Gum disease is a lot more common than most people think - in part because most symptoms are not obvious at first. Fortunately, we offer a number of options to effectively prevent, detect and treat this disease.

Periodontal or gum disease can lead to everything from persistent bad breath to far more serious problems like the loss of your teeth. It can even affect your overall health and well-being, leaving you vulnerable to diabetes and heart disease. While there are a number of symptoms commonly associated with periodontal disease, sometimes the warning signs are not readily apparent until it’s too late. That’s why it’s important to have your gums checked yearly as part of a comprehensive dental exam. If periodontal disease is detected and diagnosed in its initial stages, we can remove any buildup above and below your gum line in a process known as scaling. However, if the disease has progressed to the point where more of your teeth’s roots are involved, root planing may be called for. It’s similar to scaling, but since roots are particularly sensitive, local anesthesia is required. We may also provide antibiotics to kill the bacteria and stop the infection from spreading.

Left unchecked, periodontal disease can weaken or even destroy the bones that support your teeth.  In extreme cases, loose or severely damaged teeth may need to be extracted. 

Our dental professionals will carefully assess your situation and consult with you before making any recommendations.