Dr. Ed Lazer offers periodontal screenings during preventive care visits and gum disease treatment for patients who may be suffering from the various stages of gum disease. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that half of Americans aged 30 or older have periodontitis, the more advanced form of gum disease.
With gum disease, it is common to experience no obvious signs or symptoms. For this reason, regular visits to our Owings Mills, MD cosmetic dentistry office are critical for preventing and managing gum disease.
Gum Disease Treatment in Owings Mills, MD
Scaling & Root Planning: Patients with early signs of gum disease may benefit from an intensive teeth cleaning known as scaling and root planning. During this procedure, Dr. Lazer will remove plaque and tartar from the deep pockets of the gum.
Using special tools, he will scrape away plaque and tartar build up and removes bacteria from the deep gum pockets where it forms. Removing the bacteria from the pockets in the early stages of development can help prevent gum recession and tooth loss.
Bident Tissue Recontouring: Bident is a bipolar surgical device that allows Dr. Lazer to provide periodontal services that are quicker, safer and more comfortable. We can perform common soft tissue procedures in the comfort of our Owings Mills, MD dentist office. Some of the most common include frenectomy, gingivoplasty, gingivectomy and crown lengthening.
Signs and Symptoms of Gum Disease
If you are noticing any of the following problems, it may be time to schedule an appointment with your dentist.
- Bleeding gums – Gums should never bleed, even when you brush vigorously or use dental floss.
- Loose teeth – Also caused by bone loss or weakened periodontal fibers (fibers that support the tooth to the bone).
- New spacing between teeth – Caused by bone loss.
- Persistent bad breath – Caused by bacteria in the mouth.
- Pus around the teeth and gums – A sign that there is an infection present.
- Receding gums – Loss of gum around a tooth.
- Red and puffy gums – Gums should never be red or swollen.
- Tenderness or Discomfort – Plaque, calculus, and bacteria irritate the gums and teeth.
Stages of Gum disease
There are two key stages of gum disease. Typically, patients do not realize they have gum disease until the later stages, when damage to the gums affects the teeth or gums become significantly irritated. This is why it’s crucial to have Dr. Lazer perform a thorough exam for gum disease.
Gingivitis
Gingivitis is a bacterial infection and a form of periodontal disease that causes swelling and redness in the gums. It is an early stage of gum disease. Gingivitis is typically easy to treat, but may require additional at-home care to prevent it from returning. Patients with recurring gingivitis may benefit from more frequent dental cleanings.
Gingivitis does not affect bone support and does not destroy bone. It is usually the result of plaque buildup on teeth, from poor brushing and flossing habits. You may notice swollen red or inflamed gums, a furry or filmy feeling tongue, bad breath, or bleeding when chewing.
Treatment includes scaling, root planing and using topical antibiotic mouthwash to reduce bacteria levels on teeth. If gingivitis worsens without treatment, it can lead to periodontitis which destroys bone support and surfaces of your teeth.
Periodontitis
Periodontitis is an inflammatory condition of the tooth support system. It can cause permanent damage to gum tissue and weaken the teeth. Periodontitis occurs when a person has untreated dental plaque and gingivitis. The inflammation from the infection affects bone and tissue surrounding teeth. This can lead to pain and loss of teeth. Treatment often requires intensive and surgical methods to address damage and restore oral health.
Schedule a Dental Exam and Periodontal Evaluation
If you’re searching for a dentist that treats gum disease in Owings Mills and Baltimore, schedule an appointment with Dr. Ed Lazer. He offers many gum disease treatments to help you heal and prevent all stages of periodontal disease. Call us at (410) 697-6290 or request a consultation online.