Gum Disease Treatment – Glenpool, OK
Save Your Smile from Gum Disease
Periodontal disease, commonly referred to as gum disease, is a bacterial infection of the gingival tissue that gradually destroys the supporting structures of your teeth, resulting in tooth loss. The primary culprit of gum disease is bacterial plaque. The thin, white film sticks to the surfaces of your teeth, causing gum irritation, swelling, redness, and bleeding. At 918 Dentist of Glenpool, we offer the personalized solutions you need to save your smile with gum disease treatment in Glenpool, OK.
Why Choose 918 Dentist of Glenpool for Gum Disease Treatment?
- All Insurances Accepted, and In-House Financing Available
- Oral Sedation and IV Sedation Available
- Thorough Deep Cleanings
What is Gum Disease?
Gum disease is a preventable infection, but 50% of Americans have some form of it. At first, the early signs of the infection might not seem concerning; you may only have some slight bleeding or inflammation of the gum tissue. However, serious complications are brewing beneath the surface. Bacteria are slowly destroying the supporting structures of your teeth. If the infection isn’t treated right away, your teeth will eventually loosen and fall out. The bacteria can also enter your bloodstream, increasing your risk of serious health concerns, like heart disease, respiratory infections, and even Alzheimer’s disease.
Signs & Symptoms of Gum Disease
The early signs of periodontal disease are often overlooked, but you may notice your gum tissue is red and inflamed. You may even see blood-tinged spit in the sink after brushing or flossing your teeth.
As time passes, pockets form between the roots of your teeth and the gingival tissue, trapping more bacteria. You may now experience tooth sensitivity, chronic bad breath, or a receding gum line. You could also see pus pockets forming near the teeth. If you don’t act quickly, your gums will separate from the teeth.
Factors that Play a Role in Gum Disease
Gum disease can be caused by several factors; however, poor oral hygiene is the leading contributor. Other issues that can lead to the infection include:
- Family history
- Diabetes
- Stress
- Smoking
- Clenching and grinding of teeth
- Certain medications
- Poor nutrition
Understanding Periodontal Therapy
Proper oral hygiene with a balanced diet are the first steps to restoring a healthy smile, but you’ll also need professional dental intervention to stop the disease’s progression. We perform a comprehensive examination to develop an individualized plan for gum disease treatment in Glenpool.
Charting and Diagnostic Services
If you’re a patient of ours, we keep a record of your gum health. This allows us to monitor your oral health during your appointments. At each visit, we check the depths of the gingival pockets. If they have reached a certain depth or there’s a presence of the infection, we recommend scaling and root planing.
Scaling and Root Planing
Also known as a deep cleaning, scaling is the first line of defense against the infection. It involves using a special dental tool to remove tartar and bacteria from above and below the gum line. Root planing smooths the root surfaces of the teeth. This helps to prevent future buildup while also encouraging the gums to reattach to the teeth.