Gum health is an essential part of a healthy smile. Periodontal disease, or gum disease, is a common but serious condition that affects the tissues supporting your teeth. Treating gum disease can also play a key role in the success of restorative dentistry. It creates a healthier foundation for future dental work. Dr. Alison Defilippi offers comprehensive periodontal care at Dr. Teeth in Reno, NV.
We’re here to prevent, manage, and treat gum disease. Our personalized approach to treatment aims to restore the health of your gums, prevent future problems, and help you maintain strong teeth and gums.
What Is Periodontal Disease?
Periodontal disease, also called gum disease, is an infection that affects the gums and the tissues that support your teeth. It happens when bacteria in your mouth build up and start irritating your gums. Over time, this irritation can turn into an infection.
Not all bacteria in your mouth are harmful, but some feed on sugars and starches left behind from food. When these bacteria are not cleaned away, they form sticky plaque on your teeth and gums. Plaque can harden into tartar, which makes it even harder to clean your teeth properly. This allows bacteria to spread and damage gum tissue.
As gum tissue breaks down, you may notice pain, sensitivity, or even bleeding when brushing or flossing. Gum disease develops in stages. The first stage is called gingivitis, which causes red, swollen, and bleeding gums. At this point, you can reverse your gum problems with good dental care.
If gingivitis isn’t treated, it can progress to periodontitis. This is a more serious stage that leads to gum recession, bone loss, and loose teeth. You can experience tooth loss if you develop advanced periodontitis. But seeing our dentist regularly and practicing good oral hygiene can help you prevent and manage gum disease in Reno, NV.
Signs and Symptoms of Gum Disease
Recognizing the signs of gum disease early on can make a big difference in managing and treating it. If you’re experiencing any symptoms, we can assess your gum health and recommend the most effective treatments to protect your smile. Symptoms to watch for include:
- Red, swollen, or tender gums
- Bleeding during brushing or flossing
- Receding gums, which make teeth look longer
- Persistent bad breath or a bad taste in your mouth (halitosis)
- Loose or shifting teeth
Please call Dr. Teeth if you notice any gum problems. Even if you’ve been dealing with gum issues for a long time, we’ll be happy to see you in our office. You can contact us for a gum exam, and we’ll find the right treatment based on your symptoms.
The Link Between Gum Disease and Your Health
Many people think gum disease only affects the mouth, but research shows it can also impact overall health. Because the gums are connected to the body’s blood supply, bacteria and inflammation in the mouth can spread and increase health risks. That’s why treating gum disease is about protecting your oral health and your overall health.
- Pregnancy: Pregnant women with gum disease may have a higher risk of complications, such as premature birth or low birth weight. Hormonal changes during pregnancy can make gums more sensitive to plaque and bacteria. If you’re pregnant and experience bleeding gums, you may have pregnancy gingivitis. Taking care of your oral health during pregnancy helps protect both the mother and the baby. You can safely visit our dentist office for a cleaning and exam in the second trimester to keep your oral health in check.
- Diabetes: Gum disease and diabetes are closely connected. People with diabetes are more likely to develop gum infections, and gum disease can make it harder to control blood sugar. Keeping your gums healthy can improve overall diabetes management.
- Heart Disease: Studies suggest a link between gum disease and heart problems. When bacteria from infected gums enter the bloodstream, they may contribute to inflammation in the arteries. Severe gum problems and inflammation can increase your risk of heart disease and stroke.
If you have health concerns that contribute to gum disease, Dr. Defilippi will recommend more frequent dental visits. She’ll also recommend working with your doctor to keep you healthy if you have heart issues, diabetes, or are pregnant.
Periodontal Disease Treatment at Dr. Teeth
Our office takes a proactive approach to periodontal health, offering preventive and restorative treatments to address all stages of gum disease. Our team is dedicated to providing gentle, thorough care to help you achieve and maintain healthy gums. Here’s how we approach gum disease treatment in Reno, NV.
Comprehensive Evaluation
During your first visit, Dr. Defilippi will perform a thorough examination of your gums, including measuring pocket depths (the spaces between your teeth and gums) and using digital imaging to assess the condition of the supporting bone structure. This evaluation helps us understand the extent of gum disease and design a personalized treatment plan.
Scaling and Root Planing
We often recommend scaling and root planing if you have mild to moderate periodontitis. This deep-cleaning procedure removes plaque and tartar from beneath the gumline and smooths the roots of the teeth to promote healing and prevent further infection. Scaling and root planing is typically completed in a few visits, with local anesthesia to ensure comfort.
Laser Therapy
As part of our commitment to advanced care, Dr. Teeth offers laser-assisted periodontal therapy. Laser technology allows us to treat infected gum tissue with precision, removing bacteria and promoting faster healing. Laser therapy is minimally invasive, gentle on the gums, and can be a great option for patients with moderate to severe gum disease.
Patients with severe periodontitis may need surgical options to restore gum and bone health. Our office can also refer you to a periodontist if you have advanced gum disease. We want you to get the right treatment at your stage of gum disease.
Benefits of Treating Periodontal Disease
Treating gum disease provides many important benefits for both your mouth and your overall health. When gum disease is caught early and properly managed, it helps protect your teeth and gums from long-term damage. This means you can maintain a healthier, stronger smile for years.
One of the biggest benefits of treatment is preventing tooth loss. Gum disease is one of the leading causes of lost teeth in adults, but with the right care, your teeth can stay firmly in place. Treating gum disease also helps preserve the jawbone, which supports your teeth and facial structure. A healthy jawbone keeps your bite strong and prevents your face from looking sunken over time.
Gum treatment can also lower your risk of other health issues that are linked to gum disease, such as heart disease and diabetes. By reducing inflammation in your gums, you’re also reducing stress on the rest of your body.
Healthy gums create a stable foundation for your teeth so you can eat your favorite foods without pain or discomfort. Treatment can also reduce bad breath and make your mouth feel fresher. Best of all, it can boost your confidence by restoring a healthy, attractive smile.
Schedule a Consultation
Do you have painful or bleeding gums in Reno, NV? Call Dr. Teeth today at (775) 206-0856. You can also request an appointment with Dr. Defilippi on our website. Let us know if you have questions about treatment, and we’ll help.