Gum disease, or periodontal disease, is a common problem that damages your gums and the structures holding your teeth in place. When gum disease isn’t treated, it can cause serious damage and even tooth loss. That’s why our dentists provide complete periodontal care to stop the disease, help your gums heal, and protect your smile.
At Hermitage Dental Clinic, we offer restorative dental care to heal your gums and restore damage to your teeth. We provide periodontal disease treatment in Edmonton, AB, to remove harmful bacteria so you can have healthy and pain-free gums.
How Does Gum Disease Develop?
Gum disease does not happen overnight. It develops in stages, starting mild and becoming more serious over time. Understanding thes stages of gum disease can help you catch it early and protect your smile.
Stage 1: Gingivitis
Gingivitis is the earliest and mildest stage of gum disease. It starts when plaque builds up on your teeth and gums. Plaque is a sticky film of bacteria that forms on your teeth every day.
If you do not remove plaque with regular brushing and flossing, it can harden into tartar. Tartar irritates your gums and causes inflammation. You may notice red, swollen gums that bleed when you brush or floss.
The good news is that gingivitis is reversible. With professional treatment and good home care, your gums can return to being healthy and firm.
Stage 2: Periodontitis
If gingivitis is not treated, it can progress to periodontitis. In this stage, the inflammation extends deeper into the supporting structures of your teeth and the bone.
Your gums may begin to pull away from your teeth. This creates pockets where bacteria can collect and cause infection. Your body’s immune system fights the bacteria, but the battle can damage the bone and tissue that hold your teeth in place.
Stage 3: Advanced Periodontitis
In advanced periodontitis, the disease has caused significant damage. The bone and tissue supporting your teeth continue to break down. Your gums may recede, and your teeth may become loose or shift out of place. You may also notice pus between your teeth and gums.
Without treatment, advanced periodontitis can lead to tooth loss. The infection can also spread to other parts of your body and affect your overall health.
Common Signs of Gum Disease
While early signs of gum disease can be hard to detect at first, infection can quickly spread. We recommend that you call us if you notice these symptoms of gum disease in Edmonton:
- Bleeding gums
- Red and inflamed gum tissue
- Receding gums
- Sensitive teeth
- Pus between the teeth and gums
One of our dentists will examine your mouth and take X-rays if needed to determine the extent of your gum infection. Once we find the stage of your gum disease, we’ll create a custom treatment plan.
Why Healthy Gums Matter for Your Whole Body
Your gum health affects more than just your smile. Scientists have discovered strong connections between gum disease and other health issues like heart problems, diabetes, and even lung conditions.
Gum disease starts with inflammation in your gums. This inflammation is your body’s response to harmful bacteria. When gum disease goes untreated, the inflammation can spread throughout your body.
As a result, you can find it harder to fight off infection if you already have problems like diabetes, or your heart problems can worsen. When you take care of your gums, you’re helping safeguard your entire body.
How We Treat Gum Disease in Edmonton, AB
At Hermitage Dental Clinic, we offer deep gum cleanings, or scaling and root planing, to address gum disease. The first step in treatment is to thoroughly clean your teeth and gums to remove plaque and tartar buildup. This deep cleaning will reveal sources of dead gum tissue that we need to remove.
Then we move to scaling and root planing. During scaling, we use special instruments to clean below the gum line, removing plaque and tartar from the tooth surfaces. Root planing involves smoothing the roots of the teeth to help the gums reattach and heal.
In addition to scaling and root planing, Dr. Uppal may prescribe antibiotic rinses to reduce bacteria and inflammation in the gums. Antibiotics can help control the infection and promote healing. We may recommend surgical options for more advanced gum disease.
Gum surgery addresses issues like pocket reduction, receding gums, and bone loss. These procedures can help reduce the depth of gum pockets and regenerate lost tissue.
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Keeping Your Gums Healthy for Life
After gum disease treatment, keeping your gums healthy becomes one of our most important priorities. With simple daily care and regular dental visits to Hermitage Dental, you can protect your smile and prevent gum problems from coming back.
Start with the basics. Brush gently twice daily with fluoride toothpaste and don’t skip flossing. That string of floss is your best weapon against hidden plaque that likes to hide between teeth and under gums where your brush can’t reach. These simple habits make a significant difference in preventing gum disease.
At Hermitage Dental Clinic, we are your partners in gum health. During your regular checkups, we’ll carefully check your gums for any warning signs and give you a thorough cleaning to remove stubborn tartar. We’ll also share tips tailored just for you.
Gum Disease Treatment FAQs
Read answers to common questions about periodontal disease treatment in Edmonton, AB.
What happens if I don’t treat gum disease?
Untreated gum disease can lead to gum recession, loose teeth, and tooth loss. It has also been linked to other health issues like heart disease, diabetes, and lung problems. Early treatment is important for your oral and overall health.
Are there non-surgical options for gum disease treatment?
Yes. For most patients, non-surgical treatments like scaling and root planing are effective. These deep cleanings remove plaque and tartar from below the gumline and help the gums heal. Surgery is only recommended for advanced cases.
Is gum disease treatment painful?
We use local anesthesia to numb the area during deep cleanings and other procedures. Most patients report that the treatment is comfortable. You may have some mild soreness afterward, but this is normal and temporary.
Can gum disease be reversed?
Gingivitis, the earliest stage of gum disease, can often be reversed with professional treatment and good home care. Periodontitis, the more advanced stage, can be managed and controlled. Treatment can stop the disease from getting worse and help your gums heal.
Treat Gum Infections at Hermitage Dental Clinic
If you have symptoms of gum disease or have been diagnosed with gum disease, Hermitage Dental Clinic is here to help. We provide gentle and effective treatments to address gum disease and restore your oral health.
Contact us today at 587-806-4168 to schedule a consultation and learn more about our gum disease treatment options. Let us help you keep your gums healthy and your smile bright with the expert care and personalized attention you deserve.