Gum disease is a chronic disease that affects millions of Americans. This disease begins with inflammation of the gingival tissue around teeth and progresses to the loss of bone around the teeth. The gums include the bone and soft tissues that support the teeth. If patients develop severe gum disease, the teeth can become mobile after the foundation of the bone and gums has been lost. Dr. Adam Carraway treats gingivitis and periodontal disease in Greer, SC. He offers his patients restorative dental care that helps reverse the harmful effects of bacteria on the teeth and gums.
Signs of Gum Disease and Inflammation
Look out for these signs of gingivitis and periodontitis:
- Irritated and swollen gums
- Bleeding gums
- Gum sensitivity
- Loose teeth
- Gum recession
- Bone loss
Please let us know if you have recently noticed gum inflammation or gum disease symptoms. We will help you get the care you need as soon as possible.
The Stages of Gum Disease
Gingivitis
This is the first stage of gum disease that is reversible. During this stage, plaque builds up around the edges of your gums and causes irritation and inflammation. The majority of adults in America suffer from gum disease. Unfortunately, patients may not notice gingivitis symptoms because they are painless. The most prominent symptom is bleeding gums. Schedule an appointment immediately if you see your gums frequently bleeding when brushing or flossing.
Slight Periodontal Disease
Gum disease is manageable at this stage. However, the infection begins to destroy bone tissue, and leads to bone structure loss. We manage this stage with scaling and root planing treatment. Scaling cleans deep gum pockets full of bacteria and debris. We clean out these gum pockets and sterilize them. Then, we smooth down the tooth roots so that the gum tissue can reattach to the bone.
Moderate Periodontal Disease
Infection deepens in this stage. Not only are the bacteria attacking your bone structure, but they’ve also gotten into the bloodstream. As a result, the inflammation and infection are spread throughout your body in your bloodstream. This can lead to problems in other parts of your body aside from your mouth. Scaling and root planing manage the disease at this stage.
Severe Periodontal Disease
The infection has fully evolved at this stage into disease-causing bacteria. Your gums are swollen and oozing pus, your breath is severely bad, and it’s painful for you to chew and bite. If nothing is done to manage the disease, your teeth become loose and can fall out. Only periodontal surgery or laser gum treatment can manage the condition at this stage. If you let it go, it’ll lead to losing your teeth and bones.
Periodontal Disease Treatment in Greer, SC
The most common treatments for gum inflammation and disease are:
- Antibacterial Rinses: Antibacterial rinses can treat mild forms of gingivitis. These rinses wash away harmful bacteria and combat gum disease.
- Scaling and Root Planing: We perform these treatments at routine dental visits. Our dental hygienists use special dental tools to perform these treatments. Scaling uses a metal tool to remove plaque, a film of bacteria, from around the gums. Root planing removes plaque and bacteria from the tooth roots and helps keep the roots attached to the gums.
- Gum Surgery: Dr. Carraway may refer patients with severe gum disease to local oral surgeons for treatment. Patients with deep gum pockets or an extensive infection will require gum surgery. Dental surgery renews the gum tissue and restores health to the teeth and gums.
Request a Dental Appointment
Have you noticed any of the signs of gum inflammation or periodontitis? Receive periodontal disease treatment in Greer, SC, today at Carraway Family and Cosmetic Dentistry. Schedule a dental consultation with Dr. Carraway or contact his office to make an appointment at 864.268.7812. Please let Dr. Carraway know if you ever have any questions. He will be happy to assist you.