What is Gum Disease?
Gum disease is a progressive condition that affects nearly 75 percent of all American adults to some degree, affecting hard and soft tissues of the mouth. Recently, research has also linked gum disease to other systemic health conditions like heart disease and stroke. The initial stage of gum disease is called gingivitis, characterized by swollen, bleeding gums. If caught early, gingivitis can be treated, but if ignored can advance to periodontitis or advanced periodontitis. This advanced stage of gum disease can cause irreversible damage to your oral health and cannot be cured, often leading to tooth loss, gum recession and jaw bone deterioration. At Gloucester Dental, our team and doctors are adept at diagnosing and treating gum disease, offering a number of effective treatment options.
Our Gum Disease Treatments
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Scaling and Root Planing
Using ultra-fine tools, we can access the area below your gums and clean away bacteria and plaque that may have built up around your tooth roots. This procedure is commonly performed in addition to periodontal maintenance. -
Osseous (flap) Surgery
Used to treat advanced gum disease, our team will access your tooth roots by pulling back the gum tissue. Bacteria and plaque will be scraped away, diseased gum tissue will be removed and damaged bone will be reshaped to allow the gums to heal back in place. -
Laser Gum Surgery
Our team has invested in state-of-the-art laser dentistry to treat gum disease or peri-implantitis in a minimally invasive manner. Patients enjoy laser dentistry due to the fact that there is no need for scalpels, sutures and causes minimal bleeding. -
Gingivectomy
When gum tissue is infected with disease, we can gently remove this tissue to restore a healthy mouth. Once disease has been cleared, your gums will be able to reattach to your teeth, closing periodontal pockets where bacteria thrive. -
Periodontal Maintenance
For those affected by periodontitis or advanced periodontitis, regular cleanings will need to be performed by your dentist. Periodontal maintenance should be performed every three months to keep gums and teeth clean and healthy.
Symptoms of Gum Disease:
By noticing the symptoms of gum disease early, you can receive effective treatment to preserve your oral health.
• Bleeding gums when brushing or flossing
• Swollen, red or inflamed gums
• Receding gums
• Constant bad breath
• Loose or shifting teeth
Proven Treatments for Healthy Teeth and Gums
Our team has over 100 years of combined dental experience and the educational background to ensure your oral health stays in peak condition. We are academically trained and believe in the most effective techniques that are backed by research and proven results. As a Harvard University graduate, Dr. Matthew Lann has extensive training and experience with all aspects of periodontics including prevention, surgical and non-surgical treatment of periodontal disease, periodontal cosmetic surgery, implants, and regenerative therapy.