Gum Disease Treatment – Casper, WY
Safeguard Your Smile with Gum Disease Treatment
You may not realize it, but your gums play an important role in your oral health. Not only do they provide a firm foundation for your teeth, but they also protect them from dangerous oral bacteria that can damage their roots and cause them to fall out. Unfortunately, an estimated half of all adults in the United States over the age of 20 have lost at least one tooth to gum disease. That’s why in addition to preventive oral health care, Dr. Prach is proud to offer periodontal treatment to eliminate dangerous oral bacteria and protect your teeth and gums from this harmful infection.
Why Choose Dr. Erin Prach for Gum Disease Treatment?
- Gentle, effective treatment that prioritizes your comfort
- Great at working with nervous or anxious patients
- Dental insurance accepted & maximized
What is Gum Disease?
Gum disease is a bacterial infection of the gums that if left untreated, can eventually rob you of your teeth, gum tissue, and even portions of your jawbone. A recent CDC report found that nearly half of all adults aged 30 or older have some form of periodontal disease, and that number only increases with age. In fact, by age 65, over 70 percent of adults will have developed it!
There are two types of gum disease: gingivitis (the earliest stage) and periodontitis, which is a more advanced form. Although the early signs of gingivitis can be reversed by improving your oral hygiene routine, unfortunately periodontitis can only be managed, not cured, to prevent it from worsening.
Factors that may increase your risk of gum disease include smoking, vaping, or chewing tobacco, poor oral hygiene, genetics, immune-compromising conditions such as diabetes, certain medications, and hormonal changes such as pregnancy.
Symptoms of Gum Disease
Gum disease can cause a variety of symptoms depending on how advanced the condition has become. These may include:
- Chronic bad breath (halitosis)
- Red or swollen gums
- Gums that bleed when you brush or floss your teeth
- Tender gums
- Dark red gums
- Gum recession (where the gums tissue recedes and exposes more dental structure)
Signs of periodontitis:
- Pain while chewing
- Loose permanent teeth
- Sensitive teeth because of gum recession
- A change in bite
- Change in the fit of restorations, like partial dentures
- Permanent tooth loss
How Do We Treat Gum Disease?
Before determining which gum disease treatment options are best for your smile, Dr. Prach will thoroughly examine your mouth and assess the severity of your condition. Based on her findings, she will discuss your treatment options with you.
Scaling & Root Planing
Scaling and root planing is a two-part process that can usually be completed in two appointments. First, Dr. Prach will thoroughly remove all the plaque and tartar from your teeth to minimize the presence of oral bacteria. If you have experienced any gum recession, she will scale down as far as the pockets of your gums to ensure that no bacteria are left hiding in the area,
During the second stage, Dr. Prach will smooth the surface of the roots of your teeth, removing any hardened bacteria deposits. This will help your gum tissue to healthily reattach to the tooth’s structure and protect the roots.