Gum Treatments

Gum disease affects most people at some time during their life. It is usually caused by a build-up of plaque on teeth. One of the most common signs of gum disease is bleeding gums. Meticulous cleaning of your teeth each day can help prevent gum disease. Getting treatment for dental problems early can help save teeth that are at risk from gum disease and other conditions. Speak to Dr. Caminschi if you have swollen or bleeding gums or loose teeth.

The different stages of gum disease

There are two main stages of gum disease:

Gingivitis
Periodontitis

Gingivitis

Gingivitis is early gum disease and occurs when dental plaque builds up on teeth, particularly where the gum joins the tooth. The signs of gingivitis are bleeding, redness and swelling of the gums.

Periodontitis

Periodontitis is an advanced stage of gum disease that may occur if gingivitis is not treated. Bacteria and their products cause more inflammation (redness and swelling) in the parts of the mouth that sit below the gum margin.

As the disease progresses and bone is lost, spaces begin to form between the tooth and the gum. These spaces are called ‘periodontal pockets’. Signs of periodontitis include bleeding, swelling and receding gums together with bad breath, a bad taste in the mouth and loose teeth.

How is Periodontal Disease Treated?

In the early stages of periodontal disease we can use deep cleaning to remove the hardened plaque and infected tissue, then smooth the damaged root surfaces of the teeth. This process allows the gum to heal. An antibiotic rinse may also be applied to help control the infection. Once a deep cleaning has been performed, it is imperative that the individual maintains a regular brushing and flossing schedule to keep the plaque from building up again. If periodontitis is far too advanced Laser Periodontal Therapy may be necessary.

Biolase Laser-Assisted Periodontal Therapy

In general, the treatment of periodontal disease is a race: the body healing and regaining attachment vs. bacteria re-establishing in the pocket. Therefore, treatment should speed up the healing process, and/or interfere with the recolonization of bacteria. Dr. Caminschi uses Biolase’s Waterlase dental laser to selectively remove the diseased lining of the periodontal pocket. The antimicrobial effects of the laser make it an ideal tool for the treatment of periodontal disease. Lasers are known for their ability to selectively remove tissue and to destroy microbes. A laser incision heals faster than one made by mechanical methods. There is also less pain which makes gum disease therapy more comfortable and more effective for you.