Do you have pain or swelling in your gums? This may be a sign that you have periodontal disease. About 56.4 percent of American men and 38.4 percent of women suffer from this condition.
The good news is that this disease is reversible when identified in the early stages. This is one reason it’s important to get a dental cleaning and check every six months. Keep reading to learn how your Highlands Ranch dentist can help you.
What Is Periodontal Disease?
The medical term for gum disease is periodontal disease. This described an infection caused by bacteria in the gums. Individuals usually notice swelling, bleeding, and even pain as the infection grows.
If left untreated, the disease can move into the jawbone and even the circulatory system. Infections in the bloodstream can cause a blood infection (sepsis) and sudden death. Therefore, it’s key to practice good oral hygiene and visit your dentist regularly.
Stages of Periodontal Disease
Experts have designated four stages of gum disease. These include the following.
Stage 1: Gingivitis
This involves gum swelling and redness and bleeding with brushing or flossing. Some individuals also notice problems with bad breath. There usually isn’t any pain.
Stage 2: Slight Periodontal Disease
The infection spreads to the jawbone and causes bone loss. The gum redness, swelling, bleeding, and bad breath increase. A gap between the tooth and gum of between four and five millimeters deep develops.
Stage 3: Moderate Periodontal Disease
The symptoms previously described continue to worsen. The probing depth of the gap is now about six to seven millimeters. This allows more bacteria to enter the area and move into your bloodstream.
Stage 4: Advanced Periodontal Disease
At this stage, the infection is deep within the bone and poses a greater risk for significant bone loss. The symptoms include redness and severe gum swelling with pus. They also include cold sensitivity, pain with chewing, loosening of teeth, and severe bad breath.
If not treated, those suffering from periodontal disease are at risk for gaps between teeth, tooth loss, and gum recession. If bacteria enters the bloodstream, it affects the functioning of your immune system. This can also lead to sepsis and death.
Can Periodontal Disease Be Reversed?
The most successful treatment is the early detection of gum disease. At this stage, with dental cleanings and good oral care, it’s possible to reverse the disease.
At stages two and three, you’ll need scaling and root planing. Scaling removes all the plaque and tartar present above and below the gumline.
Root planing smooths the tooth’s roots. This promotes the reattachment of the gum to the teeth.
If your disease is stage four, you’ll need periodontal laser therapy or surgery. This allows the dentist to deeply clean the pockets filled with bacteria.
Scientists at the Forsyth Institute have discovered a molecule that may stimulate stem cells. The goal is to reverse the swelling caused by periodontal disease. This new treatment could also allow the regeneration of lost tissue.
Services Offered at Meyer Dental
If you live in the Highlands Ranch area, Meyer Dental offers comprehensive family dentistry. They start treating children at one year of age. Their general services include the following.
- Regular dental exams and professional cleanings
- Tooth-colored composite fillings and tooth restoration
- CEREC same-day dental crowns
- Treatment of all stages of periodontal disease including scaling and root planing
This family dentist cares about each patient’s welfare. Our goal is to help keep patients’ mouths healthy and promote general wellness.
Cosmetic Dentist in Highlands Ranch
Cosmetic dentistry offers solutions for a healthier and more confident smile. Highlands Ranch offers a variety of cosmetic services that include the following.
- Teeth whitening with in-office and at-home treatment plans
- Thin porcelain veneers attached to the front of your teeth to create a natural size, shape, and color
- Invisible Inman Aligners to fix protruding or crowded front teeth
- Dental bonding applies tooth-colored resin to correct chipped or discolored teeth
If you tend to avoid smiling because you’re embarrassed about your teeth, it’s time to get help. These cosmetic dentistry options can change your professional and social interactions. Don’t let your teeth hold you back.
Tooth Restoration at Meyer Dental
When you’ve lost one or more teeth, your other teeth begin shifting out of place. This changes how the teeth meet which affects your ability to chew and can cause jaw pain.
Missing teeth also affect your speech. You rely on your front teeth to say many letters.
This loss can make it hard for others to understand you. Often people feel embarrassed and avoid talking when possible. This increases social isolation and impacts their mental health.
Restoration dentistry serves to replace missing teeth. This is important for your general health and wellness.
Denture technology has greatly improved over the years. You have the option of getting a full set of dentures or partial dentures based on your needs.
If you’re missing one or more teeth in a row, a dental bridge may be the solution. Bridges can be “fixed” or permanently attached or removable.
All the bridges used at Highlands Ranch are porcelain and completely metal-free. Porcelain provides a natural appearance and functional structure. The dentist will help you decide which is the best choice for you.
Are You Looking for a Highlands Ranch Family Dentist Near Me?
If you notice gum swelling or bleeding, see a dentist. Treating periodontal disease early offers the best health outcome. Call Meyer Dental for high-level and leading-edge care.
You’ll always receive warm welcomes from the staff and dentists in Highlands Ranch, Co. Our goal is to be your family dentist for life.
The expert staff works with you to create an individual treatment plan. Whether you want routine cleanings, periodontal treatment, or restorative dentistry, we’re here.
You’ll also have access to the expert cosmetic dentistry Meyer Dental offers. Contact us today to schedule an appointment.