Your Delta Invisalign® Provider
What is Gum Disease?
The tissues supporting your teeth can become infected with gum (periodontal) disease. The condition is typically caused by poor oral hygiene habits that allow plaque to build up and harden on the teeth, eventually impacting the gums.
Left untreated, gum disease can lead to a number of oral health issues, including bacteria-filled pockets between the gums and teeth, a receding gum line, bleeding and inflamed gums, and even eventual bone loss.
Gum Disease Therapy
The type and severity of gum disease determines which periodontal treatment methods may be right for you. Our dentist will work with you to develop a treatment plan based on your specific case.
Once you have completed your periodontal treatment, our dental team will recommend you come to our office for regular preventive therapy and dental examinations, typically four times a year.
- Preventive Gum Therapy
If gum disease is detected in its early stages, your dentist may recommend non-surgical preventive therapy.
Routine hygiene cleanings and exams can be critical to maintain the health of your teeth and gums.
By eating a balanced diet and practicing excellent oral hygiene at home, you may also significantly decrease your risk of getting gum disease.
- Non-Surgical Gum Therapy
If you have mild gum disease, a deep cleaning performed by a dental hygienist may be enough to reverse it.
The dental hygienist will remove the plaque and tartar around and below the gum line, and smooth any remaining rough areas with a process called scaling and root planing.
- Surgical Gum Therapy
If you have an advanced form of gum disease, more invasive surgical procedures may be required to reverse it.
Different types of surgical gum therapy include gum grafting and bone grafting.
Cosmetic Gum Therapy
If you would like to change your smile, or your gums rest too high or too low on your teeth, gum grafting surgery may be a treatment option. This cosmetic dental procedure may help reduce the perceived length of your teeth and even out an uneven gum line.
Placing Dental Implants
Periodontics may also involve the placement of dental implants below the gum line as part of the process to replace missing teeth. Once your dentist has placed your dental implant, the gums have healed, and a tooth replacement has been added, a number of oral health benefits can result from this procedure.