Gum Disease Treatment Durham
Minimizing the Long-Term Effects of Gum Disease
Gum disease, also referred to as periodontitis, is one of the most common oral health conditions in the world, estimated to impact one out of every two adults, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. While this condition can start with mild effects, leaving patients to believe it’s not too serious, when it’s left to progress, it can cause irreversible damage to your smile, like tooth loss. Our goal at Crafting Smiles is to stop the progression of the infection and, whenever possible, reverse any symptoms or damage that it has caused. Call our dental office today to learn more about gum disease treatment in Durham.
Why Choose Crafting Smiles for Gum Disease Treatment?
- Family-Owned & Operated Dental Practice
- Compassionate & Friendly Dentist & Team
- Advanced Technology for Ideal Outcomes
Symptoms of Gum Disease
There are two stages of gum disease, periodontitis (advanced gum disease) and gingivitis (early gum disease). The symptoms you experience could be a sign as to how far the oral infection has progressed. Symptoms of gingivitis include:
- Chronic bad breath
- Bright red or reddish-purple gums
- Tender gums
- Oral sores
- Inflamed or swollen gums
- Bleeding gums when you brush and floss your teeth
Symptoms of periodontitis include:
- Pus between the teeth and gums
- Gum recession that makes your teeth appear longer
- Gums that bleed easily
- Swollen and tender gums
- Pain while chewing
- A change in the way your teeth fit together
Scaling & Root Planing
Scaling and root planing is a two-step process that begins with thoroughly removing all plaque and tartar from the surface of the teeth, as far down as the pockets of the gums (scaling). This will drastically minimize the number of harmful oral bacteria and keep the infection from progressing. The next step is called root planing, which is where Dr. Ulloa and his dental hygienists will remove any hardened pockets of bacteria from the roots of the teeth. This will allow the gums to healthily reattach to the dental structure, preventing the pockets of the gums from becoming deeper and the infection from spreading.