Periodontal Treatment at Highland Smiles
Gum disease – it is a big problem in this country. The American Academy of Periodontology estimates that as many as 75 percent of U.S. citizens suffer from periodontal disease, many of which are not receiving treatment or even aware they are affected. The fact is that some people are predisposed to periodontal disease. If you happen to be one of the not-so-lucky ones, you will want to aggressively address this issue.
Call Dr. Jennifer Rohleder and the team at Highland Smiles to treat your gum disease, regardless of what stage it might be in.
What Causes Gum Disease?
It is easy to assume that the main cause of gum disease is poor oral hygiene, but the truth is there are a number of causes in addition to a shortage of dental checkups including the way the body responds to plaque and bacteria. Different people respond to bacteria in the mouth different ways which can be based on a number of factors, including genetics, cigarette smoking, and the immune system.
Recognizing Gum Disease
Gum disease involves the build-up of germ-laden tartar and calculus on the teeth to the point that the bacteria erode gum tissue attachment, creating deep pockets. If these pockets are not cleaned out, the bacteria will work its way into the area and destroy the foundation holding teeth in place.
If you do not attend to the dental office regularly, you might not be sure of the health of your gums. The best way to find out if you have gum disease is to come in to our office for an exam. Dr. Rohleder and her team can examine your mouth for any signs of the disease.
Although many times there are no symptoms for gum disease, if you have any of the following come in to our office right away:
Bleeding gums when you brush your teeth
Bad breath that lingers, regardless of how often you brush
Gums that are swollen, tender, and red
Loosening and separating teeth
The formation of pus between gums and teeth
Teeth that look longer because gums have pulled away
Healthy gums make your smile more attractive and protect your teeth from plaque. Not only does periodontal disease put your smile in danger, but it can mean your overall health is potentially compromised.
Treatment Options for Gum Disease
For mild cases of periodontal disease, we complete a careful and meticulous cleaning of the gum pockets by removing the plaque, calculus, and bacteria causing the problem. We also work with you to create a home care program and an ongoing periodontal treatment schedule so your disease does not progress.
Scaling and root planing is a gum disease treatment that involves the removal of plaque and bacteria from below the gum line. Hand tools and lasers are used in lieu of surgery. The roots of the teeth are also smoothed to encourage the gums to reattach to the teeth. After the procedure, periodontal pockets become smaller and gums can return to health.
Keeping Your Gums Strong and Healthy
At Highland Smiles, we work with our patients to ensure their gums remain healthy. Schedule a consultation with Dr. Rohleder and the team at Highland Smiles today to ensure the health of your gums.
Laser therapy to treat periodontal disease involves using a dental laser to remove inflamed gum tissue from around the tooth. After we remove the infected tissue and expose the tooth root, we can scrape off the calculus and plaque that has built up below the gum line. The root is smoothed out to avoid rough spots that will attract additional bacteria, and then the gum and root area can heal. With laser therapy, bleeding, pain, and swelling are minimized, and healing takes place much more quickly. 
