Periodontal disease can develop when the gums become infected. Also referred to as gum disease, periodontal disease can lead to tooth loss and other oral health issues if it is not treated in a timely manner. Some common signs of gum disease include tender gums, swollen gums, receding gums, as well as gums that bleed easily when brushing. Dr. Bernard Pak, the experienced dentist at Kirkland Smiles Dental Care in Kirkland, WA, provides treatment of periodontal disease to restore the health of your gums.
Signs of Periodontal Disease
Periodontal disease is the result of a bacterial infection. It is important to see a dentist as soon as you develop signs of gum disease. Treating periodontal disease during the early stages helps prevent the condition from getting worse and also stops the infection from spreading to other areas. If the infection spreads to the bone, for instance, tooth loss can eventually occur. Signs of periodontal disease include:
- Receding gums
- Swollen, tender, or red gums
- Gums that bleed easily when brushing
- The development of an abscess in the gums
- Persistent bad breath
- Gum sensitivity
- Loose teeth
Treating Periodontal Disease
Several options are available for treating the early stages of periodontal disease. One way to treat gum disease is to apply a topical antibiotic or an antimicrobial gel to the gum tissue to kill infection-causing bacteria and reduce inflammation of the gums.
Another highly effective method for treating gum disease is scaling and root planing. This approach involves deep cleaning the teeth below the gum line. Plaque, tartar buildup, and other hardened deposits are removed from the surface of tooth roots so the infection cannot spread.
More advanced stages of periodontal disease could require various surgical procedures to remove a periodontal abscess, replace diseased gum tissue, or reattach the gums to the teeth. The skilled dentist at our office in Kirkland, WA, can develop an individualized treatment plan for restoring the health of your gums.
Treating periodontal disease in its early stages is much easier and less complicated than attempting to treat it once the infection has spread and the disease has advanced. If you have symptoms of gum disease, Dr. Pak can recommend a specific treatment plan to restore gum health. To schedule an appointment, call Kirkland Smiles Dental Care in Kirkland, WA, at (425) 893-9500.