What is Gum Disease?
Gum (periodontal) disease is an infection of the supporting tissues of the teeth which is often caused by poor oral hygiene habits. When thorough oral hygiene is neglected plaque begins to build up on the teeth and harden, eventually affecting the gums.
If left untreated, gum disease can lead to a variety of oral health issues including inflamed and bleeding gums, a receding gum line, bacteria-filled pockets between the teeth and gums, and eventual bone loss.
Gum Disease Therapy
Periodontal treatment methods depend upon the type and severity of the disease. At Caledon East Dentistry your dentist will work with you to create a treatment plan based on your particular case.
Once your periodontal treatment has been completed, our dental team will recommend that you have regular dental examinations and preventive therapy, approximately four times a year.
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Preventive Gum Therapy
If the signs of periodontal disease are detected in the early stages, preventive therapy will be recommended.
Regular hygiene cleanings and exams are important for maintaining the health of your gums.
Practicing good oral hygiene at home and eating a balanced diet can help to significantly reduce your chances of developing gum disease.
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Non-Surgical Gum Therapy
If you are suffering from mild gum disease, a deep cleaning performed by a dental hygienist may be enough to reverse the condition.
The dental hygienist will scrape away the plaque and tartar around and below the gum line, and smooth out any rough areas left behind through a process called scaling and root planing.
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Surgical Gum Therapy
Advanced or severe gum disease will require more invasive surgical treatments to reverse the condition and restore good oral health.
There are a few different types of surgical gum therapy such as gum grafting and bone grafting.
Your dentist will take the time to talk to you about the best treatment option to help bring your smile back to good health.
Cosmetic Gum Therapy
If you feel that your gums rest too low or too high on your teeth and you are unhappy with your smile, gum grafting surgery may be right for you. This cosmetic dental procedure may be able to even out an uneven gum line and reduce the perceived length of the teeth to give you a smile you can be proud of.
Placing Dental Implants
Periodontics also includes the placement of dental implants beneath the gum line as part of the process to replace missing teeth. Once a dental implant has been placed, and the gums have healed, an artificial tooth is attached to the implant. This procedure can provide a number of oral health benefits.