Periodontal Disease Treatment

Dentistry is about keeping all your teeth healthy and intact for as long as possible. At Roots Dental in Lincoln, NE, Dr. Amy Wenninghoff and her team focus on preventive dentistry to keep your family a step ahead of oral health problems like cavities and gum disease.

Gum health is especially critical as periodontal disease is the leading cause of tooth loss in adults, and you can't have healthy teeth without healthy gums! If you develop gum disease, we will provide the treatment and ongoing dental care needed to protect your smile.

Stages of Gum Disease

Gum disease, also known as periodontal disease, is a bacterial infection that develops when the sticky film called plaque collects on the teeth and hardens. Hardened plaque is called tartar or calculus and is a breeding ground for bacteria that cause an infection.

  • Gingivitis: The early stage of gum disease is called gingivitis and is reversible when treated promptly. One of the warning signs of gingivitis is gums that bleed when you brush. Bleeding gums are never normal and are a sign that you need to schedule a dental cleaning promptly.
  • Periodontitis: Without treatment, gingivitis leads to advanced periodontal disease called periodontitis. As the disease progresses, the gum tissue pulls away from the teeth and forms pockets that collect bacteria. The infection doesn't just affect gum tissue; it also gradually attacks the bone and ligaments that hold teeth in place. Bone loss causes teeth to loosen, and the only option is to remove them.

Symptoms of Gum Disease

Almost half of US adults over age 30 have gum disease. One reason it is so widespread is that sometimes the symptoms are so mild that many are unaware they have it. Symptoms of gum disease include:

  • Bleeding when you brush
  • Swollen, puffy, or inflamed gums
  • Space between gums and teeth
  • Pain when chewing
  • Loose teeth
  • Chronic bad breath

If you notice any signs of gum disease, call us so we can get you in for a teeth cleaning. The sooner you seek treatment, the faster we can restore your gum health and protect your smile.

Gum Disease Treatment

Treatment depends on the level of gum disease we find. Your needs are unique, and Dr. Amy will tailor your treatment to address them.

Gingivitis Treatment—Regular Cleaning

Fortunately, gingivitis is reversible, but early detection is critical. In most cases, the progression of early gum disease can be slowed or stopped with a cleaning and improved home care.

During your cleaning, Dr. Amy performs a thorough tooth cleaning, removing plaque and tartar buildup from all tooth surfaces. She also looks for areas where you can improve your oral hygiene skills and provides tips for getting the most out of your daily routine. 

Periodontitis Treatment—Deep Cleaning

Treatment for periodontitis is a deep cleaning called scaling and root planing.

  • Scaling is where the dentist removes tartar from your teeth above and below the gum line using specialized tools.
  • Planing smooths rough spots on the tooth root surfaces that can harbor bacteria. This step helps speed recovery, creates an infection-free surface for gums to re-adhere, and minimizes the risk of reinfection.

Unfortunately, periodontitis is not reversible. But with prompt treatment, improved oral hygiene, and more frequent teeth cleanings, we can manage it and help it from progressing.

The Oral Systemic Link

What happens in your mouth affects your body; this connection is known as the oral-systemic link. According to the American Dental Association, untreated periodontal disease is associated with more than 50 serious general health conditions, including heart and lung disease, diabetes, Alzheimer's, osteoarthritis, and low birthweight babies. 

How to Avoid Developing Gum Disease

Aside from inadequate oral hygiene, risk factors for gum disease are poor diet, smoking, or hormonal changes such as those during pregnancy and menopause. Improving your brushing and flossing skills, eating a healthier diet low in sweets and processed foods, and quitting smoking can all help reduce your risk for gum disease.

If you are pregnant, you are especially vulnerable to gum disease. Be sure to schedule routine teeth cleanings and let our dentist know so she can monitor your gum health.

Schedule a Teeth Cleaning with Our Dentist

If you are due for a professional cleaning, please call Roots Dental to schedule an appointment. We offer high-quality dentistry for patients in Lincoln, Hickman, Bennet, Palmyra, Syracuse, Roca, and beyond.