Gum Disease Specialist
If your gums bleed when you brush or floss, you may have gum disease. At Novato Family Dental Care, Clayton Perry, DDS, Vincent Freemantle, DDS, and the team boast years of experience diagnosing and treating gum disease. Using various methods of care, including scaling and root planing and antibiotics, they can stop the infection from spreading and keep your smile healthy. To make an appointment, call the office in Novato, California, or use the online booking feature today.
Gum Disease Q & A
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What is gum disease?
Gum disease occurs when your gum tissue becomes infected. There are several types of gum disease, but Novato Family Dental Care diagnosis and treats the two most common:
Gingivitis
Gingivitis causes your gums to turn red and swell. When diagnosed early on, it’s possible to prevent gingivitis from getting worse by eating a balanced diet and practicing good oral hygiene.
Periodontitis
Periodontitis is a chronic infection that causes your gums to recede and pull away from your teeth. Over time, that process causes pockets to form where harmful bacteria can collect. As the infection spreads, it causes your teeth to loosen and fall out.
What are the symptoms of gum disease?
Symptoms of gum disease include:
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Red, swollen, and painful gums
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Loose teeth
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Bad breath
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Persistent bad taste in your mouth
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Pain when chewing
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Sensitive teeth
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Change in how your teeth fit together
As gum disease gets worse, you might also experience pus oozing between your teeth and gums.
When should I see a dentist about gum disease?
If you regularly experience tooth pain, bleeding gums, or increased tooth sensitivity, make an appointment with the team at Novato Family Dental Care.
Following an oral exam, a series of X-rays, and a review of your dental health history, they can determine if you’re at risk and develop a treatment plan to prevent the infection from spreading.
How is gum disease treated?
Treatment of gum disease depends on several factors, including your oral health history and the severity of the infection. The team at Novato Family Dental Care offers various periodontal services, including:
Scaling and root planing
If you have a mild case of gum disease, your provider might recommend scaling and root planing.
During scaling and root planing, a periodontist uses a tool to remove dental tartar from beneath your gums. After removing the tartar, your provider smooths the base of your teeth, allowing your gums to reattach to them.
Antibiotic therapy
If you have a more serious case of gum disease, your provider might recommend antibiotic therapy. There are several types of antibiotics, including oral medications, implantable antibiotic beads, and antiseptic mouth rinses. Your dentist can determine the type of antibiotic therapy that will most benefit you.
Gum graft surgery
If you lose a significant amount of gum tissue due to a serious infection, your provider might recommend gum graft surgery.
During gum graft surgery, your provider removes a healthy piece of tissue from the roof of your mouth and stitches it over an area of receding gum tissue. Over time, the graft encourages the growth of new, healthy tissue, restoring your gum line to a healthier condition.
To learn more about the treatment options for gum disease, make an appointment at Novato Family Dental Care by calling the office or using the online scheduling feature today.
