Treat Your Soft Tissue with the Care Your Teeth Deserve
Nearly half (46%) of adults aged 30 and older in the U.S. are affected by some form of gum disease. Inadequate brushing and flossing can cause a sticky film of bacteria (plaque) to build up on teeth and harden, leading to gingivitis, the mildest form of periodontal disease. While poor oral hygiene is the main culprit, gum disease is also linked to tobacco use, diabetes, medications that lessen the flow of saliva, female hormonal changes and genetic susceptibility.
When gum disease progresses unchecked, plaque turns into tartar, which can lead to periodontitis, advanced periodontal disease associated with formation of periodontal pockets, gum infections, bone damage and eventual tooth loss. Furthermore, periodontitis has been linked to cardiovascular disease, oral and colorectal cancer, diabetes and Alzheimer’s disease.
If you’re experiencing red, swollen or tender gums that bleed when you brush, we encourage you to schedule prompt gum disease treatment in Concord, CA with our dentist Dr. Gavin Ewing to protect your smile, oral health and systemic health.
Common Gum Disease Symptoms
- Swollen or red gums that bleed while brushing or flossing
- A change in bite or fit of partial dentures
- Pus between gums and teeth
- Plaque or white spots on gums
- Chronic bad breath
- Receding gums
- Loose or separating teeth
Gum Disease Prevention
The easiest way to prevent gum disease is to follow a good oral hygiene routine at home and get professional teeth cleanings and exams at least twice a year.
We partner with multiple insurance companies and offer third-party financing because we don’t want deductibles or co-pays to ever be a barrier to seeking the gum disease treatment your teeth deserve.
With regular professional care, maintenance and good oral health habits, gum disease doesn’t have to damage your smile ever again!
Targeted Gum Disease Treatment
Our skilled dentist and periodontist offer different periodontal disease treatments targeted at stopping gum disease in its tracks, from early-stage gingivitis treatment in Concord, CA to advanced-stage periodontitis treatment.
We use lasers whenever possible to enhance procedural comfort and hasten postsurgical healing. Receding gums (gingival recession) are a common problem that can expose the roots of your teeth. As well as being aesthetically unsightly, gingival recession can cause functional issues. We can treat gum recession with traditional gum grafts or a minimally-invasive technique.
If you’re suffering from a gum infection, we’ll prescribe an antibiotic medication such as Arestin to stop its progression and protect your systemic health.
Select Gum Disease Treatments
Scaling and Root Planing
If Dr. Ewing determines you have gum disease, scaling and root planning is the first-line treatment to prevent gingivitis from worsening. A handheld ultrasonic scaling device combined with a jet of water eliminates plaque and tartar both above and below your gum line, down to the periodontal pocket. The second part involves smoothing out rough root surfaces to keep bacteria, plaque, and tartar from re-adhering underneath the gum line. This procedure also decreases gum tissue inflammation, allowing gums to heal and reattach themselves more firmly to your teeth.
Periodontal Maintenance
A few months after scaling and root planing, bacterial plaque can cause gum disease to recur. Periodontal maintenance with deeper cleanings should ideally be done every three to four months to help keep your gums and teeth healthy. The severity of your gum disease, response to other soft tissue procedures, plaque growth rate and oral care at home will help our periodontist determine how often you’ll need this done.
Gum Grafts
A gum graft may be needed to restore receding or damaged gum tissue. This involves taking healthy donor tissue from the palate (roof of your mouth) and grafting them to the receded area. Then your gums are sutured back into place and covered with dental dressing. Over time, the newly grafted tissues blend in with the existing gums and grow naturally.
Laser Surgery
Periodontal deep cleanings with lasers eliminate oral bacteria and plaque more effectively because the laser can sterilize the entire treatment area. When used to make surgical incisions, lasers encourage faster healing and eliminate the need for manual suturing. At Smile Makers Dental Care, our dentist and periodontist use lasers for deep cleanings, gingivectomies, frenectomies, open flap debridement and other gum disease treatments.
Chao Pinhole® Surgical Technique™ (PST™)
PST is an innovative, minimally invasive technique that restores receding gums without the need for incisions, sutures or an extended recovery period. During this procedure, a needle is used to make a tiny hole in the affected gum tissue. Through this small pinhole, Dr. Ewing uses a specialized instrument to gently loosen, expand and position the gum tissue to cover exposed tooth roots. Tiny collagen strips are placed during this process to stabilize gum tissue.
Don’t Let Unhappy Gums Wreak Havoc on Your Health!
Schedule your gum disease consultation in Concord, CA to get started.