Gum disease is a common oral health problem that impacts one out of two adults in the United States, according to data collected by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Gum disease begins with bacterial growth in your mouth, which left unchecked can ultimately lead to tooth loss. We closely monitor all signs and symptoms of gum disease at each of your semi-annual checkups. This way, we can increase the chances of diagnosing and treating it early, before it causes permanent damage to your smile.
Scaling and root planing is a deep cleaning below the gum line that helps reduce the presence of harmful oral bacteria in your mouth. First, your hygienist will remove all plaque and tartar from the surface of your teeth, as far down as the depth of the pockets of your gums. Then, we will smooth out the roots of your teeth, allowing your gums to healthily reattach. Our goal with this procedure is to reverse the symptoms of gum disease and put your oral health back on the right track.
We use soft tissue laser gum therapy to reduce the overall bacterial load in your mouth. This special instrument uses a concentrated beam of light that allows us to accurately and precisely remove oral tissue without the need for sutures. It cauterizes the area on-contact as well, eliminating bleeding and drastically reducing the recovery time and risk of infection.
Laser therapy is also effective at halting the development of cold sores when the treatment is applied at the first signs of development. The laser energy destroys the virus that causes the painful and unsightly outbreaks.
When complex care becomes necessary to ensure the continuing health and confidence of your gum tissue, rest assured that our team is more than up to the task. Our in-house periodontists have the advanced training needed to perform cosmetic surgery, gum grafting, surgical dental implant placement, and more in a safe environment – no traveling required. We take pride in combining reliable quality with much-needed convenience!
Gum disease in Aurora is a serious oral health problem that plagues millions of people in the United States. Without proper treatment, unhealthy oral bacteria can destroy bone, tooth enamel, and soft oral tissues as well as contribute to the development of heart disease, negative cognitive decline, and other serious health conditions. This is why our team is committed to providing transparent answers to some of the most frequently asked questions.
No, all gum disease treatments don't need to be surgical. However, some instances may require the need for surgery. Scaling and root planing is a non-surgical method of treatment that effectively removes bad oral bacteria and plaque buildup; however, if the severity of the disease is causing additional damage to the oral anatomy, it may be necessary to implement advanced periodontal procedures to ensure better health.
It is unlikely that the disease itself is contagious, but the bacteria that causes periodontal disease can be transmitted via saliva. If family members share oral hygiene tools or eating utensils, there is the possibility of one person contracting bad oral bacteria from the other who may have gum disease. Anytime an individual has tender, red, bleeding, or inflamed gum tissue, it is recommended that the person seek the help of a periodontist in Aurora right away.
Many general dentists offer periodontal treatment; however, a trusted periodontist is better equipped to provide accurate results. Even when a specialist is involved, a general dentist must be part of the process to ensure everyone is knowledgeable and aware of the situation. A periodontist, though, has more extensive training and experience in treating gum disease and can cater a treatment plan based on an individual’s needs.
Yes. Bleeding gums is only one symptom of periodontal disease. Inflammation, tenderness, bad breath, receding gums, and a problem with a person’s bite are also possible problems that can develop and signal an issue with an individual’s gum tissue. The only way to receive a formal diagnosis is to schedule a consultation with a periodontist in Aurora. It is during this appointment that the individual will undergo a thorough examination and receive a personalized treatment plan that designates the severity of the bacterial accumulation as well as the type of treatment recommended for better oral health.
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