Periodontal Disease
Types and Stages of Gum Disease
Gingivitis and periodontitis are the two different kinds of periodontal disease. Treating gum disease and restoring good oral hygiene habits as soon as possible reduces the risk of tooth loss and other serious problems.
Gingivitis
Gingivitis is the earliest stage of gum disease. The name refers to the inflammation of the gums (gingiva), typically as a result of bacterial infection. It's estimated that three out of four Americans will suffer from gingivitis during their lifetime.
Periodontitis
Periodontitis develops when gingivitis goes untreated and is allowed to progress. Without periodontal treatment, periodontitis can lead to tooth loss, the spread of infection to the jawbone, and more serious health and wellness problems.
Causes and Risk Factors What Makes Gum Disease More Likely?
In addition to your genetic makeup and family history, there are a few key risk factors that make a person more susceptible to periodontal disease. Keep these risk factors in mind.
Cigarettes, cigars, and chewing tobacco are major contributing factors to periodontal disease. Consider this yet another compelling reason to quit.
Many diabetics suffer from periodontal disease since their body has trouble combating infections. Diabetics must be diligent about dental wellness.
If you consume a lot of junk food and sugary beverages, you're more likely to suffer from periodontal disease as well as tooth decay.
Brushing and flossing removes plaque and food, which helps control levels of oral bacteria. Be sure to always practice good oral hygiene.
Signs and Symptoms of Gum Disease
There are several telltale symptoms of periodontal disease. If you notice these signs of gingivitis and periodontitis, be sure to contact our Merritt Island dental practice as soon as possible.
Bleeding Gums
Bleeding gums are one of the early signs of gingivitis, persisting through advanced periodontitis. In some cases, the bleeding and excessive oral bacteria contribute to an unpleasant taste in the mouth.
Swollen and Discolored Gums
If your gumline becomes puffy or changes in color from pink to red or purple, that's a major sign that something is wrong. These changes to soft tissue often accompany bleeding.
Bad Breath
High levels of oral bacteria and poor hygiene practices tend to lead to lingering bad breath. Some patients with periodontal disease notice they have bad breath even after brushing and flossing.
Gum Recession
Gum recession refers to the gumline peeling away from a tooth to reveal more of the crown and root. This makes teeth more vulnerable to cavities and could lead to your teeth feeling loose or wiggly.
Tooth Sensitivity
When tooth roots become exposed from gum recession, they tend to be more sensitive to hot and cold temperatures. As periodontal disease progresses, it can become painful to bite and chew.What Makes Us Different?
Our team's dedication to comprehensive dental care makes us a trusted dentistry resource for people in Merritt Island suffering from gingivitis and periodontitis. We'll discuss all aspects of care to promote patient education, including the cost of periodontal treatment and dental financing options. Our office also offers sedation in the form of nitrous oxide so you will never have to worry about nerves during your visit. Lastly, our team uses advanced technology like Waterlase®, a dental laser that can speed recovery and minimize discomfort.
Contact Skilled Dentists Who Care About Your Oral Health
Dr. Wilkhu, Dr. Cork, and Dr. Schmid are committed to total patient wellness. Dr. Wilkhu is a member of the American Dental Association, the Florida Dental Association, the Central Florida District Dental Association, the Brevard County Dental Society, and the International Dental Implant Association. Our dentists remain committed to advanced patient care and wellness.
To learn more about treatments for periodontal disease and options for prevention, contact our team of dentists online. You can also reach us by phone at:
(321) 459-2444
A Trusted Dentistry Practice Helping Merritt Island Patients
cal dixon
Merritt Island, FL
2023
Dr. Wilkhu is very thorough, and he has a fantastic staff. Front office is friendly and very organized. Dimitra has been my hygienist for last couple of years and always does an excellent job. I highly recommend, I personally wouldn’t go anywhere else!
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Sam Talluto
Great new clean facility. The staff and DMDs are top notch and would recommend to anyone looking for a dentist.
View On GoogleGum Disease Treatments and Advanced Periodontal Care
Our Merritt Island dentists have numerous options for treating periodontal disease. There are different treatment phases depending on whether a patient suffers from gingivitis or periodontitis. We will develop an effective treatment plan with you during the consultation process.
Antibiotics
Regardless of what type of gum disease you suffer from, controlling the infection is an essential part of treatment. Patients may be given antiseptic rinses, medication to apply directly to affected gum tissue, or even oral antibiotics to control the presence of bacteria. This initial treatment typically accompanies more advanced therapies.
Scaling and Root Planing
For gingivitis and less severe cases of periodontitis, scaling and root planing, also known as a deep cleaning, is essential for addressing the infection and reducing the risk of future periodontal problems. Root scaling removes any plaque and tartar accumulated below the gumline. Root planing smooths out the root structure to prevent the return of bacteria.
Laser Gum Therapy
Advanced cases of periodontitis typically require oral surgery to remove infected tissue. In the past, this was done with a scalpel. Today, we use Waterlase, a laser dentistry tool that makes this process safer and more comfortable. With Waterlase, there is less bleeding, a lower risk of infection, and much faster healing times.
Additional Periodontal Care
It can take numerous cosmetic and restorative dentistry treatments to fully address the effects of periodontal disease. Our dentists can discuss soft tissue grafting techniques to rebuild the gumline. Our team will also offer insight into good oral hygiene practices to improve your long-term periodontal health and prevent future problems.
Five-Star Dentistry for the People of Merritt Island
Steven Lepper
Clean, friendly, and efficient. First visit to this dentist. Had a checkup and cleaning. Both were excellent.
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Martin Gardner
My visit was pleasant and professional. Appointment was on time. Work completed painlessly, without delay. Everyone was friendly. I felt everything was done right.
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