Gum Disease Treatment in Tempe, AZ

Periodontics is a dedicated branch of dentistry that concentrates exclusively on gum health. At Beautiful Dentistry in Tempe, AZ 85284, we believe that gum health is just as vital as teeth health. Gum disease is the chief reason for tooth loss, affecting nearly half of Americans over the age of thirty. With periodontal care, we can prevent and cure periodontal diseases before they lead to tooth loss.

What Is Gum Disease?

Most gum diseases are a result of negligent oral hygiene. If you don't brush and remove the plaque, it could accumulate along the gum line and cause gum infections. Once gum disease progresses, the gums will start receding away from the teeth's surface. The necessary tooth support and bone will also begin to fade away. And consequently, the tooth will become loose and fall out.

What Are the Symptoms of Gum Disease?

Identifying the symptoms of gum disease is one of the easiest ways to prevent advanced periodontitis. The symptoms of gum disease include:

• Swollen, tender, or inflamed gums
• Bleeding when brushing, flossing, or eating solid food
• Shifting or loose teeth
• Receding gums
• Pus between teeth and gums
• Foul breath
• Change in bite
• Sores in mouth

What Are the Risk Factors of Gum Disease?

Some individuals are at a greater risk of developing gum disease due to their lifestyle habits. The risk factors include the following:

• Tobacco/smoking
• Dry mouth
• Obesity
• Diabetes
• Genetics
• Clenching/grinding teeth
• Poor nutrition habits
• Hormonal changes
• Stress
• Certain medications
• Systemic diseases

How Can Gum Disease Be Treated?

Dr. Martin Sobieraj will first examine your mouth and take measurements of the pockets between your teeth and gums. Once the extent of infection is determined, a treatment plan is chalked out. 

Dental cleaning is the first step to any gum disease treatment. It helps remove plaque and tartar from the teeth and beneath the gum line. We will perform a scaling and root planing procedure if the plaque and tartar are firmly settled underneath the gums. Deep cleaning involves scraping the plaque and pulling the gums back over the teeth. We may put you on a course of antibiotics if the infection is severe.

In the case of advanced gum disease, Dr. Martin Sobieraj will conduct a gum graft surgery to make the gums cover the teeth once again. The gum graft includes taking tissue from the mouth and grafting them over the receding gum line to regenerate the tissues. Some patients will also need a bone graft if the gum disease has worn out the jaw bone.

If you are experiencing any symptoms of gum disease or would like to learn more about gum disease treatments, call Beautiful Dentistry in Tempe, AZ 85284 at (480) 831-1700 to schedule an appointment with Dr. Martin Sobieraj.