Your dental checkup and cleaning are scheduled biannually because this allows ample time for your dentist to identify oral health issues before they progress into bigger threats. When regular visits are missed, or a severe infection has been allowed to progress, restorative care such as root canal treatment may be necessary to save your natural teeth. Sometimes, however, the threat is not directly to the teeth but to the supportive tissues instead. In today’s blog, your Mt. Pleasant, SC, dentist takes a closer look at the stages and progression of gum disease and explains how you can better manage your periodontal health.
Early Stages of Gum Disease
Tooth loss is oftentimes the last thing anyone wants to happen, but sometimes, it unfortunately cannot be prevented. In fact, removing a severely compromised tooth may be the best course of action for your oral health overall, and when your dentist sees fit, we may recommend the help of restorative implant treatment. While implants can address visual tooth loss as well as functional and structural complications that result, bear in mind that these biocompatible posts are only helpful if the gums and structures surrounding them are healthy.
Believe it or not, gum infection and disease have been the leading causes of tooth loss, according to recent trends. In its early stages (gingivitis), dental implants may still be a possibility to pursue following tooth loss, depending on Dr. Warner’s recommendation. Keep in mind, however, the presence of the disease does make the process more challenging. For more information about periodontal infection and implants, call our team.
Progression and Treatment for Severe Periodontitis
Severe cases of gum infection are characterized by loose teeth, bleeding gums, tooth loss, and gum recession. In cases of moderate to severe gum infection (periodontitis), you will need to first work with your dentist to treat the condition and get it under control. Following that, you will then be an ideal candidate for dental implant treatment and are welcome to call our team with any questions.
How Our Team Can Help
With tooth loss comes bone loss, as there is no longer the presence of your teeth roots to stimulate the jawbone and keep it strong. In instances where gum tissues are healthy but there may not be enough healthy structure remaining to support an implant, we can provide socket graft treatment as part of your treatment plan.
Contact Our Office to Learn More
Don’t ignore the signs and symptoms of periodontal disease. If you notice any discomfort, pain, bleeding, or sensitivity in the gums, do not hesitate to call our team. With timely treatment from the right team, you can enjoy a healthy and happy smile again with care customized to your needs. To learn more about gum disease treatment or to schedule your visit with our office, contact East Cooper Dental in Mt. Pleasant, SC, by calling 843-388-9894 today.