Periodontal disease impacts half of adults ages 30 and older, according to studies from The Centers for Disease Control. Which means you need to recognize the warning signs, so you can avoid painful symptoms and tooth loss. In today’s blog, your Encinitas/San Diego, CA, periodontist talks about treating periodontal disease.

The Warning Signs of Gingivitis

Gingivitis, or gum inflammation, can occur due to poor oral hygiene. For example, when you have a diet high in sugar and starch, this could lead to major plaque and tartar buildup, layers that irritate and inflame the gums. This is also more likely if you don’t take time to brush and floss properly, or if you don’t undergo routine cleanings from your general dentist. But a family history of periodontal issues, the use of tobacco products, inflammatory illnesses, or even the use of certain medications could also be factors. At this stage, you may notice redness and soreness in the gums, as well as bleeding.

The Impact of Periodontal Disease

Without treatment, gingivitis will increase in severity, which can lead to the tissues pulling away from the teeth and forming deep pockets for disease-causing bacteria to enter. At this stage you now have gum disease. While gingivitis can be reversed, gum disease cannot, and instead you need treatment to manage the issue and prevent the later stages, which could cause tooth loss. The symptoms are similar to gingivitis, but you may also notice swelling or possibly gum recession which makes teeth appear longer and uneven. When you experience these possible symptoms, you should see our team right away for a diagnosis.

A Precise Diagnosis

Employing advanced imaging technology, we will closely examine your smile to assess the cause and extent of your inflammation or disease, and to assess any damage to your jawbone structure. From there, we can create a treatment plan to address these concerns and manage the disease so you avoid worsening symptoms or even adult tooth loss. If you have lost teeth, we can manage the issue and then offer dental implants so you have a full smile again. To treat and manage inflammation and periodontal disease, our team can use dental lasers, which remove disease tissues with precision so healthy ones can attach to your teeth. We can also offer a conservative alternative to gum grafts to correct recession in a single visit.

If you have any questions about protecting your professional health, then contact our team today.

Talk to Dr. Kania About Your Smile Today!

We want to help you avoid issues with the health and beauty of your smile. To learn more about treating periodontal disease or to schedule your appointment, give us a call at our office in Encinitas, CA today at 760-642-0711.