage of gum disease is referred to as gingivitis. When gingivitis is left untreated, it can progress to a more severe stage of gum disease called periodontitis. Studies have suggested that advanced staged of gum disease may increase your risk of developed certain systemic health concerns.

Gingivitis

Gingivitis is the early stage of gum disease. This is when bacteria begin to form pockets in the gums. It can cause bleeding gums, inflammation, and gum recession. Your dentist can diagnose gingivitis at your routine dental appointments and recommend the appropriate treatments. It may require at home care as well as in office treatment. Patients with recurring gingivitis should get professional dental cleanings more frequently.

Periodontitis

This is the advanced stage of periodontal disease Periodontitis leads to permanent damage of the gum tissue and weakens the teeth. It will require intensive treatment to restore the gums, address damage, and restore oral health. If periodontitis is left untreated, teeth may become loose and even fall out compromising the function of the bite and jaw bone. Bone loss can occur as well.

Treating Periodontal Disease

It is very important to treat your periodontal disease as soon as you are diagnosed. This progressive disease can increase the risk of heart disease, diabetes, stroke, bone recession, facial regression, and stroke. Taking steps to improve the health of your gums is not only important for your oral health but your overall health as well.

Periodontal disease treatment is restorative dentistry that our office provides to our patients. Treatment for periodontal disease will depend on the complexity and stage of gum disease for that patient. Drs. Garpetti and Hyder offer a complete range of periodontal therapy solutions to treat various stages of gum disease.

Our team will asses the condition of your oral health before creating a personalized solution to address your needs. The goal of treatment is to eliminate disease tissue and restore health to your smile.

Depending on your specific case, we may recommend one or more of these solutions to restore health to the teeth and gums.

• Antibacterial Rinses: This form of treatment is often recommended in the earliest stage of gum disease. Antibacterial rinses help remove harmful bacteria that may contribute to the progression of gum disease.
• Scaling and Root Planing: Scaling and root planing is an intensive deep cleaning of the teeth and gum line. The goal is to remove bacteria buildup from the gums.
• Laser Dentistry: In some cases, laser dentistry is an effective, non-invasive alternative to oral surgery. We use The Solea® Dental Laser to safely eliminate disease tissue. The Solea Dental Laser is a noiseless, anesthesia-free, effective solution for a wide range of dental concerns, including gum disease. Laser dentistry help promote the body’s natural healing response and encourages faster healing.
• Oral Surgery: In advanced cases of gum disease gum surgery may be needed to repair damaged gum tissue. Patients may need to undergo gums surgery, bone grafting, or other methods to restore health to their teeth and gums.

Dr. Garpetti and Dr. Hyder will work with you to determine which treatment options are right for you.

Schedule An Appointment for Periodontal Therapy in Boise, ID

If you are experiencing any sign of gum disease or you have not visited the dentist recently for a preventive care exam, visit our team at LIFESmiles Family & Cosmetic Dentistry. Drs. Garpetti and Hyder offer a full range of periodontal therapy solutions to address various stages of gum disease. To schedule an appointment, call (208) 254-6365 or schedule an appointment online.