Gum Treatment
Periodontal disease is the discreet culprit behind tooth loss. It is estimated that three out of every four adults will experience gum disease at some point in their lives. The problem is that gum disease sets in slowly, in a way that tends to be trivialized. Unfortunately, it's only when the situation becomes critical for your teeth and oral health that you start to notice the important symptoms. That's why regular visits to your dentist are so important.
At Clinique Dentaire Wayne Dionne in Edmundston, our skilled and experienced team is ready to welcome you and provide you with the care you need.
Diagnosis and symptoms of gum disease
Two distinct diseases
Gum disease is quite common, since the gums are directly exposed to the action of bacteria, particularly plaque and tartar. Their degree of severity varies, however. A distinction can be made between gingivitis, a mild to moderate inflammation, and periodontitis, a deep-seated infection that affects not only the gums, but also other periodontal tissues (cementum, ligament) and even the alveolar bone. This disease generally develops when gingivitis deepens. However, such aggravation can be prevented by treating inflammation in its early stages. Cleaning and scaling, along with good oral hygiene habits, are usually enough to stop it.
Signs and symptoms to watch out for
Gum disease can be hard to detect, especially in its early stages. At this stage, inflammation mainly leads to bleeding that can be seen during hygiene routine. Localized redness may also be observed.
Other more alarming signs are indicative of more advanced periodontal disease:
- More frequent gum bleeding
- Persistent bad breath
- A metallic taste in the mouth
- Your gums are shiny, swollen or painful.
- Your teeth are more sensitive
- You experience pain and difficulty chewing.
- Tooth loosening
If you notice one or more of these signs and symptoms, don't wait for your next routine visit and make an appointment with your dentist without delay. Not only are the daily aches and pains hard to bear, but delaying the appointment can make matters worse.
Periodontal examination
As part of your routine check-up, your gums are examined for signs of inflammation. However, if your dentist thinks you may be suffering from more severe disease, a detailed periodontal examination will be offered.
During this thorough examination, he will inspect your gums, assess any bone loss around your teeth, and take the necessary x-rays for a complete diagnosis . He'll also take the time to discuss your overall health and guide you on the best oral hygiene practices to follow at home. At the end of the examination, he'll provide you with a detailed report on the condition of your gums, and guide you towards the treatments best suited to your case.
Treatment of periodontal disease
Once a diagnosis has been made, a number of suitable treatments can be suggested. For example, a deep cleaning under local anaesthetic, known as root planing, may be necessary to remove plaque and tartar accumulated under the gums.
In some cases, it may be helpful to reshape the bone and gums to restore a healthy oral structure. When necessary, a gum or bone graft may also be considered to strengthen weakened areas.
After periodontal treatment, maintaining good oral health is essential. This means frequent visits to your Edmundston dental clinic for close follow-up and frequent cleanings. These appointments are very important not only to keep a close eye on the condition of your mouth and teeth, but also to prevent any recurrence of gum disease.
Gum disease can have serious repercussions on your oral health if not treated in time, including tooth loss, serious infections and irreversible damage to bone and supporting tissues. The slightest worrying sign concerning your gums should alert you and prompt you to make an appointment with your dentist as soon as possible.
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A member of our passionate team looks forward to meeting you and answering all your questions!