Gum Disease and Periodontal Therapy in Helotes, TX
Gum disease is very common; as many as 80% of American adults experience gingivitis or periodontal disease at some point in their lives.
Gum disease can occur for a variety of reasons, including poor oral hygiene, smoking, genetics, and taking certain medications. If you’d like to learn more about our treatment options or schedule an appointment with us, please don’t hesitate to reach out to our front office for assistance.
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What are the signs and symptoms of gum disease?
It’s not always obvious to patients when gum disease has developed or is advancing, which is why it’s important to schedule regular dental cleanings and exams, especially if you have a history with gingivitis or gum disease. Common signs that indicate gum disease may be present include:
- Gum Swelling or Pain
- Change or Darkening in Gum Color
- Chronic Gum Bleeding
- Loose or Shifted Teeth
- Receding Gums
- Chronic Bad Breath
What are the stages of gum disease?
Gum disease always begins as gingivitis, which may have very few or no noticeable symptoms. When it’s in this mild form, it is completely reversible and only requires regular professional dental cleanings and an extra thorough at-home oral care routine to be treated. After this, gum disease advances to slight, moderate, and advanced periodontal disease. Periodontal disease develops when the bacteria begin attacking the bone. A dental professional must step in at this point to treat the infection and prevent the disease from advancing further.
How is periodontitis treated?
Advanced gum disease is treated using a process called scaling and root planing. Scaling involves removing the built-up plaque and tartar that has collected beneath the gum line, and root planing helps the gums reattach to the teeth. We also apply a topical antibiotic called Arestin in the gum pockets to prevent harmful bacteria from collecting for several months after your treatment. In more complex cases, we can also perform laser gum treatment, which gently removes diseased tissue and bacteria with precision and allows healthy tissue to remain.
Learn MoreContact Info
Phone: 210-318-4119
Fax: (210) 372-9795
Helotes Family Dentistry
12415 Bandera Rd.Helotes, TX 78023
