At Great Basin Dental, we care about your overall oral health, including the health of your gums. Periodontal disease, also known as gum disease, is a serious condition that can affect your gums, teeth, and overall health. In some cases, managing gum disease is necessary before moving forward with other restorative treatments and dental procedures.
Without treatment, gum disease can lead to tooth loss and other health issues. That’s why we offer effective treatments for our Reno, NV, patients to help manage and prevent this condition.
What is Periodontal Disease?
In simple terms, periodontal disease is a serious infection that attacks the parts of your mouth that hold your teeth in place. This doesn’t just mean your gums. It also means the bone underneath your gums that acts like a foundation for your smile. It all starts when plaque builds up on your teeth.
Plaque is actually a layer of bacteria that is constantly forming. When you eat sugar or starch, like from a soda or a bag of chips, these bacteria produce acids. These acids attack your tooth enamel and irritate your gums. Plaque is soft and can be removed by good brushing and flossing every day.
But if you don’t brush and floss well, that soft plaque doesn’t just sit there. It mixes with minerals in your saliva and hardens into a substance called tartar, or calculus. Tartar is like a crusty shield for bacteria, and you can’t remove it by brushing at home.
Only a dentist or hygienist can remove it with their tools. This tartar builds up along your gumline and creates a rough surface that attracts even more plaque and bacteria.
As all this bacteria hangs out, your body’s immune system tries to fight back against the infection. This battle causes inflammation. For your gums, this inflammation looks like redness, swelling, and tenderness. You might notice that your gums bleed easily when you brush or floss. This is the first sign that something is wrong.
This early, reversible stage of the infection is called gingivitis. Think of it as a warning sign from your body. If gingivitis isn’t taken care of, the problem doesn’t just go away. Instead, the infection can get worse and move deeper below your gumline. This severe stage is called periodontitis.
Here, the real damage begins. The bacteria and your body’s own response to them start to break down the bone and the tissues that connect your teeth to the bone. As this bone is destroyed, your teeth can become loose and might even eventually fall out. This damage is often permanent, which is why catching gum disease early is so incredibly important.
Signs and Symptoms of Periodontal Disease
You should get to know the warning signs so you can get help as soon as you notice them. Symptoms aren’t just bleeding gums, they also include:
- Gums that are pulling away from your teeth, making your teeth look longer
- Constant bad breath that won’t go away with brushing
- A nasty taste in your mouth
- Teeth that feel loose or are shifting
If you notice any of these things, it’s not something to ignore or be embarrassed about. The best thing you can do is see a dentist as soon as possible. Our dentists at Great Basin Dental can help you get it under control and keep your smile healthy.
Periodontal Disease Treatment in Reno, NV
At Great Basin Dental, we offer a range of treatments for gum disease. For patients with gingivitis, a thorough professional cleaning can help remove plaque and tartar buildup. The cleaning will help your gums to heal. During this cleaning, we will also provide you with guidance on how to improve your at-home oral hygiene routine.
For more advanced cases of gum disease, scaling and root planing may be necessary. This deep cleaning procedure removes tartar and plaque from below the gum line and smoothes the root surfaces of your teeth. This helps the gums reattach to the teeth and can reduce inflammation and infection.
In some cases, we may recommend surgical options for treating advanced gum disease. This can include flap surgery, where the gums are lifted back to remove tartar. A bone graft can restore lost bone around the teeth. Our team will work closely with you to determine the best treatment plan for your needs.
Preventing Periodontal Disease
Preventing periodontal disease is always better than treating it. Good oral hygiene practices, like brushing twice a day and flossing daily, can keep your gums healthy. Regular dental checkups will help us monitor your gum health and address any concerns early. During these visits, we can perform professional cleanings and provide personalized advice on how to keep your mouth healthy.
Take Control of Your Gum Health at Great Basin Dental
If you have any signs of gum disease, don’t wait to contact us. At Great Basin Dental, our experienced team is here to help you achieve and maintain healthy gums. We understand that gum disease can be alarming. But with the right treatment and care, you can restore your gum health and protect your smile.
Contact us today at 775-363-9644 or request an appointment online. Your oral health is our priority. We want to help you achieve a healthy and beautiful smile.