When Do You Need Treatment?

Often, people overlook the early signs of gingivitis or gum disease. By ignoring the early symptoms, the disease can progress beyond the stage where it can be reversed and instead must be managed. When do you need treatment? How do you recognize the early warning signs? With a preventive approach to oral health, we can help safeguard your smile against periodontal disease.

The Warning Signs of Gum Disease

Gum inflammation can lead to gingivitis and eventually, gum disease. In the gingivitis stage, you may notice discomfort and possibly even bleeding when you brush your teeth or floss. As the issue worsens and gum disease sets in, redness and soreness may increase, along with gum recession, bad breath, and loose teeth. Teeth loosen because the advanced stage of the disease, periodontitis, causes the connective tissue between the teeth and gums to dissolve, leading to a greater risk of tooth loss. Don’t ignore bleeding, soreness, or other changes to your gingival tissue, contact your periodontist right away.

Treating the Issue in the Early Stages

Early on, measures can be taken to reverse the damage and treat the issue. We may recommend a deep cleaning to remove tartar buildup and allow healthy gum tissue to adhere to the teeth again.

Managing the Disease

Once the disease has developed then the doctor will need to help you manage it to avoid complications, such as loose or lost teeth. LANAP treatment uses dental lasers to remove infected tissue and a pinhole gum graft can correct major gum recession. Afterward, routine cleanings and exams will be necessary for the doctor to monitor and manage the disease. If you have any questions about treating gum disease or when you should seek treatment, please contact our office today.

ABOUT YOUR ENCINITAS, CA, LASER PERIODONTIST:

As a board-certified periodontist, Dr. Ann M. Kania is specially qualified to diagnose and treat issues concerning periodontal tissue and the supportive structures of a patient’s smile, as well as place dental implants to restore teeth lost to dental disease or trauma. Dr. Kania also offers the Pinhole® Surgical Technique (PST) for minimally-invasive, scalpel-free gum grafting. To seek Dr. Kania’s expertise, contact her office today at (760) 642-0711.