Treatment for Gum Disease In Lynnwood, WA

We are Located In Lynnwood, Also Provides Cosmetic Services To Everett, Marysville, Redmond, Shoreline, Bothell, Edmonds, And All Neighboring Communities.

Periodontal Disease

It is imperative to brush and floss your teeth twice daily. It may seem like a chore, or even excessive to be spending so much time on your teeth but the benefits of doing so are well worth it. Patients commonly think brushing and flossing are to prevent cavities from forming but the reality is, they are simultaneously caring for their gums as well. Gum health is a critical part of supporting a healthy oral environment.

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There Are Two Phases Of Gum Disease That Everyone Should Be Aware Of.

Gingivitis

Gingivitis is the first phase of gum disease that is caused by poor dental hygiene. If you notice that the gums around your teeth are swollen, red, tender, sometimes even receding or bleed easily, you may be at risk of gingivitis. Gingivitis is often left unnoticed by patients but is easily recognized by dental professionals. One clue that you might have gingivitis is your gums bleed easily upon brushing and flossing. If your gums bleed on their own, you should schedule an appointment to see your dentist right away to ensure optimal oral health.

There is good news, however. If your dentist does indicate to you that you have gingivitis, do not worry. You will not lose your teeth right away! Gingivitis is 100% reversible. Your dentist will probably spend a little extra time cleaning your teeth and may recommend modification of your homecare regimen to ensure the gingivitis does not return. The initial cleaning in the presence of gingivitis can be uncomfortable but it is important to understand it is necessary to bring your gums back into health. If the patient is able to maintain good home care and can minimize the return of gingivitis, the next cleaning is markedly more comfortable.

More information on Gum Disease Signs and Symptoms >

Periodontitis

Periodontitis is the second type of gum disease. Unlike gingivitis, periodontitis is permanent and irreversible. Much like gingivitis, periodontal disease will present with red, tender, and bleeding gums. This phase of gum disease is associated with bone loss and is risk factor for tooth loss. Periodontal disease also puts the patient at risk of lung and heart disease. Periodontitis can also lead to painful gum abscess that needs immediate attention.

In all cases, both phases of gum disease are preventable through the practice of good oral hygiene. Visits to your local dentist, recommended every 6 months, is crucial to prevent or manage gum disease, cavities, infections, etc. The bacteria that live in our mouths produces a plaque. Plaque sticks to all areas of your teeth, mainly in the bases and corners of your teeth, where your toothbrush may not reach. This is where flossing is important, to remove the plaque between your teeth and below the gumline.

If plaque is not removed, over time, it will harden to create a substance called tartar. The only way to rid your teeth of tartar is by visiting the dental hygienist who has special tools and equipment to clean below the gumline where plaque and tartar are often missed. When plaque is left uncleaned, it can travel underneath the bases of your teeth, below your gum line. When this happens, it becomes harder to clean, and your gums will inflame from the bacteria, causing them to feel tender, turn red in color and bleed. When plaque or tarter sits below your gums too long, it will cause your gums to detach from your teeth, causing a pocket of empty space which bacteria can build into. This is when your risk of tooth loss due to bone loss increases.

If you have gingivitis, do not panic. This gum condition can be reversed and treated with a good cleaning and improved oral hygiene afterward. If your dental professional says you have periodontitis, it’s a more advanced form of gum disease associated with permanent bone loss. The bacteria and plaque then reach below your gum line into those deeper pockets causing further risk of bone loss and worsening of the disease. For this reason, it is important to visit your dentist and try to catch and manage your disease at an early stage of periodontitis.

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Gum Treatment Options

Gum treatments can vary depending on the severity of the disease. In many cases, treatments are non-surgical and can be stabilized with a deep clean, and consistently good oral hygiene. During your dental cleaning, the professional will remove any surface plaque and scrape off tartar build up below the gumline. This procedure usually takes two visits and is formally called scaling and root planning, or “deep clean.” Your dentist will likely be walking you through the process and give you tips on how to continue good oral health after your appointments. When tartar is removed, the gums that started to detach from your teeth will likely reattach to the cleaned tooth. Any of these procedures can be done under local anesthesia to ensure your complete comfort.

If you need a drastic gum treatment that includes surgery, you may be a candidate for tissue regeneration, pocket surgery, bone and tissue grafts and even jawbone surgery. Although this doesn’t sound like a fun and is less common, it is needed to ensure no further damage is done to your gum and teeth. Your general health and well-being can be directly affected by your oral health, so don’t let gum disease ruin your health.

Be sure to floss daily and brush your teeth twice daily, to lower your chances of gingivitis. If you allow the disease to go unnoticed or untreated, you can be at risk for periodontitis, a much more permanent form of gum disease. Either phase of gum disease will cause pain and irritation to your gums and teeth. Don’t wait before it’s too late so call your dentist for a dental checkup now.

Meadowdale Dental Clinic, conveniently located in Lynnwood, also provides gum treatment solutions to Everett, Marysville, Redmond, Shoreline, Bothell, Edmonds, and all neighboring communities.