Fillings, Lovell, WY root canal therapy, crowns, fillings–these great restorative dental treatments shore up failing tooth structure. But, what if supportive dental tissues, that is, gums and bone, begin to fail? When gums and bone pull away, or recede from tooth surfaces, Dr. Lance Anderson, Lovell, WY family dentist, has the treatments to prevent worsening of gum disease and to successfully treat it.
Why gum disease causes tooth loss
Food residues, plaque and tartar all carry toxic bacteria. When these biofilms collect between teeth and under the gum line, decay and gum disease result. In its mildest form, gingivitis, gum disease exhibits symptoms of:
- Bad breath
- Bleeding, swollen gums
- Gum and tooth sensitivity
While much of gum disease is preventable (Neglected oral hygiene and tobacco use are big culprits.), other conditions factor in. Heredity plays a part as does teeth grinding, diabetes, cancer therapy and hormonal changes associated with pregnancy and menopause.
Without treatment–brushing, flossing and hygienic cleanings at Lovell Dental– advanced gum disease, or periodontitis, escalates, causing:
- Deep periodontal pockets between the gums and roots
- Worsening infection
- Gum recession
- Bone recession
- Loosening teeth
These symptoms are a “perfect storm” of oral health conditions. Ultimately, Tooth loss can result.
How to treat gum disease
Preventing gum disease is the best treatment. Kids through senior adults should:
- Brush twice a day with a soft-bristled brush, and floss daily.
- Drink at least 8 glasses of water a day to remove food residues and encourage saliva production.
- Eat a nutritious, low-sugar diet.
- Get semi-annual check-ups and cleanings with Dr. Lance Anderson to prevent problems and diagnose them early if they develop.
However, if gum disease happens, restorative treatments bring soft tissues back to their vibrant best and prevent tooth loss and systemic health complications, such as heart disease and diabetes, common to periodontitis.
Here’s what Dr. Anderson may recommend if you are diagnosed with gum problems:
- Tooth scaling and root planing. This manual restorative service gently scrapes plaque and tartar off tooth surfaces and below the gum line. Debris is rinsed away, and the family dentist often instills antimicrobial medication to quell inflammation and infection. Patients prone to gum problems get more frequent cleanings and check-ups.
- Gum grafting uses soft tissue from other parts of the mouth to cover exposed roots and bone and to secure gums around the teeth.
- Preventive measures, such as a mouth guard, stops the destructive forces of tooth grinding.
- Bonded on periodontal splints stabilize mobile teeth and avoid further damage and tooth loss.
Healthy gums, great teeth
At Lovell Dental, Dr. Anderson and his staff understand that what happens to your gums happens to your teeth, too. Keep both vibrantly healthy and intact with the best in preventive dentistry services in Lovell, WY. Contact the team for an appointment with Dr. Anderson. Your teeth and gums will thank you!