Gum disease is an inflammation of the gum line. If left untreated, it can affect the bone that supports your teeth. At Sealy Dental Center in Katy, our doctors diagnose symptoms of gum disease, including swollen, tender, or bleeding gums, receding gums, and even bad breath.
If a patient is not receiving treatment from a doctor, the gums can recede away from the teeth, which can trigger a variety of other dental and oral health problems. Fortunately, our Katy dentists are here to expertly assess and treat the signs of gum disease.
Signs Of Gum Disease
Most patients in the early stages of gum disease don't even know they have it. Signs of gum disease may not appear until the disease has advanced to a point that will require you to undergo more invasive treatment to get your smile healthy again.
However, you can also be on the lookout for these symptoms of gum disease:
- Loose teeth or teeth separating from each other
- Mouth pain - including swollen and red gums
- Receding gums
- Excessive bleeding after brushing and flossing your teeth
- Mouth sores
- Consistent bad breath that doesn't respond to traditional treatment, like mouthwash
- Noticeable pus between your teeth and gums
- Your partial dentures aren't fitting securely anymore
- A change in the way you bite or the way your teeth fit together
Gum disease affects millions of people each year and many don't even know they don't have this serious condition until it has advanced to a point that requires treatment by a dental professional.
If you're concerned you might be seeing the signs of gum disease, schedule an appointment with Sealy Dental Center in Katy today. We are here to assess your symptoms and create a treatment plan specialized to your dental needs.
Gum Treatments
Gum disease increases your risk of systemic health problems, making it more difficult for your immune system to do its job. Ask our doctor how non-surgical periodontal therapy can help with problems like heart disease, pneumonia, premature labor, and more.
Gingivitis Treatment
Gingivitis is often painless at first, making it difficult to diagnose without regular dental checkups. Inflammation of the gums can be a potentially serious condition, which is why it’s vital to get regular dental exams from Sealy Dental Center in Katy.
If you have been diagnosed with or are concerned you might have gingivitis, our doctors offer a range of treatments to reverse or stop gum disease progression. If you are in the early stages of gingivitis, most treatment options are non-surgical procedures.
Laser Treatment
At Sealy Dental Center in Katy, we offer laser treatment as an option for patients suffering from gum disease. During treatment, our doctors will use a laser to excise diseased gum tissue. Using a laser for gum treatment allows for a greater degree of precision, making general anesthesia unnecessary, and often results in shorter recovery times.
Scaling and Root Planing (Deep Cleaning)
Your routine cleaning at Sealy Dental Center in Katy involves scaling your teeth and gum line to remove plaque and tartar and polishing to remove stains and smooth the tooth's surface. However, if you have symptoms of gum disease, you might need a different type of cleaning called scaling and root planing.
Scaling and root planing is a deep dental cleaning procedure our doctors perform to treat patients with current or developing gum disease. Not all patients need this level of cleaning, but it is key for patients diagnosed with gingivitis.
Root Surface Debridement
Over time, calcified deposits in your gum pockets can make the surface of your tooth rough and difficult to keep clean. Root Surface Debridement (RSD) is a procedure used to clean the root surface of the tooth. Our team uses root surface debridement to remove deposits and slow the progression of gum disease.
Have Questions About Your Gum Disease Treatment Options?
Sealy Dental Center in Katy is here to answer all of your questions about gum disease treatment. Give us a call today to schedule an appointment.