About half the adult population has some form of periodontal disease. But you can get it treated at Espire Dental in Wyoming.
Do your gums bleed every time you brush and floss? When you bite down, do your teeth feel loose and painful? Are your gums “pulling away” from your teeth? Those are all signs of periodontal or gum disease, a condition the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention calls the biggest threat to the nation’s dental health and tooth decay.
Fortunately, gum disease is very treatable. And if you live in the Cheyenne, Wyoming, area, you can get periodontal disease treatment at an Espire dental office.
What is periodontal disease?
Periodontal disease, or periodontitis, is an inflammation and infection of the gum tissue. It develops gradually as bacteria and plaque on the teeth become a hardened substance known as tartar. While daily brushing can reduce plaque and bacteria, tartar can only be removed by a professional dental cleaning. If left on the teeth and gums long enough, tartar irritates the gum tissue and weakens the bone supporting the teeth.
Gingivitis is the first stage of gum disease and is indicated by bleeding, swollen gums, and bad breath. With prompt treatment, gingivitis can be reversed. But if untreated, gingivitis can lead to periodontitis, the most severe form of gum disease. At this stage, gum tissue and bone deterioration can result in tooth loss.
The CDC estimates nearly 50 percent of people over age 30 show signs of gum disease. The prevalence rises with age, with 70 percent of adults aged 65 or older suffering from periodontal disease. Poor dental hygiene is the leading cause of gum disease. However, pregnant women and those with dry mouth also have a greater risk of gum disease.
Your treatment options for gum disease
Gum disease is progressive, meaning the symptoms worsen the longer it goes untreated. Yet periodontal disease can be successfully treated at any stage with the help of your dentist or periodontist, a dentist specializing in gum disease.
To diagnose gum disease, your dentist will examine your teeth and gums and measure the gap between the gum line and teeth. A measurement larger than three millimeters indicates periodontal disease. Your dentist may also take an X-ray to determine if there is any bone loss. Then it’s on to your treatment options:
Scaling and root planing. This non-surgical procedure is the standard treatment for gingivitis. During scaling, a laser or ultrasonic device removes bacteria and plaque from the tooth surface and below the gum line. Root planing cleans the root surface of bacteria and plaque so those substances cannot attach to the root again. It also gives the gums a chance to re-attach to the teeth.
Gum flap surgery. After an incision into the gums, the dentist folds back the tissue and does a scaling and root planing procedure. The dentist may also reshape the underlying bone. Then, the tissue is stitched back into place.
Tissue graft. Tissue from the roof of your mouth replaces gum tissue lost to gum disease. Tissue grafts cover exposed roots and eliminate the gap between the gum line and tooth.
Bone graft. If gum disease has progressed to bone loss, a bone graft strengthens the bone so you won’t lose the tooth. Bone from your body, an artificial source, or donated bone is used to regenerate the lost bone.
While periodontal disease is treatable, you can prevent it by practicing good oral hygiene. Brushing and flossing daily removes plaque and bacteria. Limit sugars and starches that mix with bacteria to form plaque. And don’t forget to schedule your twice-yearly cleanings. It’s the only way to get rid of gum disease-causing tartar.
Get periodontal disease treatment in Wyoming today
Schedule an appointment at Espire’s Cheyenne, WY, location today! Our highly trained dentists have the expertise to treat your gum disease successfully. Don’t live near our Cheyenne, WY, office? Find one of our other locations near you.
Cheyenne, WY
7112 Commons Circle
Cheyenne, WY 82009