Out of an abundance of caution, we've made some changes to ensure the safety of our staff and patients. Read more about these precautions.

  • A Look at Your Treatment Options for Gum Disease

    Gum disease is a common dental health problem that affects many Americans. If your dentist has recently given you a gum disease diagnosis, you may be wondering about your treatment options. Along with providing you with dental implants and other cosmetic dentistry services near Newton, your dentist can also help you treat and correct your gum disease. Your treatment options will typically depend on your symptoms and how advanced your gum disease has become. To help you gear up for your next dental appointment, here is a look at your treatment options for gum disease. The Dental Office at Chestnut Hill Explaining Types of Gum Disease

    Nonsurgical Treatment

    If your gum disease is still at the early stages of development, you may be eligible for nonsurgical treatment. Nonsurgical treatment is minimally invasive, and can be performed without the use of anesthetics. During a nonsurgical gum treatment appointment, a hygienist will remove plaque from the surface of your teeth. Thoroughly cleaning your teeth can help to promote gum health and help to stop the early symptoms of gum disease.

    Pocket Reduction

    After your nonsurgical treatment has been completed, your dentist will carefully monitor your teeth to determine whether your gum disease is still advancing. If you are still showing symptoms, your dentist may recommend that you schedule a pocket reduction procedure. During a pocket reduction, your dentist will use gentle surgical methods to fold back your gums and cover up tooth roots that are starting to become exposed. Pocket reduction can restore gum health and help to prevent tooth decay.

    Bone Grafting

    Patients with advanced-stage gum disease may be candidates for bone grafting procedures. Bone grafting is required in cases where gum disease has led to the deterioration of the jawbone around the affected gum line. Synthetic bone material is used to replace damaged areas and will help to prevent further bone loss. Your dentist can provide you with more information about gum disease treatments that are available for your condition.

  • Understanding Periodontal Disease

    If it’s been awhile since you received a professional dental cleaning and exam, you might have the beginning stage of gum disease without even realizing it. Gum disease, also known as periodontal disease, is a type of oral infection that grows worse over time if left untreated. In its more severe stages, periodontal disease can result in gum recession, tooth loosening, and even tooth loss. Visit a general dentistry office near Newton if you notice any of the possible signs and symptoms of this serious oral health problem.

    periodontal disease prevention

    Causes and Risk Factors

    Plaque is a thin film of bacteria that constantly forms on the teeth above and under the gum line. If plaque isn’t removed quickly, it turns into tartar, which is impossible to remove at home with a toothbrush. When plaque and tartar stay in the mouth for a long time, the bacteria causes the gums to become inflamed . This is the early stage of periodontal disease. Poor at-home oral hygiene and tobacco use are two of the biggest culprits of gum disease. Other risk factors can include pregnancy, genetics, diabetes, and the use of certain medications.

    Signs and Symptoms

    If you have gingivitis, you may have already noticed that your gums tend to bleed easily when you brush and floss. The gums may also appear swollen and redder than usual. Gum disease causes bad breath, changes in the way the upper and lower teeth fit together, recession of the gum line, and loosening of the teeth. As soon as any of these problems are noticed, it’s important to get to a dentist right away. The earlier gum disease is treated, the less risk there is of complications.

    Treatments and Prevention

    If gum disease is detected in the early stages, your dentist may perform a deep cleaning known as scaling and root planing. It’s also important to identify your risk factors of periodontal disease and, if possible, take steps to modify them. If the infection is already advanced, then oral surgery may be required. After your gum disease has been resolved, you should know that it’s possible to get it again. Work with your dentist to put a prevention plan into place. This will include visits to the dental office at least twice per year, better oral hygiene habits at home, and possibly smoking cessation therapy.