Gum Disease
Periodontal disease, also known as gum disease, can result in more than just an unappealing smile—it can lead to tooth loss and, if not addressed, other severe health issues.
Why Choose Dr. Ken Morgan for Your Gum Disease Needs?
Dr. Ken Morgan is an expert in diagnosing and treating gum disease. His patient-centric approach ensures you receive personalized care, along with the latest treatment options for maintaining the health of your gums. Opting for Dr. Morgan means investing in a dental health partner who values your oral health and wellbeing.
Understanding Gum Disease
In the early stages, periodontal disease, also known as gingivitis, results from an overgrowth of harmful bacteria (found in plaque) attacking your mouth’s soft tissues. Early indicators of this disease include red, swollen, or bleeding gums. If detected early, we can help reverse the damage. In advanced cases, we employ effective restorative dentistry procedures to return your mouth to a healthy and attractive condition. Regular examinations, cleanings, and specialized interventions when necessary can help maintain strong, disease-free teeth and gums.
Deep Cleaning for Gum Disease
If you’ve been diagnosed with periodontal disease, we recommend a deep cleaning procedure. More than just an intensive teeth cleaning, deep cleanings are the gold standard in treating gum disease. This procedure, also known as “scaling and root planing” or “periodontal therapy,” is essential in managing gum disease.
With periodontal disease, swollen, unhealthy gums begin to detach from the teeth due to pockets where plaque, tartar, and bacteria accumulate. During a deep cleaning, the dentist or hygienist removes these harmful substances from your teeth and tooth roots, then smoothes the tooth root surface to prevent future bacterial adherence and facilitate gum reattachment.
Benefits of Deep Cleanings
While deep cleanings don’t cure periodontal disease, they can halt or slow its progress. These cleanings can minimize the need for surgical intervention in the future and often help transform swollen, bleeding gums into healthy, pink tissue. If you have gum disease, deep cleanings, coupled with periodontal maintenance checkups, may become part of your regular dental visits.
Periodontal Treatments Overview
Periodontal disease management involves more than just deep cleanings. Periodontal therapy aims to improve the gum tissue holding your teeth in place, replacing diseased tissue with healthy tissue whenever possible. If gum disease has caused significant gum recession, gum grafting may be necessary to reposition the gum tissue and cover exposed tooth roots. Additionally, we’ll directly address the bacterial infection in your tissues by applying topical antibacterial or antibiotic solutions, either alone or in combination with the aforementioned treatments.
Patients with advanced or complicated periodontal disease may need to see a specialist. A periodontist, like Dr. Morgan, is a dental professional specializing in the treatment of gingivitis, periodontal disease, and other issues affecting the mouth’s soft tissues. With additional specialized training in periodontics, a periodontist is an expert in managing gum disease, understanding its risk factors, and treating symptoms and conditions associated with this dental disease. If you’ve been diagnosed with advanced gum disease, a periodontist may become integral to your regular dental care, working with us to develop a treatment plan to prevent your condition from worsening.