GUM DISEASE TREATMENT – FORT LAUDERDALE, FL
Advanced Therapy for Happy, Healthy Smiles
At Fort Lauderdale’s Seaside Family Dentistry, we believe it is our job to protect your whole health by providing superior, long-term preventive and restorative dental care. When your oral health declines, so does your overall health as is demonstrated by gum disease, also known as periodontal disease. Gum disease is not just a serious dental concern; it has been linked to heart disease, diabetes, and other serious health problems. Keep reading to learn more about our options for gum disease treatment in Fort Lauderdale, FL.
Why Choose Seaside Family Dentistry for Gum Disease Treatment?
Empathetic & Skilled Dental Team
Effective Deep Cleaning Treatment
Flexible Payment Options Available
What Is Gum Disease?
Gum disease is an infection of the pink tissue that surrounds the teeth. It starts when plaque is found in the mouth and hardens into a substance called tartar, which can only be removed with a professional cleaning. If plaque and tartar are not removed, the bacteria eventually cause a mild form of periodontal disease called gingivitis. When left untreated, the gum disease worsens, leading to an advanced form called periodontitis that can cause severe damage to both the gums and underlying bone structure.
Symptoms of Gum Disease
Gum disease afflicts almost half of the adults in the U.S., so it is important that you monitor your oral health and seek treatment at the first sign of an infection.
Potential indications of gingivitis include:
Persistent bad breath Red
or swollen gums
Gums that bleed easily when you brush and floss your teeth
Discolored gums
Signs of periodontitis include:
Pain while chewing
Noticeable gum recession
Loose teeth
Dental sensitivity
A change in bite
Changes in the fit of restorations, such as partial dentures
How Do We Treat Gum Disease?
At Seaside Family Dentistry, Fort Lauderdale dentist Dr. Kellner offers periodontal therapy treatments that address gum disease at its various stages. Periodontal therapy begins with a consultation and exam, so Dr. Kellner can determine the stage of the disease and develop a treatment plan that is customized to your unique needs. Treatments may include:
SCALING & ROOT PLANING
During scaling, plaque and tartar are scraped away from both above and below the gumline while the patient is under local anesthetic. Rough spots on the tooth root are then smoothed out (planing). This deep cleaning of the mouth removes harmful bacteria and gives the gums a chance to heal and firmly reattach to the tooth roots.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is gum surgery necessary?
Gum surgery becomes necessary when the gum tissue around the teeth is too unhealthy to be repaired with nonsurgical treatments.
How can you prevent gum disease?
Routine professional dental cleanings and regular at-home oral hygiene practices that include brushing and rinsing at least twice a day and flossing regularly will help prevent both gingivitis and periodontal disease.
What is a gum graft?
During a gum graft, your Fort Lauderdale dentist takes tissue from the roof of the mouth and attaches it to the affected gum line, allowing more tissue to grow and cover the exposed root surface.
What is a gum or periodontal abscess?
A gum or periodontal abscess occurs when a pocket of pus collects within the gum. It happens when tissue disintegrates as a result of a bacterial infection in the gums or tooth roots and supporting bone.
