Gum Disease
Gum disease has become increasingly common over the last several years, with more than half of all Americans over the age of 30 suffering from periodontitis. This issue only gets worse as we age, with more than 70 percent of adults over 65 suffering from advanced gum disease.
If you ever notice a pink tinge of blood on your toothbrush after you have brushed your teeth, you may be suffering from gum disease. When the gums become inflamed, it can cause the bone and tissue surrounding your teeth to deteriorate. The inflammation can turn into infection and eat away at the jawbone. Adults who lose a tooth or teeth are most often suffering from gum disease. Gum disease does not just damage your teeth and bones in your mouth, it can also lead to health issues such as diabetes, heart disease, and stroke.
Fortunately, most gum disease is preventable and treatable if you catch it early and treat it properly. At Platt Family Dentistry, we offer a wide range of services, from cosmetic to restorative dentistry. From Dayton to across the country and internationally, we welcome all patients to experience outstanding customer service and tailored treatment plans. If you are scheduled for an appointment to address gum disease, or if you would like to ask our staff any questions about gum disease or schedule an appointment, please contact us today.
CALL (937) 293-3402
800 Shroyer Rd. Dayton, OH 45419
Gingivitis vs. Periodontitis
There are two types of gum disease that can lead to tooth loss and other health problems: gingivitis and periodontitis. Gingivitis is the early stage of gum disease. Gingivitis affects your oral cavity, and irritates or causes swelling or bleeding on your gums. Fortunately, gingivitis does not always lead to periodontitis and can be treated and reversed if caught early enough.
The more advanced stage of gum disease, periodontitis, occurs when plaque sits on the teeth for an extended period of time. The plaque then mineralizes and turn into calculus or tartar. The longer this tartar is left on the teeth, the more damage occurs, including the deterioration and destruction of surrounding gums, tissue, and bone. These surrounding teeth could fall out or need to be extracted if left untreated for too long.
Diagnosing and Treating Gum Disease
The first step to determining if you have gum disease involves your dentist measuring the space between your gums and teeth to determine if you are suffering from periodontal disease. Healthy pockets measure approximately three millimeters or less. Patients with gum disease will have deeper pockets, which are more difficult to treat and have a higher risk of infection.
Once your dentist has diagnosed gum disease, they may suggest a follow-up appointment or recommend that you visit a periodontist for a more specialized consultation, depending upon the severity of your case.
One option for patients with gum disease that does not require surgery is scaling, which removes calculus and plaque on the tooth surface below the gumline and along the root of the tooth. This allows the gum to heal, which will oftentimes result in the pockets shrinking in size. Dentists can also perform root planing, or periodontal therapy, to smooth the root of the teeth, promote healing, and prevent the development of bacteria.
Cost of Treating Gum Disease
The final cost of your procedure will be determined by a variety of factors, such as the severity of your case and what type of dental plan you are currently enrolled in. Our office does accept cash, most major credit cards, money orders, and personal checks.
If you have concerns about the extent of care required and would like to discuss alternate financial arrangements, please feel free to contact our office to discuss CareCredit. CareCredit helps patients pay for procedures and treatments that are not covered by insurance by offering low minimum monthly payments and No Interest* financing so you can get what you want, when you want it. Applying for Care Credit only takes three simple steps and can provide instant approval.
If you have any additional questions regarding payments, dental insurance coverage, or available financial options, please contact our office and we will be happy to help.
What are the Warning Signs of Gum Disease?
Many people do not realize they have gum disease because it happens so gradually and is generally painless. If you notice any of the following symptoms, you should contact your dentist or periodontist to see if you have developed or are in danger of developing gum disease.
- Chronic halitosis or bad taste in mouth
- Change in fit of bite (also applicable for patients with dentures)
- Gums that easily bleed or are red, tender, or swollen
- Receding gums
- Loose teeth
What are the Risk Factors of Having Gum Disease?
Improper oral hygiene over an extended period of time is the leading cause of developing gum disease, but there are additional factors that can increase your risk of developing gum disease, including:
- Certain medications, including cancer therapy drugs, oral contraceptives, steroids, et. al
- Diabetes
- Tobacco use
- Genetic predisposition
- Malocclusion
- Pregnancy
For Beautiful, Healthy Smiles, Contact Us Today!
At Platinum Dentistry, we believe a healthy smile is a beautiful smile, which is why we provide an array of dental treatments to cater to health as well as aesthetics. Our practice utilizes world-class labs that create customized restorations to restore the structure and beauty of your teeth. We take the time to explain and educate our patients about the importance of health care and answer any questions you may have about treatment so you can make the best decision for your smile.
With our attention-to-detail for providing high aesthetic results to restoring the health of patients’ teeth and gums, at Platinum Dentistry you are in experienced hands. Take your first step towards a beautiful, healthy smile today and schedule an appointment by contacting our office by phone at 937.293.3402 or fill out our online form.