Are you noticing red, swollen gums or bleeding when you brush? These early signs of gum disease are your body’s way of telling you it’s time to see your dentist. Gum disease is more common than you might think, but it’s also highly treatable when caught early. Whether tackling mild gingivitis or facing more severe periodontal issues, understanding your treatment options in Green River, WY, is the first step toward reaching a healthy, confident smile.
At Birch Family Dental in Green River, WY, we’re devoted to helping you achieve and maintain healthy gums with effective, gentle treatments for gum disease. Using advanced technology and a personalized approach, we address each stage of gum disease to restore oral health and prevent future issues. With years of experience and a dedication to patient comfort, our team makes your care a priority every step of the way.
What Is Gum Disease?
Gum or periodontal disease affects the tissue surrounding the teeth, causing inflammation and infection. In many cases, the leading cause of gum disease is poor oral hygiene, but in some situations, you can be more prone to gum disease even with proper dental care. Common signs that you could have gum disease include:
- Red or purple gums
- Bleeding
- Soreness
- Bad breath
- Inflammation
- Pain when chewing
- Gum recession
- Bad taste in the mouth
- Loose teeth
- Changes in teeth alignment
Healthy gums are pink in color and firm to the touch. If you notice any changes in your gums, you should contact a Green River, WY, dentist to schedule an appointment to diagnose and treat any gum disease before it becomes a more serious problem.
Understanding The Stages of Gum Disease
Because the gum tissue surrounding your teeth breaks down slowly from gum disease, you might not notice any pain or inflammation in the first few stages. This is why regular dental exams are vital to catch and treat gum disease while it is still in its early stages. There are four main stages of gum disease: gingivitis, mild periodontitis, moderate periodontitis, and advanced periodontitis.
- Gingivitis: Gums typically start to become more red and swollen in this first stage. You might also notice bleeding when you brush or floss your teeth. There is no jaw bone loss during the gingivitis stage of gum disease. This means gingivitis can be easily treated and reversed when caught early.
- Mild periodontitis: The bacteria has now worked its way beneath the gums and into the bone. During this stage, you might start to experience some gum rescission, where the gums start to pull away from the teeth. This creates a pocket in the gums that can house harmful plaque and bacteria.
- Moderate periodontitis: The bacteria that has made its way beneath the gums can start to erode the ligaments and bone supporting your teeth. This influx in bacteria can also cause bad breath and infected pus at the gum line.
- Advanced periodontitis: Bone deterioration continues during this stage of gum disease. This can cause your teeth to lose support and fall out. Unfortunately, gum disease cannot be reversed once you reach this stage and experience bone loss.
Regardless of the stage of gum disease you are in, proper oral hygiene and routine dental care are vital in managing your symptoms. At Birch Family Dental, our goal is to provide quality dental care that helps stop gum disease before it has the chance to become a lasting problem.
Treatment Options for Gum Disease in Green River, WY
When left untreated, gum disease can cause severe infection, potential tooth loss, and jawbone deterioration. Because of this, gingivitis is the only stage of gum disease that can be reversed when caught early. The most important treatment for gum disease is following a proper oral hygiene routine. This involves brushing two to three times a day, flossing, and getting routine dental cleanings. Some other treatment options include scaling and root planing, bone grafting, gum grafting, and laser-assisted periodontal therapy.
Scaling and Root Planing
Similar to routine dental cleaning, scaling and root planing clean deeper beneath the gums to remove plaque and buildup of bacteria. This is an ideal treatment for those with mild periodontitis where bacteria has started to work below the gum line. This procedure is usually broken into multiple visits to focus on each area of the mouth. It can be done with or without anesthesia to make your appointment as comfortable as possible. The scaling stage of the procedure involves removing plaque and tartar from the teeth, while the root planning stage involves cleaning the roots of the teeth and smoothing them out to make them less susceptible to bacteria.
Bone Grafting
When your jawbone begins to deteriorate as a result of gum disease, your dentist might suggest bone grafting. Your dentist will begin this procedure by first cleaning out any infection in your gums. They will then attach healthy bone from another part of your mouth or body to reinforce and support your tooth structure.
Gum Grafting
If your gum disease has caused you to lose gum tissue or your gums have started to recede, your dentist might recommend gum grafting. Your dentist will add tissue to the areas of gum recession to cover exposed tooth roots and add thickness to the gums.
Laser-Assisted Periodontal Therapy
With the advancement of technology, dentists are starting to treat gum disease with laser-assisted therapy. A specialized laser is used to target damaged, infected tissue while keeping more healthy tissue intact. This promotes faster healing and is considered a minimally invasive option for treating gum disease.
If you have any questions about your gum disease treatment options, please contact us in Green River, WY, for a consultation to create a treatment plan tailored to your dental needs.
Why Choose Birch Family Dental for Gum Disease Treatment?
At Birch Family Dental, we understand how important it is to address gum disease promptly and effectively. Our team in Green River, WY, combines years of experience with advanced dental technology to provide gentle, comprehensive treatment options for every stage of gum disease. From routine cleanings to advanced procedures like scaling, root planing, and laser-assisted therapy, we tailor our approach to meet your unique needs.
We pride ourselves on creating a welcoming, patient-first environment where your comfort is our top priority. By focusing on prevention and personalized care, we strive to help you achieve healthier gums and a confident smile for life. Call us today at (307) 875-3658 or visit our contact form to schedule your appointment.
