Preventing Advanced Gum Disease

Regular brushing and flossing are critical aspects of maintaining a healthy mouth. However, brushing and flossing must be supported by regular dental cleanings, or plaque can form on the tooth surfaces, eventually hardening. If not treated in the early stages, gum disease can worsen, becoming advanced gum disease—the most common cause of tooth loss.

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What is Advanced Gum Disease?

Advanced gum disease is a severe level of periodontal disease. It is caused by inflammation, infection, and a buildup of plaque on the teeth and along the gum line. Advanced gum disease can be prevented with regular brushing and flossing, coupled with professional cleanings to address plaque buildup. Treatments such as scaling and root planing remove plaque and tartar deposits beneath the gum line. In cases where deep pockets or severe bone loss exist, implant surgery may be an option. The first step is to attempt to restore the gums to a healthier condition, which may involve the extraction of severely damaged teeth.

Symptoms of Advanced Gum Disease

The symptoms of advanced periodontal disease can include:

  • Red, swollen gums
  • Pain while chewing
  • Bad breath
  • Bleeding gums
  • Loose teeth
  • Receding gums
  • Changes in bite
  • Abscesses
  • Infected gums

Stages of Gum Disease

Unhealthy gums move through several stages:

Gingivitis

Gingivitis is the first stage of gum disease. It is reversible with proper care, as the jawbone has not yet been affected. The symptoms include bleeding gums.

Slight Periodontal Disease

The infection in the gums has spread to the bones and is beginning the process of destroying certain areas of the mouth. This degree of gum disease may require root planing and scaling to keep it under control.

Moderate Periodontal Disease

As the disease advances, more and more of the jawbone, teeth, and gum tissues are affected. Bacteria may enter the bloodstream, a process linked to other severe health risks.

Advanced Gum Disease

The infection is so severe that the gums are swollen, red, sensitive, and the teeth are loose and cause pain while eating. Patients may experience receding gums and may require tooth extractions. Some will need tooth replacements, whether dentures or implants.

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How Does Tartar Cause Advanced Gum Disease?

Tartar buildup, if allowed to continue, can trigger very serious levels of gum disease. Tartar develops when plaque is not regularly removed with a thorough professional cleaning, leading to symptoms such as tooth and gum sensitivity, redness and swelling, bleeding gums, and bad breath. In order to prevent advanced gum disease, it is essential to remove tartar promptly by brushing and flossing. One must also schedule bi-annual (or quarterly) appointments for a thorough, professional dental cleaning.

What are the Symptoms of Gum Disease?

Symptoms of advanced gum disease include:

  • Toothaches
  • Bleeding gums when brushing or flossing
  • Receding gums
  • Red, swollen gums
  • Persistent bad breath
  • Loose or shifting teeth
  • Abscesses

Severe gum disease must be treated promptly, as it can result in bone and tissue loss around teeth, as well as eventual tooth loss. It is linked to other serious health conditions.

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How Can Advanced Gum Disease Be Treated?

When these methods are unable to resolve the condition desired result, dental implants and other forms of prosthesis can be employed to restore dental health.

When it comes to unhealthy gums, seeking a solution early can greatly reduce the extent of the treatments needed. Generally, treatment for advanced gum disease involves:

  • Deep cleanings (scaling and root planing)
  • Pocket reduction, with flap surgery to remove plaque and calculus beneath the gum line as well as any damaged tissue.
  • Soft tissue grafts (gum grafts) and bone grafting to replace lost bone or increase the stability of the jawbone.
  • Laser therapy
  • Guided tissue regeneration and tissue-stimulating proteins

Why Choose SmileRenu by Dr. David Crumpton for Advanced Gum Disease?

Dr. David Crumpton is widely known as a leader in the field of advanced dentistry. Patients who suffer from advanced gum disease may be fearful about treatment or facing the prospect of losing their teeth. At SmileRenu, you will be under the care of a dentist who has equipped his state-of-the-art practice with advanced technology. 

Dr. Crumpton, the founder of SmileRenu, offers world-class care for the treatment of advanced gum disease in a modern, welcoming office where comfort and a pain-free experience are top priorities. While other dental offices prioritize the bottom line, Dr. Crumpton and his team at SmileRenu always put their guests first.

The goal is to help patients achieve a stunning, healthy smile free from the embarrassment of unhealthy gums or lost teeth. We offer advanced gum disease treatments and a range of restorative procedures to create a healthy, perfectly balanced, natural-looking set of teeth.

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Your Comfort Matters to Us.

If you are worried about discomfort or are anxious about what your treatment will entail, you can be confident that the SmileRenu professionals will work closely with you to ensure your comfort. We will establish a resolution that brings you confidence and a healthy, gleaming smile. For some patients, full-arch restoration may be necessary. 

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What are the Benefits of Treating Gum Disease?

When advanced gum disease is resolved, it is life-changing. Advanced gum disease comes with several serious health risks beyond losing your natural teeth.

Gum disease has been linked to several serious health conditions, including rheumatoid arthritis, respiratory conditions, and coronary artery disease.

As the bacteria in the gums enter the bloodstream, it poses a serious risk of causing more serious health problems. Beyond improving overall health, restoring the gums and teeth allows you to present a healthy, gleaming smile, resulting in a significant boost in self-confidence.

How Does Gum Disease Advance if not Treated?

Gum disease is a serious condition that needs to be addressed promptly. The tissue of the gums pulls away from the teeth, eventually leading to teeth that appear longer and pain associated with exposed tooth roots or decay. In severe cases, the gums may recede enough to expose the roots, resulting in extreme tooth sensitivity. As the condition progresses, bacteria and other debris accumulate in these periodontal pockets, leading to chronic bad breath, as well as weakened structures around the gum line and tooth instability. Therefore, it is important to recognize and address gum recession quickly in order to prevent further damage and ensure a more optimal state of dental and oral health.

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