Brushing, flossing, and visiting your dentist for dental exams and cleanings are necessary for maintaining your oral health. Without good oral hygiene practices, gum disease is a possible development. Mild gum disease is called gingivitis, and it causes inflammation and irritation of the gum tissues due to bacteria in plaque and tartar buildup around the gum line.
Without gum disease treatment in Durango, CO, gingivitis could develop below the gum line. Over time, the condition will affect bones and become periodontitis, an advanced form of gum disease.
Symptoms of Gum Disease
Bleeding gums are the most common symptom of the early stages of gum disease, which may occur when brushing or flossing teeth. The condition can also lead to swollen gum tissues due to inflammation. Advanced periodontal disease could cause gums to recede due to bones in the jaw breaking down.
Persistent bad breath is another common symptom. The foul scent results from bacteria feeding on the plaque buildup and releasing toxins. Bad breath could indicate both gingivitis and severe gum disease.
Types of Periodontal Treatment in Durango, CO
Failing to address gum disease could lead to serious health complications, such as tooth decay and cardiovascular disease. Dr. Blake Brown will determine the best gum disease treatment in Durango, CO, for each patient with the condition. Some treatment options include:
- Scaling: This dental cleaning procedure uses special tools to scrape plaque and tartar from the teeth and gum line.
- Root Planing: Root planing smooths the tooth root’s surface to help receding gums reattach to the tooth and prevent future plaque buildups.
- Pocket-Reduction Surgery: This minor surgery folds gum tissue to expose tooth roots for deeper scaling and root planing.
- Antibiotics: Dr. Brown may prescribe medication to eliminate an infection under the gum line.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Gum Disease Reversible?
It is possible to reverse gingivitis, the earliest stage of gum disease. Dr. Blake Brown will work closely with you on your oral hygiene routine. Without treatment, the gum disease can progress to its advanced stage and cause irreversible damage to your gum tissues.
What Are the Risk Factors of Periodontal Disease?
Anyone can develop periodontal disease, but the following conditions and habits increase the risk:
- Poor oral hygiene habits
- Obesity
- Smoking
- Diseases like rheumatoid arthritis and diabetes
- Genetics
- Vitamin C deficiency
- Medications that cause dry mouth
Is Gum Disease Preventable?
Maintaining a good oral hygiene routine is the best way to reduce the risk of developing gum gingivitis and gum disease. Scheduling routine visits with Dr. Blake Brown for thorough teeth and gum cleanings and dental examinations are also necessary for preventing gum disease. With early detection, Dr. Blake can quickly develop a plan to keep the condition in check.
As a skilled general, cosmetic, and restorative dentist, Dr. Kent T Haynes DDS has decades of experience providing gum disease treatment in Durango, CO. He cares about every patient’s oral health, and he uses his dental knowledge and expertise to identify and treat the early stages of gum disease. Call our Durango office at 970-247-9549 to schedule an appointment today.
We are committed to helping our patients understand their conditions and their treatment options so they can make the best choices for their dental health.
Contact Us
Location:
Durango, CO 81301
Phone:
Clinic Hours:
Tue & Thu: 8am-3pm
Every 3rd Fri of the month: 8am-1pm