Gum Disease Treatment
Healthy gums are vital for oral and overall wellness. They're also necessary for lasting cosmetic and restorative dental procedures. That's why every guest in our practice receives a full periodontal screening as a new patient and at subsequent checkups. If your gums show signs of periodontal disease, we'll work with you to alleviate your symptoms and halt the progression of this destructive disease.
What is gum disease?
Gum disease is an infection of the gums and bone that support teeth, and it usually starts early in life, then progresses as a person ages. It all starts when plaque hardens into tartar (also called calculus) below the gum line. This irritates soft tissues and makes them vulnerable to infection. Combined with decaying food particles lodged between teeth and bacteria emitted by plaque, the infection can spread quickly. Symptoms are so mild in the early phase that many patients don't recognize them: red, tender, swollen gums, and bleeding when brushing teeth. As the condition progresses, gums recede from teeth and pockets of bacteria form. The bacteria can destroy gum tissue and bone, causing tooth and bone loss.
Why is gum disease so serious?
Recent research reveals that gum disease is linked to increased risk for major overall health problems, including stroke, heart disease, respiratory problems, osteoporosis, diabetes complications, low birth weight, and most recently, dementia.
How do you treat gum disease?
We offer:
- Charting and diagnostic services
- Deep cleaning to remove hardened plaque from below the gum line
- Antibiotic therapy to battle infection
- Laser treatment to remove bacteria and promote gum reattachment
- Referral to a periodontist for severe cases of gum disease
What is laser treatment for gum disease?
Combined with comprehensive periodontal therapy, a diode laser for soft tissue procedures can remove and reduce some periodontal infection. This type of treatment also promotes reattachment of gum tissue to teeth. Laser dentistry is precise and conservative in comparison to traditional therapies. Some patients don't even need anesthesia during laser therapy.
Because a beautiful smile is always in style! Call the Center for Advanced Cosmetic Dentistry today to schedule your gum disease evaluation with Dr. Crescenzo. Our Hammonton dental office gives South Jersey, Egg Harbor Township, Galloway, and surrounding areas fabulous smiles and whole-mouth health.
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