According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), one out of every two American adults age 30 and over has periodontal disease. Among adults age 65 and older, the prevalence rate increases to 70%.
Gum disease is not only a serious dental concern, but the condition has been strongly linked to other medical issues such as heart disease and diabetes. Healthy gums provide the foundation for healthy teeth and our dentists consider the prevention of gum disease an important facet of preventive dental care.
During routine visits to our Nashua dental office, you will receive a comprehensive examination that includes a periodontal screening. We are looking for signs and symptoms of gum disease such as swelling, receding gums, and bleeding gums.
Early detection is the key to reducing damage to the teeth and gums from gum disease, a leading cause of tooth loss in adults. Dr. Levesque offers periodontal therapy as a restorative dental treatment for bleeding gums.
Common Signs & Symptoms of Gum Disease
- Red, swollen or sore gums
- Bleeding gums
- Receding gums
- Loose teeth
- Mouth sores or pus between gums and teeth
- Bad breath (halitosis)
- Changes in the fit of dentures
If you notice any of the above signs of gum disease, schedule an appointment with Levesque Dentistry to ensure effective treatment and reduce the risk of further damage or more complex dental problems.
In dentistry, there is no one-size-fits-all treatment when it comes to addressing periodontal disease. Dr. Levesque and Dr. Vogel will evaluate your oral health and provide a range of periodontal therapies to treat the various stages and effects of gum disease. After a comprehensive examination, we will recommend the best course of treatment.
If you have early signs of gum disease, known as gingivitis, we may recommend more frequent dental cleanings to restore your gums to optimal health. If more intensive treatment is needed, the dentist may recommend a deep tooth cleaning known as scaling and root planing. During this procedure, the dentist or hygienist will remove plaque and tartar from the deep pockets of the gum.
Patients who have advanced signs of gum disease may require more intense treatment or surgery. In these cases, we may help coordinate treatment with a local periodontist.
Soft Tissue Laser for Gum Disease
Our high-tech office offers state-of-the-art dental laser technology to our patients. Lasers are an amazing new technology for the dental office and enable us to provide treatment that is more accurate, less invasive, and less painful.
Laser dentistry also produces fewer side effects such as bleeding and swelling which have an effect on recovery time and your level of discomfort during and after your procedure.
Lasers have the capability to:
- Perform gum surgery without needles, bleeding, or stitches
- Biopsy tissue
- Minimize the duration of cold sores
- Sterilize your restoration and gum tissue as its healing
Periodontal Therapy FAQs
Periodontal therapy treats gum disease, which can be a serious condition. Learn more by reading the answers to these commonly asked questions.
Is periodontal treatment painful?
There will be some discomfort during periodontal treatment, but it will likely be much less than you anticipate. Patients typically state that their periodontal treatment causes very little pain.
How successful is periodontal treatment?
Surgical and nonsurgical periodontal treatment options have an overall success rate of about 87%. This means that periodontal treatment is very successful and likely to solve your gum health issues.
How can I prevent gum disease from returning after treatment?
To prevent gum disease from returning, good oral hygiene—brushing twice daily, flossing daily, and using an antimicrobial mouthwash—is essential. Regular dental check-ups and cleanings are also crucial. Quitting smoking can significantly reduce your risk of recurrence.
What is the main cause of periodontal disease?
In most cases, neglecting to properly care for one’s teeth is to blame for periodontal disease. Treatment for periodontitis is more likely to be successful if the patient brushes and flosses at least twice daily and has regular dental checkups.
Can periodontal disease be cured?
While periodontal disease can’t always be completely cured, it can be managed and controlled properly. Early intervention is key to preventing further damage to the gums and bone. With ongoing care, including good oral hygiene and regular dental visits, the effects of gum disease can be minimized.
Can periodontal therapy save my teeth?
Yes, periodontal therapy can save your teeth by stopping the progression of gum disease and preserving the supporting structures around them. Early treatment is critical in preventing tooth loss. By maintaining healthy gums through regular care, you can protect your teeth and keep them in place for years.
Schedule a Periodontal Disease Treatment Consultation
If you do not know if you have gum disease, advanced periodontal disease, oral cancer, or some other form of gum infection, give us a call. We can be reached at (802) 424-8517, or you can fill out our contact form if it’s after-hours.