Gum disease is an inflammation of the gum line. When left untreated, gums will recede away from the teeth, which can trigger a variety of other dental and oral health problems. At Prime Dental, our Tucson, AZ dental team works tirelessly to provide the education and tools you need to both prevent and treat gum disease.
Unfortunately, gum disease can trigger an infection which can create complications and threaten your total health. If Dr. Kym diagnoses you with gum disease, she will devise a personalized treatment plan with advanced technology used by top periodontists.
By visiting Prime Dental for regular treatment and following the doctor's orders at home, you can be on the road to recovery, free from the damaging effects of gum disease.
Signs Of Gum Disease
Most patients in the early stages of gum disease don't even know they have it. Signs of gum disease may not appear until the disease has advanced to a point that requires you to undergo more invasive treatment to get your smile healthy again.
That being said, the best way to protect yourself from gum disease is to get to know its first signs:
- Loose teeth or teeth separating from each other
- Mouth pain - including swollen and red gums
- Receding gums
- Excessive bleeding after brushing and flossing your teeth
- Mouth sores
- Consistent bad breath that doesn't respond to traditional treatment, like mouthwash
- Noticeable pus between your teeth and gums
- Your partial dentures aren't fitting securely anymore
- A change in the way you bite or the way your teeth fit together
If you are suffering from these gum disease symptoms, schedule an appointment with Prime Dental in Tucson today. Our dental team is here to assess your symptoms and create a treatment plan customized to your needs.
Gum Treatments
Gum disease increases your risk of systemic health problems, making it more difficult for your immune system to protect you. Ask Dr. Kym how non-surgical periodontal therapy can help eliminate potential health problems like heart disease, pneumonia, premature labor, and more.
Gingivitis Treatment
Gingivitis is often painless at first, making it difficult to diagnose without regular dental checkups. Nevertheless, inflammation of the gums caused by gingivitis can be a potentially serious condition. If you have been diagnosed with or are concerned you might have gingivitis, Dr. Kym offers a range of treatments to reverse or stop gum disease’s progression.
Laser Treatment
At Prime Dental, we are proud to treat our patients using laser dentistry. If you are suffering from gum disease, Dr. Kym might decide to use a cutting-edge laser to treat the pain and inflammation. This specialized laser treatment allows for a greater degree of precision, making for pain-free treatments and shorter recovery times.
Scaling and Root Planing (Deep Cleaning)
Your routine cleaning every six months at Prime Dental involves scaling your teeth and gum line to remove plaque and tartar. Our experts also polish to remove stains and smooth the tooth's surface. However, if you are experiencing symptoms or signs of gum disease, you might need a more intricate type of cleaning called scaling and root planing.
Scaling and root planing is a deep dental cleaning procedure Dr. Kym performs to treat patients with current or developing gum disease. Not all patients need this level of cleaning, but it is key for patients diagnosed with gingivitis.
Root Surface Debridement
Over time, calcified deposits in your gum pockets can make the surface of your tooth rough and difficult to keep clean. Root Surface Debridement (RSD) is a procedure used to clean the root surface of the tooth. Dr. Kym treats patients with root surface debridement to remove deposits and slow the progression of gum disease.
Bone Graft
Periodontal disease may cause your jawbone to weaken, causing long-term jaw problems that can prohibit you from receiving dental implants. In cases like this, Dr. Kym recommends a bone graft (also known as natural bone regeneration) to promote healthy bone growth and to strengthen your jawbone. Over time, your jawbone can regain enough bone mass to support a dental implant.
Have Questions About Your Gum Disease Treatment Options?
Don't let your painful gum disease symptoms go untreated! Call Dr. Kym at Prime Dental to schedule an appointment with our gum specialists today.