Gum Disease Treatment Can Improve Oral Health and Protect the Teeth
Most dental patients are very concerned with the health and appearance of their teeth. While healthy teeth are extremely important, it is just as important to care for the gums. The teeth and gums can be described as having a codependent relationship. Healthy gums will likely lead to healthy teeth, just as unhealthy gums will likely lead to unhealthy teeth. Dr. Charles a Porter is a restorative dentist who works to improve the health of both the teeth and gums so that patients have a smile that is healthy, structurally sound, and beautiful. Gum disease is the most common condition that affects the health of the gums, and therefore, the teeth. Dr. Porter offers his Charlotte patients gum disease treatment that restores the health of the gums and protects the teeth from the unhealthy side effects of this condition.
Gum Disease Treatments
Gum disease is a progressive condition that begins with the buildup of plaque and tartar. Just as plaque and tartar eat away at healthy tooth enamel, they also can destroy healthy gum tissue. Over time, if the condition is left untreated, gum disease may result in pain, infection, a receding gum line, and even tooth loss, just to name a few. In order to keep the gums, teeth, and mouth healthy, it is important to treat gum disease as early as possible. Below are some common gum disease treatments:
- Dental cleaning and fluoride treatment: At the very earliest stage of gum disease, known as gingivitis, a regular dental cleaning, along with a fluoride treatment may be enough to treat gum disease. At a professional dental cleaning, we can eliminate plaque and tartar from the teeth and gum line, often reaching places that are too difficult for patients to clean with regular brushing. A fluoride treatment further ensures that the mouth has been rid of harmful bacteria.
- Scaling and root planing: Scaling and root planing is the most common treatment for gum disease. This is a thorough cleaning that allows Dr. Porter to clean not only the visible surface of the teeth and gums, but also the area beneath the gum line, extending all the way down to the root of the tooth. This eliminates deep-set plaque and tartar and also creates a smooth surface on the roots of the tooth so that it makes it more difficult for bacteria to cling to the tooth. Often accompanied by an anti-bacterial treatment, scaling and root planing is an effective treatment that can improve the oral health of those who suffer from mild to advanced stages of gum disease.
- Surgery: In the most severe stages, surgery may be the best gum disease treatment. Oral surgery is often a last resort after other treatment options have proven ineffective. Oral surgery for gum disease can reduce the presence of pockets at the gum line and can help to promote the growth of healthy new bone and gum tissue.
Contact Us
Dr. Charles A. Porter offers a comprehensive range of dental services that can meet the needs of any of his dental patients. Whether you are looking to repair a damaged tooth, treat gum disease, or simply want to improve the aesthetics of your smile, Dr. Porter and his team can help. Contact us to learn more about our dental services and how we can help you create a picture-perfect smile. We look forward to hearing from you!