When your body senses threats like infections or lacerations, it is designed to rush support to heal and protect the area under threat. The inflammatory response in healthy individuals kills off bacteria and helps to speed healing. Unfortunately, when it comes to infections in your mouth, like gum disease, it's a little more complicated.
Unfortunately, when it comes to infections in your mouth, it's a little more complicated. When your body detects plaque, tartar and bacteria in your mouth, instead of actively attacking the bacteria, it starts to protect itself by backing away.
This process can be silent, meaning the half of Americans who have gum disease may not know until it's too late. If the early stages of gum disease aren't treated, your gums will recede away from your teeth, which can trigger a variety of other dental and oral health problems.
Signs of periodontal gum disease can include:
- Receding gums
- Bleeding gums
- Loosening teeth
- Teeth that look "long"
- A change in your bite
Gingivitis Treatment
Gingivitis is often painless at first, making it difficult to diagnose without regular dental checkups. Inflammation of the gums can be a potentially serious condition, which is why it’s vital to get regular dental exams from A Glamorous Smile.
If you have been diagnosed with or are concerned you might have gingivitis, Dr. Annicchiarico offers a range of treatments to reverse or stop gum disease’s progression. If you are in the early stages of gingivitis, most treatment options are non-surgical procedures.
Scaling and Root Planing (Deep Cleaning)
If you visit A Glamorous Smile every six months for your routine cleaning, you know it involves scaling your teeth and gum line to remove plaque and tartar, and polishing to remove stains and smooth the tooth's surface. However, if you have symptoms of gum disease, you might need a different type of cleaning called scaling and root planing.
Scaling and root planing is a deep dental cleaning procedure Dr. Annicchiarico performs to treat patients with current or developing gum disease. Not all patients need this level of cleaning, but it is key for patients concerned with gingivitis.
Root Surface Debridement
Root Surface debridement (RSD) refers to a procedure used to clean the root surface of the tooth. Over time, calcified deposits in your gum pockets can make the surface of your tooth rough and difficult to keep clean. Dr. Annicchiarico uses root surface debridement to remove these deposits and slow the progression of gum disease.
Dental Crown Lengthening
Some patients require dental crown lengthening as part of preparation for the final crown restoration of a tooth. If necessary, Dr. Annicchiarico will perform a crown lengthening to extend the size or height of a portion of your tooth to better stabilize the dental crown.
Bone Regeneration
If periodontal disease has affected your mouth, your jawbone may be too weak to support a dental implant you need. In cases like this, Dr. Annicchiarico will often recommend natural bone regeneration (also known as bone grafting) to promote healthy bone growth and strengthen your jawbone. Over time your jawbone can regain enough bone mass to support a dental implant.
If you are experiencing symptoms of periodontal disease, please call us right away to schedule your dentist appointment. Morning and evening appointments available.
Cosmetic dentistry solutions by Dr. Annicchiarico offer solutions to help you mask the appearance of dark, discolored, or irregularly shaped teeth.