Maintaining healthy gums is an important part of maintaining long-term oral health. When neglected, individuals leave themselves vulnerable to developing gum disease. Also known as periodontal disease, this condition causes bacteria to attack the gums. If left untreated, the condition can lead to teeth becoming loose and falling out of the mouth. With these consequences in mind, seeking care for gum disease is a crucial to keeping your smile healthy.
Identifying Gum Disease
Unlike other dental conditions, periodontal disease can start off virtually undetected. During its initial stage of gingivitis, patients may mistake bleeding gums as a minor inconvenience that will resolve itself. However, neglecting treatment during this early phase allows the condition to continue damaging the smile without interruption, often requiring more advanced care in order to restore the smile in the future.
Some common symptoms patients suffering from gum disease experience include:
- Bleeding or tender gums
- Red or purplish gums that appear to be swollen
- Receding gums
- Painful checking or sensitive teeth
Treating Gum Disease
The treatments used to removing disease-causing bacteria and restore the smile vary from patient to patient. For some, deep cleaning and root planing and scaling are the only procedures needed to correct gum health. However, instances of severe periodontitis may require soft tissue and bone grafting. During your visit with your Banning dentist, Dr. Berhanu-Demissie will discuss your needs and go over your potential treatment options.
Similarly, restoration options can vary between patients. This is typically determined by the size of the periodontal pockets left by the disease as well as the health of bone tissue following treatment. For patients who lost a tooth as a result of aggressive periodontal disease, dental implants can be used to replace the missing tooth and reinforce weakened bone density in the area. At Amy Berhanu-Demissie, DDS, our team collaborates with local area specialists to help create a treatment plan that addresses your health and restorative needs following gum disease treatment.
Preventing Future Infections
For patients recovering from gum disease, prevention is a necessary part of protecting the smile from recurrent infection and damage. At our Banning and San Bernardino practices, Dr. Berhanu-Demissie and her team work closely with patients to create an ongoing treatment schedule. Often, this continuing care plan includes more frequent visits for cleanings to prevent the build-up of tartar and to monitor changes to the gums.
Schedule Your Visit Today
At Amy Berhanu-Demissie, DDS, we believe patient education is key to detecting, treating, and preventing gum disease. For more information about this condition and to learn more about viable treatment options for your smile, contact our Banning or San Bernardino practices today.
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