Periodontal Therapy An Overview
Have you noticed increased sensitivity and bleeding in your gums?
Bleeding gums is often a sign of a more advanced dental issue. Patients with bleeding gums are likely to be experiencing symptoms of gum disease. Gum disease is a bacterial infection of the gums, and in its most advanced stage can lead to tooth loss. If gum disease is caught during the gingivitis stage, your dentist in Tulsa, OK may be able to reverse the effects of gum disease and restore health and function back into your smile.
During the early phases of gingivitis, your dentist may be able to perform a thorough dental cleaning to remove plaque and tartar buildup from the teeth. Scheduling routine preventive care visits are one of the best defenses against gum disease. Dr. Henrich works with each patient on an individualized basis to help give them the dental treatment they need to restore health, beauty, and function back into their smile.
Gum Disease
The earliest stage of gum disease is gingivitis. During gingivitis the gums become irritated and inflamed, causing the gums to bleed more easily. Patients with gingivitis may notice red gums, bad breath, receding gum line, and easily bleeding gums. The most common cause of gingivitis is poor oral hygiene. Brushing, flossing, and visiting our Tulsa dental office for routine dental exams are great ways to minimize your chance of developing gingivitis.
The next stage of gum disease is periodontitis. Periodontitis happens when the bacteria above and below the gum line create deep pockets where bacteria can breed. During this phase of gum disease, the gum line will pull away from the teeth, leaving them exposed and sensitive.
Tulsa dentist Dr. Henrich recommends that patients visit Henrich Dental at least twice a year for routine dental checkups. Regular checkups allow Dr. Henrich to accurately examine your teeth and gums to determine the overall health of your smile. Catching complex dental problems like gum disease early give patients the best chance of receiving effective treatment.
Periodontal Disease
Your gums are an important part of your overall oral health. They are the foundation of a beautiful and healthy smile, and yet some estimates suggest that nearly 80% of Americans have some form of periodontal disease. At Henrich Dental we have the tools and specialized techniques to treat gum problems and restore the health of your mouth.
Even a small problem in the gums can lead to serious complications down the road, so it’s important to get treated as soon as possible.
Dr. Henrich will watch for any symptoms during your regular checkups, but if you begin to notice problems yourself, be sure to contact us immediately. We can provide a deep cleaning, root planing, and scaling as well as remove any bacteria from above and below the gum line.
There are several signs of impending periodontal disease, including:
- Gums that bleed during a regular teeth brushing
- Persistent bad breath and a funny taste in the mouth
- Receding gums
- Tender gums that are red and swollen
- Gum pockets
- Loose or shifting teeth