Gum Disease Treatments - Denver, NC

Take Control of Gum Disease

Understanding Gum Infection

Your gums are the foundation of a healthy smile. If bacteria have infected your gum tissues, this can lead to damaging consequences. The toxins released from bacterial plaque and tartar buildup at and below the gum line cause the gums to pull away from the teeth. The resulting pockets between the teeth collect more bacteria, perpetuating the infection and inflammation of the gums. Over time, gum disease progresses to more advanced stages and causes irreversible damage to the gums and bone, increasing the risk for loose teeth and even tooth loss.

At any stage of gum disease, treatment is necessary to take control of the infection and restore health to your smile. Without specialized treatment, advanced periodontal disease has been linked to systemic health complications related to diabetes, high blood pressure, cardiovascular disease, and stroke. Our team at Avason Family Dentistry includes an experienced periodontist. An expert in gum disease treatment, he provides comprehensive gum disease treatment in Denver, NC, and can restore your smile to better health, function, and aesthetics!

Signs of Gum Disease

Gum Disease Illustration

Specialized Periodontal Care

Our periodontist, Dr. Frank Avason, spent additional years outside of dental school receiving advanced training in soft tissue treatments, including the diagnosis and treatment of periodontal disease. He has over 20 years of specialized experience in treating every stage of gum disease and uses the latest techniques to provide more targeted and predictable periodontal care. In cases where gum disease has led to missing teeth, Dr. Avason is also specially trained in the placement and restoration of dental implants. Taking a personalized approach that benefits each of his patients, he can also help you regain a healthy smile and better overall health with his specialized treatments.

Our Gum Disease Treatments

Scaling and Root Planing

Scaling and root planing involves removing the plaque and tartar from the pockets between the teeth and cleaning and smoothing the tooth surfaces. This non-surgical treatment helps reduce the bacteria that cause gum infection and inflammation.

Gingivectomy

A gingivectomy is used for more advanced gum disease that has not yet damaged bone. It involves removing infected gum tissues from around the teeth. The remaining healthy tissue is sutured to reduce the pocket depth and reduce the risk for bacterial accumulation.

Osseous Surgery

Osseous surgery involves flapping back the gum tissue to gain access to bacteria and tartar below the gum line. During this surgery, the damaged bone is also reshaped once the area has been cleared of infection. Sutured healthy gum tissue helps reduce pocket depth and minimize areas for bacteria to accumulate.

Periodontal Maintenance

Most cases of gum disease also require ongoing maintenance after the initial treatment to preserve gum health. Periodontal maintenance is a deep cleaning of the periodontal pockets and the teeth at and below the gumline. Completed every 3-4 months, this treatment helps keep gum disease under control.

Peri-Implantitis Treatment

Infection of the gum tissues around a dental implant, known as peri-implantitis, is treated in a similar way to osseous surgery. This procedure involves eliminating bacteria from the pockets, removing infected gum tissues, and cleaning the exposed dental implant. Healthy gums sutured in place help keep bacteria out of the periodontal pockets and create a seal around the dental implant.

FAQ

What are the warning signs of gum disease?

Bleeding, red or tender gums, gum recession, chronic bad breath, pockets forming around teeth, and loose or shifting teeth are all signs worth getting evaluated.

What treatments are available for gum disease?

Depending on severity, treatment can include scaling and root planing, a gingivectomy, osseous surgery to address bone damage, or periodontal maintenance visits every three to four months.

Why does periodontal maintenance need to happen more often than regular cleanings?

Gum disease requires closer monitoring than healthy gums do, so maintenance visits every three to four months help keep the condition from progressing between appointments.

Is gum disease linked to other health conditions?

Yes, advanced periodontal disease has been linked to conditions including diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease, and stroke, which is part of why treating it matters beyond just your mouth.

What is peri-implantitis, and is it treatable?

Peri-implantitis is an infection around a dental implant, similar to gum disease but specific to implant sites. Dr. Avason treats this directly, drawing on his additional training in both soft tissue treatment and implant placement.

Showing signs of gum disease?

Don’t wait to get treatment!