Gum Disease

What is gum disease and how is it treated?

Did you know that gum (periodontal) disease is the number one cause of tooth loss? Despite this fact, very few people are concerned about the health of their gums. Some even ignore the common signs of gum disease, thinking that it’s just normal for them to experience these oral problems.

At Ace Dental in Roseville, we believe that excellent gum health is necessary for overall health and wellness. We emphasize the importance of routine dental check-ups because the early stages of gum disease can only be detected through close observation and X-ray imaging.

Let’s look at why you need to be concerned about your gum health.

What are the Signs that I have Gum Disease?

In its earliest stages, periodontal disease is often asymptomatic (does not display apparent symptoms). This is why many patients only receive treatment only when their gum disease is already in the later stages, at which point the treatments become invasive and expensive.

Early detection of periodontal disease increases the chances of complete recovery and regeneration of gum tissues. It is also easier to treat gum disease while it has not yet spread to several teeth.

When gum disease worsens, some of the common signs and symptoms that you may experience are:

• Bleeding gums;
• Redness;
• Tenderness;
• Tooth sensitivity;
• Receding gums;
• Wobbly or loose teeth; and/or,
• Longer-looking teeth (due to the gum recession).

It is important to understand that these symptoms appear when the disease is already serious. We at Ace Dental in Roseville advise patients not to wait for these symptoms before getting a check-up. You may call us at (916) 772-0111 or schedule an appointment through our online form so that you can get a routine dental exam today.

Long-Term Effects of Gum Disease

If gum disease is left untreated, it may lead to the following complications:

1. Gum recession. Gum recession isn’t just an esthetic problem ‒ it is the precursor to tooth loss. When the gums recede, the tooth roots become exposed. The tissue covering the tooth roots (cementum) is not as hard as the enamel, and is easier for bacteria to break down. As bacteria continue to destroy the cementum, the tooth roots unhinge from the gum and bone tissues, eventually loosening and falling out. Gum recession also destroys the structure of the jaws because the tissues and bones continue to degenerate.
2. Tooth loss. Once a tooth falls out due to gum disease, it can’t be put back into place like a healthy tooth in healthy gums can,  even if you run to the emergency dentist. The gums need to be cleaned and disinfected before the tooth can be placed back in its socket. By that time, the tissues in the tooth will have already died and it will no longer have a chance to reattach to the gums and bone. Eventually, the other nearby teeth will follow suit, leading to complete edentulism (toothlessness).
3. Pregnancy risks. According to studies, women who have periodontal disease have a higher risk of giving birth to preterm and underweight infants. If you are planning to get pregnant or are currently on the way, it is advisable to have your oral health regularly checked.
4. Heart disease. It has been found that the infection in the gums can travel through the bloodstream and affect other parts of the body, primarily the circulatory system. When the infection passes through the blood, the risk of heart disease and stroke increases significantly.
5. Diabetes. Patients were found to be twice as likely to develop type 2 diabetes when they had gum disease. It may be connected to the patient’s diet, but it is still unclear how the disease can contribute to insulin resistance.
6. Respiratory infections. Similar to heart disease, the infection can pass through the respiratory system and cause respiratory tract infections such as asthma, pneumonia, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disorder (COPD).

Periodontal Treatments

If you have been diagnosed with periodontal disease, our head dentist Dr. Karanvir Sibia will recommend one of the following treatments.

Dental Cleaning (Prophylaxis)

Dental cleaning is more of a preventive measure than a curative one, but for the mildest cases of gum disease, this is a very effective form of treatment. It can be performed by either a dentist or a dental hygienist. It is highly recommended to get dental cleaning at least twice a year to maintain the health of your teeth and gums.

Scaling and Root Planing

For gingivitis (the first stage of gum disease), scaling and root planing is the treatment of choice. Scaling involves the removal of all traces of infection, bacteria, and calculus around and underneath the gum line. Root planing is done to smooth out the surface of the tooth roots which will make it harder for bacteria to stick to them.

Bone Grafting

If your gums have receded extensively, bone grafting may be required to restore the structure and thickness of the jaw bone. Bone grafting is often done prior to dental implantation, but it can also be done to improve facial structure.

Osseous Grafting

Osseous grafting, or guided tissue grafting, aims to fix the holes (known as defects) in the gum tissues and jaw bone. If the holes are small, the jaw bone is simply smoothed out and trimmed to restore its natural shape and contour. However, if there are large defects in the bone, bone grafting may be needed.

How to Get Gum Disease Treatment from the Best Dentist in Roseville

At Ace Dental in Roseville, our dentist Dr. Karanvir Sibia will work closely with you to treat any sign of periodontal disease. All you have to do is give us a call at (916) 772-0111 or contact us through this web page. We will answer any queries you may have regarding appointments and treatment.

You can also visit us from 9 am to 6 pm every Monday to Friday. Our office is located at 1070 Pleasant Grove Suite 110, Roseville, CA 95678