Gum Disease Treatment – Naples, FL
Protect Your Smile
& Much More
“Periodontal disease” is not a term many people are familiar with, but it’s actually the most common dental problem in the entire world. Better known as gum disease, this oral infection is the leading cause of adult tooth loss in the U.S., plus it has also been shown to increase a person’s risk for other systemic illnesses, such as diabetes, heart disease, and even dementia! At Island Coast Dentistry, we know thatt gum disease is a serious matter, and we have the options necessary to take care of it as soon as we spot any signs in a patient with personalizd gum disease treatment in our Naples dental office.
Why Choose Island Coast Dentistry for Gum Disease Treatment?
- Gums Screened at Every Visit
- Targeted Treatments Available
- Prevent Tooth Loss
What Is Gum Disease?
Gum disease is a bacterial infection of the gums, roots of the teeth, and the surrounding bone that is brought on by a buildup of plaque, tartar, and bacteria below the gum line. It can be caused by a number of factors, including a lack of oral hygiene, genetics, and side effects brought on by specific medications.
While most of the adult population currently has a mild form of gum disease, many do not know it because the early symptoms are very subtle and easy to miss. They include things like red, swollen, or tender gums that bleed often during cleaning.
Left untreated, the symptoms can start to become much more serious, including loose teeth, painful bacteria pockets along the gum line, and as we touched on above, tooth loss.
Many studies have also linked gum disease to other systemic illnesses because oral bacteria can easily enter the bloodstream and affect the internal organs, causing an inflammatory response that can lead to a wide range of problems.
How Do We Treat Gum Disease?
As with any dental issue, our main goal is to prevent it from developing in the first place, which we do by providing regular cleanings as well as educating patients on how to take care of their teeth and gums at home. We also examine the gums as part of every regular checkup, and if we see any signs of infection, we’ll quickly work to address them.
For early-stage gum disease, more diligent homecare and perhaps an extra dental cleaning or two is usually all that is needed to control it. It’s especially important that patients floss every day as well as brush where their gums meet their teeth.
In cases of advanced gum disease, we’ll need to implement more involved treatments, such as scaling and root planing (more on this below), antibiotic therapy, and even laser treatment to lessen symptoms and stop the spread of bacteria. For the most extreme situations, surgical intervention may be necessary, so Dr. Skupny will refer a patient to one of his trusted specialists.
Scaling & Root Planing
Scaling and root planing (SRP), also known as a “deep cleaning,” is usually our first line of defense against mild-moderate cases of gum disease. It starts with a member of our team removing any and all plaque and tartar that has built up around the gum line (scaling), and then the roots of the teeth are slightly reshaped (root planing). This will prevent any future buildup and lower a person’s risk of reinfection. A complete SRP treatment can take one or multiple visits depending on a patient’s specific situation.
Learn More About Scaling & Root Planing
Gum Disease Treatment Frequently Asked Questions
Are you still curious about gum disease? Many people wonder about this common problem, and we want all our patients to have the information they need to feel confident in their treatment options. That’s why we’ve offered the answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about gum disease. Read on to learn more about this common problem and satisfy your curiosity.
Is the Health of Your Gums Important?
While your teeth tend to get most of the spotlight when you think about your smile, your gums are equally as important! In fact, your gums are supportive tissue that keep your beautiful teeth in place and able to smile properly. Plus, preventing gum disease protects your gums from receding, which will affect your smile’s appearance. Your gums are part of a ratio that gives your smile it’s attractive look.
What Are the Dangers of Gum Disease?
Gum disease affects about 80% of the population at some point in time, and it can be very mild. The early stages of gum disease show up as tender or bleeding gums, which can usually be reversed by practicing good oral healthcare. However, if gum disease is left untreated, it will eventually spread, permanently damaging your supportive tissue, deteriorating your jawbone, and even causing tooth loss. Additionally, studies show that gum disease can increase your risk of overall health issues like heart attacks, diabetes, strokes, certain cancers, and even Alzheimer’s disease.
How Can I Prevent Gum Disease?
Thankfully, gum disease is completely preventable if you know the right steps to take. Start by brushing your teeth twice a day for two minutes each. Pay close attention to your gum line, angling your brush at 45-degrees for a thorough cleaning. Also, floss once a day to remove plaque and food debris from in between your teeth and on your gums. Additionally, you can add a nonalcoholic mouthwash to your daily oral healthcare regimen to clean hard-to-reach spots of the mouth. Lastly, visit our dental office for routine checkups and cleanings, where we can prevent and detect gum disease while it’s still reversible.
Does Gum Disease Treatment Hurt?
If you’re wondering about potential pain during gum disease treatment, it’s important to know that we ensure all our patients are relaxed and comfortable before beginning. In some cases, you may have slight soreness or tenderness after the procedure, but we provide local anesthetic as well as sedation dentistry to keep you calm and pain-free. Typically, for services like scaling and root planing, you can recover from treatment within a day, but this will all depend on how extensive your gum disease is.
If you have any additional questions, please don’t hesitate to contact our dental office today!
How common is gum disease?
Here in the United States, an estimated four in 10 adults over the age of 30 have some stage of gum disease, and nearly 60 percent of those over the age of 65 have periodontitis.
Gum disease is more common in men, with nearly half of all males expected to develop the condition in their lifetime (as opposed to just one in three women).
Things that may increase your chances of developing gum disease include using tobacco products (yes, even vaping), not taking proper care of your teeth and gums with regular brushing and flossing, a poor diet, and medical conditions like diabetes.
Does gum disease ever go away?
The good news is that the first stage of gum disease, gingivitis, can be reversed with improved oral hygiene such as an increase in the frequency of brushing and flossing.
Unfortunately, however, once it has developed into later stages known as periodontitis, it is considered untreatable and you must work together with your dentist to manage the condition with gum disease treatment in Naples.
If you have been diagnosed with gum disease, you may also require more frequent check-ups and deep cleanings in Naples to keep oral bacteria at bay.
How can I manage gum disease while pregnant?
Even patients with healthy teeth and gums can develop gum disease during pregnancy due to hormone fluctuations. When this occurs, it is important to work closely with your dentist to stay on top of your condition and protect you and your baby. Your smile may also require deep cleaning in Naples.
To mitigate the effects of pregnancy-related gum disease, be sure to practice excellent oral hygiene, including brushing twice a day, flossing daily, and rinsing with an alcohol-free mouthwash.
Is mouthwash good for gum disease?
Yes, mouthwash can be an excellent addition to your routine if you are undergoing gum disease treatment in Naples, but it is not designed to replace regular brushing and flossing.
If you do decide to add this product to your repertoire, be sure to discuss it with your dentist first, and avoid mouthwashes that contain alcohol, as they can dry out the mouth and make your symptoms worse.