Gum Disease Treatment – Forest, VA
Defend Your Gums from Severe Infections
Gum disease affects about half of all American adults, and severe oral infections can lead to serious consequences like changes in dental alignment, tooth loss, and dangerous secondary infections. Luckily, the team at Crossroads Family Dentistry is trained and equipped to address advanced cases of gum disease with effective periodontal treatments. Here’s a quick look at how gum disease affects the mouth and how it can be addressed at our office in Forest.
Why Choose Crossroads Family Dentistry for Gum Disease Treatment?
- Skilled and Compassionate Dental Team
- Restore the Health of Infected Gums
- Insurance Welcomed
What Is Gum Disease?
Gum disease begins as inflammation called gingivitis, which is characterized by redness, swelling, and bad breath. While gingivitis can usually be reversed with improved oral hygiene, it will develop into the much more serious stage called periodontitis if left untreated. Periodontitis causes irreversible damage like gum recession, jawbone erosion, and tooth loss, and it may lead to serious secondary infections like pneumonia or sepsis. Gums that have reached this stage of infection must be treated with regular periodontal treatments at our office for the damage to be managed. Gum disease is more prevalent among men, seniors, those living below the federal poverty level, smokers, and pregnant women.
Symptoms of Gum Disease
Gum disease can show itself through a variety of symptoms depending on how advanced the infection is. A patient with gingivitis may notice:
- Persistent bad breath
- Redness or swelling of the gums
- Bleeding during oral hygiene sessions
- Tenderness
Patients with periodontitis, on the other hand, may develop symptoms like:
- Painful chewing
- Loose teeth
- Dental sensitivity
- Changes in bite alignment
- Restorations no longer fitting properly
- Gum recession
- Jawbone erosion
- Tooth loss
How Do We Treat Gum Disease?
The process of treating gum disease always begins with a consultation at our office in Forest so one of our skilled dentists can assess the severity of the infection and determine an appropriate treatment. In many cases, we can address advanced oral infections with thorough scaling and root planing treatments.
Scaling & Root Planing
Scaling and root planing is a two-part process that typically requires two appointments. During the first, our dentist will meticulously remove accumulated plaque and tartar from the teeth, any exposed root structure, and the pockets of the gums. During the second stage of treatment, they will remove hardened bacterial deposits from inside the gums and smooth out the roots of the teeth to encourage them to reintegrate with the soft tissues.