Gum Disease Treatment – Kittanning, PA
Healing Infected Gums & Preserving Your Smile
Did you know that the most common disease in the US is gum disease? Nearly half of the adult population has a form of it and is completely unaware. This is because it starts very subtly and develops over time. Once it becomes advanced, it is actually the leading cause of tooth loss. At Voller Dentistry, PC, we take the health of gums seriously, which is why our team will always examine your gums when you come to see us. Should you develop gum disease, we can help you treat it as well. Don’t hesitate to call our dental office today for gum disease treatment in Kittanning.
Why Choose Voller Dentistry, PC for Gum Disease Treatment?
- Convenient Hours for Busy Patients
- Sedation Options for Anxious Patients
- Friendly Dentist with Decades of Experience
What is Gum Disease?
Gum disease is an oral infection that develops just underneath the gumline, in pockets that form between and around the teeth. When harmful oral bacteria accumulate in this area, they emit enamel-eroding acids and can cause infections to develop that ultimately lead to the erosion of the supportive soft and hard tissues that hold your teeth in place. That’s why gum disease is the number one cause of tooth loss. Our team’s goal is to spot and treat the signs as early as possible to keep this from happening.
Signs of Gum Disease
There are two different stages of gum disease, known as gingivitis and periodontitis. In its earliest stage, known as gingivitis, patients may experience the following symptoms:
- Chronic bad breath
- Bleeding gums when brushing or flossing
- Inflamed or swollen gums
- Tenderness of the gums
The later stage of gum disease, known as periodontitis, can have more severe effects on your oral health, including:
- Gum recession, which makes the teeth appear longer
- Loose permanent teeth
- A change in bite
- Discomfort or difficulty while chewing
- Pus between the teeth
- Visible pockets that form between the gums and teeth
If you notice any of these symptoms, we encourage you to call our office as soon as possible for an oral evaluation. Our team can determine the source of your symptoms and recommend treatment based on the progression of your gum disease.
Scaling & Root Planing
Most of the time, gum disease can be treated with regular dental cleanings and more consistent oral hygiene at home. However, once the infection has become advanced, additional treatments may be required. One of these involves a deep cleaning along your gum line, which actually consists of a pair of procedures called scaling and root planing.
Scaling is when one of our hygienists will use a small tool to remove the plaque and bacteria that have accumulated along the gum line. The procedure is very similar to when a hygienist uses a scaler to clean your teeth, but scaling is much more thorough and concentrated. You may be numbed before the procedure to ensure you stay completely comfortable throughout.
Root planing will then be used to shape the roots of your teeth so that plaque and bacteria are less likely to gather around them in the future. Depending on your particular situation, both procedures may require multiple appointments to complete, and Dr. Voller will likely ask you to come in again for a follow-up.