Gum disease is a common term for periodontal disease, which ranges from the more severe form termed periodontitis (advanced) to a more mild form called gingivitis (mild). Periodontal disease is surprisingly the most prominent disease in the country. Roughly 80 percent of Americans have some form of gum disease, which means it affects more individuals than heart disease, stroke, Alzheimer’s, and cancer combined.
Many times, during the earlier stages and even into the later stages of the disease, patients often do not report symptoms. Symptoms include red, tender, swollen gums and bleeding during brushing. This silent and often symptom less disease is a chronic bacterial infection that breaks the bond between the teeth and supporting gums and advances deeper into the supporting bone structure. If left untreated, the jawbone can deteriorate, leading to tooth loss.
The latest research shows a connection between the mouth and body, which makes patients with gum disease more susceptible to health issues like heart attack, stroke, and memory loss. Gum disease should be taken seriously; your overall health depends on it!
Our periodontal practice can provide advanced periodontal therapy to stop the bacterial attack on your teeth and gums. Examples of treatment include:
- Scaling – to remove plaque and tartar (hardened deposits) from above and below the gum line.
- Root Planing – to reduce rough areas on the roots of the teeth.
- Antibiotic Therapy – to battle acute periodontal infection
- Laser Treatment – to kill bacteria and promote gum reattachment
- Surgery – to gain greater access to the bone and roots of the teeth for further debridement and tissue regeneration (bone grafting)
- Regenerative Periodontal Therapy – to regenerate bone tissue.
- Cosmetic Periodontal Therapy – to improve the appearance of gums and teeth.
- Periodontal Maintenance – to maintain the results of earlier therapies. Frequent periodontal cleanings are imperative to keep the disease under control because no therapy can provide a cure.
Attentive brushing and flossing is important to maintain your healthy smile.
We serve a large geographical area stretching from State College, Williamsport and surrounding areas including Bellefonte, Lewistown, Huntingdon, Clearfield, Lock Haven, Bloomsburg, Altoona, Danville and beyond. Call to schedule an appointment today. We look forward to restoring and maintaining your dental health and confidence.
