Do your gums bleed when you brush or floss your teeth? Are you noticing swollen or sensitive gums? You may have gingivitis or gum inflammation. Gum inflammation is the earliest symptom of gum disease. Also known as periodontitis, gum disease is caused by bacteria buildup on the teeth and gums. Harmful bacteria feed on food debris left in the mouth.
The bacteria create digestive acids that eat away at the mouth’s gum tissue. Over time, gum disease may lead to gum recession and bone loss. However, Dr. Jennfier Kalochie can help. She offers gum disease treatment to her patients in Yardley, PA. This general dentistry treatment addresses painful and uncomfortable symptoms of gum infections.
Signs of Gum Disease
There are multiple common symptoms of gum disease to look out for:
- Bleeding gums when brushing and flossing
- Gum inflammation and swelling
- Tooth pain and sensitivity
- Red and purple-tinged gums
- Bad breath (Halitosis)
Have you noticed any of these symptoms? Call Dr. Kalochie for an examination and consultation. She will work with you individually to find the right treatment option to reverse your symptoms.
The Stages of Periodontal Disease
Gum disease happens in stages. Here’s a breakdown of each stage:
The first stage is called gingivitis. With gingivitis, your gums get red and swollen because of plaque. You may also notice that your gums bleed slightly when you brush or floss. At this stage, the damage is minor and Dr. Kalochie will give you advice on how to reverse your gingivitis.
If you ignore gingivitis, it can lead to the second stage, which is mild periodontitis. During this stage, your gums begin to pull away from the teeth, creating small pockets. These pockets will fill with more plaque and bacteria, causing more damage to your teeth and the underlying bone. You might notice that your gums bleed more easily, and your mouth might not feel as fresh.
The third stage is moderate periodontitis. In this stage, the infection spreads, and the gums continue to recede. The pockets around the teeth get deeper. Your teeth might feel loose because you will start to lose some of the bone that holds the teeth in place. Persistent bad breath that is impossible to treat will not go away is evident.
The fourth and most serious stage is advanced periodontitis. In this stage, the bone and supporting tissues are badly damaged. Your teeth can become very loose and may even fall out, or you may need a tooth extraction. This stage can lead to significant problems for your dental and overall health.
Gum Disease Treatment in Yardley, PA
There are several treatment options for patients with signs of gum disease. At routine dental cleanings, we can provide antibacterial rinse to minimize harmful bacteria in the mouth. Scaling and root planing are deep-cleaning treatments that remove plaque and tartar from the teeth and gums. Plaque is a bacterial film that hardens over time to create tartar.
Dr. Kalochie may recommend scaling and root planing, an in-office treatment that will “deep-clean” and remove bacteria from the gums. The combined process of scaling the teeth and planing the tooth roots helps restore oral health and allows the gum tissue to heal. If you have advanced gum disease or periodontitis, we may refer you to a local specialist for treatment.
Scaling and Root Planing: What to Expect
Scaling and root planing is a deep cleaning treatment for patients with gum disease. This intense cleaning begins with Dr. Kalochie using special tooth to remove all signs of plaque and tartar from above and below your gum line. This part of the treatment is called scaling.
Next, she will perform the root planing part of the treatment. Here, Dr. Kalochie will smooth out the roots of your teeth. Root planing makes it harder for plaque to stick and helps your gums heal.
You may feel some discomfort during this treatment, but this is normal. We will numb your gums to keep you comfortable. Scaling and root planing is a vital treatment we use to help keep your teeth and gums healthy for a better smile.
The Role of Restorative Dentistry in Gum Disease Treatment
Restorative dentistry plays a key role in treating gum disease. If your gums begin to break down or become infected, your teeth can become loose or damaged. Dr. Kalochie uses restorative dental care to fix these problems.
Common restorative dentistry treatments we use include dental fillings, crowns, and bridges to repair teeth affected by gum disease. These treatments will make teeth stronger and improve the appearance of your smile.
We also offer many restorative treatments to replace missing teeth due to gum disease. Filling in those gaps helps with chewing and speaking. Filling in the gaps ensures the mouth stays healthy and works well, even after we treat your gum disease.
Reverse Gum Disease Today
Treat signs of gum disease in Dr. Kalochie’s Yardley office. Call Dr. Kalochie for care today at 215-493-3388 or request a dental appointment online. We look forward to seeing you on your next visit.