Gum Disease Treatment
Effective, non-surgical gum treatment for mild to severe gum disease
Dr. Crumpton uses the latest technology to treat both mild gingivitis and severe forms of gum disease, or periodontitis. He uses a soft-tissue laser to treat periodontitis (severe gum disease) non-surgically.
There are various symptoms that indicate gum disease (see below) and we test your gums to see if you have gum disease, and its severity. An appropriate plan is made to prevent the spread and progression of the disease. It is important to address gum disease as soon as detected as the bacteria become more aggressive as the disease progresses, leading to loss of bone.
Treatment of mild to intermediate gum disease
Mild to intermediate gum disease (gingivitis) is treated with deep cleaning (root planing and scraping) and Dr. Crumpton also uses Arestin® therapy. Arestin therapy eliminates the bacteria the deep cleaning cannot reach.
Treatment of severe gum disease
Dr. Crumpton treats more severe gum disease (periodontal disease) with a soft tissue laser. He uses this to cut away diseased tissues.
When pockets of bacteria are located between the tooth and gum, a laser light is used to destroy the bacteria and the diseased tissue. This not only provides a safe alternative to surgery, it also allows the gums to heal naturally so that the teeth themselves become more stable.
Advantages of laser gum therapy versus surgery
* No cutting of the gum tissue with a scalpel and no stitches makes recovery very light.
* Preserves gum tissue instead of cutting it away.
* Reduces root exposure and sensitivity.
* Reduces infection
Call (817) 491-3344 to schedule a periodontal evaluation or click here to schedule online.
Signs of gum disease
- Gums that bleed when you brush or floss
- Red, swollen or tender gums
- Gums that recede or shrink away from your teeth
- Pus between your teeth
- Pain when chewing
- Calculus or tartar build up (hardened plaque—a film of bacteria that forms on the teeth)
- Changes in bite
- Loose teeth
- Bad breath
- Chronic bad taste
- Teeth sensitivity to hot and cold
How healthy gums become diseased
Gum disease is caused by plaque, a colorless film of bacteria that forms on the teeth. Plaque mixes with sugars and starches in the diet to from acids in the mouth, irritating the gums and causing them to become red, tender and swollen. Without daily removal, plaque hardens to from calculus (tartar) around the teeth. This process causes the gums to pull away from the teeth creating pockets that become filled with plaque. These pockets may become deeper over time, destroying the bone structure that supports the teeth, thus resulting in tooth loss.
Gum disease and your health
Recent studies show that an estimated 75 percent of American adults over the age of 35 have some form of periodontal disease. However, when surveyed, eight out of ten people believed they did not have periodontal disease. Until its advanced stage, periodontal disease is usually painless. Yet up to 90 percent of all systemic diseases including kidney disease, diabetes and heart disease have links to oral health. Researchers tell us that if you neglect or have inadequate oral health care, it can contribute to the development of heart disease and increase your risk of stroke.
Call (817) 491-3344 to schedule a periodontal evaluation or click here to schedule online.
