Quality Gum Disease Treatment in Portland Downtown
Gum disease can lead to severe health concerns and impact the integrity of your smile. At Bridgeview Dental Associates, we offer gum disease treatment that can help you restore your optimal dental health. Healthy gums are an essential part of your overall oral health, and we combine skill with judgment-free care to help you protect your smile.
Our experienced team is passionate about treating and preventing periodontal disease in Portland and the surrounding areas. By giving you the tools and education you need to maintain healthy gums, we hope to become a trusted partner in maintaining your periodontal health and improving your quality of life. For a team of dental professionals who can address your gum health concerns, look no further than our practice. Give our office a call to schedule an appointment today.
CALL US: (503) 224-9130 REQUEST APPOINTMENT
What is Gum Disease?
Gum disease, also known as periodontal disease, is an infection of the tissues surrounding and supporting your teeth. It is usually caused by poor oral hygiene that leads to a buildup of plaque and tartar, causing a breeding ground where bacteria can thrive.
Gingivitis, the earliest stage of gum disease, is the easiest to reverse. However, if left untreated, it can quickly transform into periodontitis and advanced periodontitis. These more severe infections can lead to tooth loss, jawbone damage, and health concerns when harmful bacteria spread to other parts of the body through the bloodstream. For these reasons, even early signs of gum disease should be quickly treated to prevent further complications.
Signs and Symptoms of Gum Disease
The signs of gum disease can be subtle, but your regular dental appointments give us the opportunity to spot symptoms and assess your risk factors. Aside from poor hygiene, certain conditions, such as genetics, age, smoking, and poor nutrition, can make you more likely to develop gum disease. It's important to monitor the health of your gums and contact us if you have any concerns. Some common symptoms of developing gum disease include:
- Puffy, red, or swollen gums
- Bleeding when you brush or floss
- Sensitivity to hot or cold foods and drinks
- Persistent bad breath, even after brushing and flossing
- A receding gumline
- Loose teeth
- Gum abscesses
Diagnosing and Treating Gum Disease
Our dentist will thoroughly examine and look for any signs of gum inflammation, including red and receding gums. Using specialized instruments, we will also measure gaps between your teeth and jaw to determine the severity of infection. When found early, periodontal disease is reversible, and we'll work with you to design a treatment plan based on your current condition.
A common treatment for gum disease is scaling and root planing, also known as periodontal cleaning. During the first stage, scaling, our dentist will use specialized instruments to precisely remove plaque and tartar in and below the gum line. Root planing removes stubborn buildup and creates a smooth, clean surface for the gums to reattach to. Additionally, our dentist may apply an antibiotic treatment or recommend antimicrobial mouthwashes. This process effectively eliminates the bacteria that can contribute to gum inflammation and disease, reducing the likelihood of reinfection.
Periodontal Care to Support Healthy Gums
We believe that the best periodontal care is preventive, including preventing reinfection if you have already suffered from gum disease. Our proactive approach can help you maintain and improve your gum health, ultimately supporting your overall oral health. Some of the tools and methods we use to help defend against reinfection and support a healthier smile include:
Regular Dental Examinations: Our dentist will thoroughly examine your gums, which will help us more effectively prevent gum disease or diagnose it earlier. We can also compare the condition of your teeth and gums with past cleanings so we can adjust your treatment plan accordingly.
Education: We will help educate you on how to maintain the integrity of your teeth and gums and how your oral health impacts your overall well-being. Our team is here for you to answer questions and give advice, helping you maintain healthy habits and stay informed about your dental health.
Thorough Cleaning: One of the best defenses against gum disease is to keep your teeth clean with regular professional cleanings. Between visits, taking care of your oral health with regular brushing and flossing to keep them plaque-free is essential to maintaining your gum health.
If you're being treated for periodontal disease, you may need more frequent periodontal visits to maintain healthy gums. These regular appointments are important to supporting your gums as they recover, and as your gums become healthier, your appointments will ideally decrease in frequency.
Experienced Gum Disease Treatment in Portland
Periodontal disease can have severe negative impacts on oral and overall health, but it can be reversible with early detection and treatment. At Bridgeview Dental Associates, we offer compassionate gum disease treatment to help you achieve a healthy smile. We are committed to your oral health and supporting healthy gums with our knowledge, skill, and experience treating gum disease in Portland. If you are looking for a dentist who can provide you with the oral care you deserve, call us to schedule your appointment today!
CALL US: (503) 224-9130 REQUEST APPOINTMENT
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