Gum disease is an unfortunately common ailment, but few of us know how to prevent the onset effectively. If you have been diagnosed with gum disease, also called periodontitis, by your dentist, you were likely asked to pay special attention to brushing and flossing. Your dentist probably also suggested coming into the office to see an oral surgeon for a procedure. But what caused your gum disease? Is gum disease preventable? And what are some common signs of periodontitis that you should be aware of in the future?
Periodontitis can be pretty uncomfortable, but Elizabeth Oral Surgery Group may be able to offer you the assistance you need to recover. Our team is comprised of skilled dental specialists and oral surgeons with an intimate understanding of each procedure. We can provide many insights and helpful thoughts so you can make the right decision for your health. We pride ourselves on serving our patients through many areas of New Jersey, and we may be able to assist you as well.
What Are the Main Causes of Gum Disease?
Gum disease is generally caused due to poor oral hygiene. This means patients with gum disease may not brush their teeth often or thoroughly enough. They may also benefit from flossing and mouth washing with more regularity. We also recommend making regular visits to your dentist so that your circumstances can be regularly assessed. Generally speaking, gum disease is preventable.
Gum disease is caused by a build-up of plaque, which may transform into tartar. This build-up may cause your gums to pull away from your teeth and roots, making teeth look longer than they should. If you are diagnosed with gum disease when you brush and floss regularly, please speak with your dentist about additional action you may need to take.
What Are Some Common Symptoms of Periodontitis?
If you are not sure which symptoms are present during gum disease onset, becoming more familiar may help you prevent extensive pain and discomfort in the future. These signs may include the following:
- Swollen or puffy gums
- Tenderness in gums
- Gums that bleed easily
- Visible tinges of pink on your toothbrush after brushing
- Blood in saliva after brushing or flossing
- Bad breath
- Pus in the teeth or gums
- Gums are bright red, purplish, or a dusty red
- Loose teeth or tooth loss
- Pain while chewing or brushing
- Receding gums
- Teeth look longer than normal
- Change in the way teeth fit together when biting
- Spaces developing between teeth
These symptoms may not immediately indicate gum disease. However, we strongly recommend speaking with your dentist for more information if you notice any of these signs. A dentist or dental surgeon can best assess your condition and diagnose the issue.
Procedures to Expect Following a Gum Disease Diagnosis
If you have been diagnosed with gum disease by a dentist or oral surgeon, you will likely need to undergo specific procedures, such as scaling and root planing, as treatment. Scaling is a deep cleaning procedure used to remove the build-up of plaque and tartar from any affected areas. Root planing is the smoothing of tooth roots, which is done to allow your gums to reattach to your teeth quickly and more easily.
In some circumstances, patients may need to make multiple visits to the dentist’s office to complete scaling and root planing. This may be necessary in more severe cases. Additionally, if scaling and root planing are insufficient to treat your gum disease, more dental and oral attention may be needed. This may include bone or gum grafting, dental implants, and more.
Call Elizabeth Oral Surgery Group for Help With Your Gum Disease
If you have been diagnosed with gum disease or periodontitis, don’t hesitate to let Elizabeth Oral Surgery Group provide you with the help you need to recover fully. Our team of professionals confidently and safely performs each procedure, leading to the satisfaction of each patient. We prioritize the health, safety, and comfort of each patient visiting our offices.
To discuss your concerns and get the high-quality care you need, please reach out to us by calling (908) 663-5309 or by completing our contact form at your earliest convenience. Our patients trust us with their necessary procedures so that they can focus on their health and smiles.
