High-Quality Gum Disease Treatment in Danville
Improving Oral Health Through Periodontal Therapy
Periodontal (gum) disease occurs when the tissues around teeth are damaged, irritated, or destroyed. This occurs when plaque or tartar buildup at the gum line breaks down the soft tissue and supportive bone structure that surrounds tooth roots. In the early stages, known as gingivitis, gum disease has minimal symptoms and may be completely overlooked by those who suffer from it. When left untreated, gingivitis can lead to additional oral health issues including swollen and bleeding gums, breakdown of bone and gum tissue, shifting teeth, and tooth loss. This more advanced form of gum disease is known as periodontitis, and will need to be treated with a combination of scaling and root planing procedures.
Approximately 75% of the adult population over the age of 40 has some form of gum disease. You may be at risk if you:
- Do not practice good oral hygiene.
- Smoke or chew tobacco.
- Have heart disease, diabetes, respiratory disease, or osteoporosis.
- Have a family member who is diagnosed with gum disease.
- Are pregnant.
- Take steroids, cancer therapy drugs, oral contraceptives, anti-epilepsy drugs, or calcium channel blockers.
With regular checkups that may include scaling and root planing (an under-the-gum procedure that carefully removes plaque and tartar from the tooth’s roots) and a regimen of effective brushing and flossing at home, patients often notice immediate improvement through their gum disease treatment.
Advanced gum disease or periodontitis can be present if you notice any of the following:
- Your teeth are loose or have separated.
- Bridgework no longer fits.
- A change in the way your teeth fit together when you bite.
- Your gums begin pulling away or receding from your teeth.
- Persistent bad breath or a metallic taste in your mouth.
- Pus between your gums and teeth.
- A sore in your mouth that does not improve within two weeks.
If gum disease progresses without improvement with non-surgical periodontal therapy, the patient may be referred to a periodontist (gum treatment specialist) for surgical treatment. With proper periodontal therapy, you greatly improve your chances of keeping your teeth for life!
Danville Dental Associates provides comprehensive care to dental patients from Danville, Chatham, South Boston, Martinsville, and other Virginia towns, as well as Yanceyville, Reidsville, Eden and other North Carolina communities. To help with the cost of dental care, Danville Dental Associates has special offers, cash discounts, and the Danville Dental Discount Program for new and returning patients. If you’re new to our practice, please visit our new patient page.