Gum Disease
Periodontal disease can cause tooth loss if not treated
If you are suffering from gum disease, there are solutions available to help improve your oral health. Gum disease can be prevented with proper care, but if treatment is necessary, it is important to seek help from a dental professional.
At Cedar Grove Dental Group in Cedar Grove, NJ and the surrounding area, we offer solutions for gum disease. Take the first step towards better oral health by calling us today at (973) 857-0567 to schedule an appointment and find out more information.
Discover more about Gum Disease
The American Dental Association states that gum disease is an infection of the tissues surrounding and supporting the teeth, also known as periodontal disease. It can often go unnoticed by patients as it may not cause pain. Typically, gum disease is a result of poor oral hygiene habits that lead to an accumulation of plaque, a sticky film of bacteria, on the teeth. If the plaque hardens into tartar under the gumline, it becomes harder to remove and will require professional dental cleaning to address.
“Gum disease, also known as periodontal disease or periodontitis, is not always accompanied by pain—meaning that patients may not even know that they have it.“
Gum Disease Prevention
Proper oral hygiene is crucial in preventing gum disease. It is recommended to brush teeth for two minutes at least twice a day and floss daily, with flossing before brushing being especially important. Regular dental check-ups are also essential, especially for those at higher risk of gum disease such as smokers, individuals taking certain medications, or those with dry mouth. Professional teeth cleaning every six to 12 months is ideal for maintaining good oral health.
“The dentist must reshape the two abutment teeth to secure the dental bridge.”
Gum Disease Symptoms
Gum disease can be difficult to detect, as it may not always cause pain and symptoms in the later stages can be subtle. It is important for patients to be aware of the signs of gum disease in order to recognize them. Some common symptoms include:
“Crowns also help prevent tooth loss that could lead to additional oral health problems and more expensive dental work.”
Step-by-Step Guide to Receiving a Dental Crown
Getting a dental crown typically involves multiple appointments and is often integrated into a broader dental treatment plan, such as alongside a root canal. Here's a step-by-step outline of the dental crown procedure:
- Changes in the bite
- Changes in the fit of partial dentures
- Formation of deep pockets between teeth and gums
- Gums that bleed after and during brushing teeth
- Loose or shifting teeth
- Persistent bad breath or taste in the mouth
- Receding gums
- Red, swollen, or tender gums
Even without noticeable symptoms, patients may still be affected by gum disease. It is possible for some individuals to have gum disease that only impacts specific teeth. Our team is here to assist in identifying any dental issues you may be experiencing.
“It is crucial for patients to know the signs of gum disease, so they know how to identify them.“
Gum Disease Treatment
The sooner gum disease is detected, the less invasive the treatment options may be. These can include antibiotics, root planing, and scaling. Antibiotics can be used topically or orally to control infection. Root planing smooths root surfaces to remove bacteria, while root scaling removes tartar and bacteria from tooth surfaces and beneath the gums.
For more advanced gum disease, more invasive treatments like oral surgery may be necessary. These treatments could include bone grafting, guided tissue regeneration, pocket reduction surgery, soft tissue grafts, and tissue-stimulating proteins. Bone grafting and guided tissue regeneration can help promote bone regeneration, while pocket reduction surgery can improve the effectiveness of root scaling and planing. Soft tissue grafts can strengthen damaged soft tissue, and tissue-stimulating proteins can encourage the growth of healthy bone and tissue.
“The earlier signs of gum disease are detected, the less invasive treatment procedures are.“
Treatment for Gum Disease
The Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that nearly half of American adults have periodontal disease, with the prevalence increasing with age, affecting 70% of adults 65 years and older. Men are more likely to have this condition than women. The CDC is collaborating with organizations such as the American Academy of Periodontology and the American Dental Association to enhance monitoring of periodontal disease in the adult U.S. population.
