Gum disease, also known as periodontal disease, is a prevalent oral health issue affecting millions worldwide. It can range from simple gum inflammation to severe disease, significantly damaging the soft tissue and bone supporting the teeth. At West Valley Dental, we provide top-tier gum disease treatment in Tukwila and preventative care for gum disease, ensuring that our patients maintain optimal oral health.
Understanding Gum Disease
Bacterial plaque, a sticky, colorless film that constantly forms on your teeth, primarily causes gum disease. Additionally, plaque can harden and form tartar, which cannot be cleaned by brushing alone. Moreover, if we don’t control the progression of plaque and tartar, it can lead to inflammation and infection of the gums.
Stages of Gum Disease
- Gingivitis is the earliest stage of gum disease, characterized by redness, swelling, and bleeding of the gums. It is caused by the accumulation of plaque at the gumline.
- Periodontitis: If not treated, gingivitis can advance to periodontitis. In this stage, the inner layer of the gum and bone pulls away from the teeth, forming pockets that can become infected.
- Advanced Periodontitis: In the final stage, the bone and connective tissue supporting the teeth are destroyed, which can lead to teeth becoming loose or needing removal.
Symptoms of Gum Disease
Early symptoms of gum disease can be easy to overlook, but it’s essential to be vigilant and seek advice if you experience:
- Persistent bad breath
- Swollen or red gums
- Tender or bleeding gums
- Painful chewing
- Loose or sensitive teeth
- Receding gums
Gum Disease Treatment Options in Tukwila
However, treatment for gum disease depends on the stage of the disease. Therefore, West Valley Dental offers various innovative and effective treatment options:
Non-Surgical Treatments
- Professional Dental Cleaning: While routine cleaning helps to remove plaque and tartar from above and below the gum line, deep cleaning (scaling and root planing) can remove accumulations in pockets.
- Antibiotics: Sometimes, antibiotics are necessary to reduce bacteria. Furthermore, these can be topical, such as mouth rinses and gels applied to spaces between the teeth and gums, or oral antibiotics.
Surgical Treatments
- Flap Surgery/Pocket Reduction Surgery: This procedure involves lifting back the gums to remove tartar deposits and then securing the tissue back in place.
- Bone Grafts: When the bone surrounding the tooth root has been destroyed, we can use bone grafts using natural or synthetic materials to replace and encourage new bone growth.
- Soft Tissue Grafts: This procedure involves taking tissue from another part of your mouth or using synthetic material to replace gum tissues.
- Guided Tissue Regeneration (GTR): This technique enables the bone and tissue to regrow by placing a small piece of mesh-like material between the bone and gum tissue.
Prevention of Gum Disease
Prevention is always better than cure. Here are some essential tips to prevent gum disease:
- Practice Good Oral Hygiene: First, brush your teeth twice daily using fluoride toothpaste, floss regularly, and use an antimicrobial mouthwash to prevent plaque buildup.
- Regular Dental Visits: Next, schedule regular check-ups and professional cleanings with us at West Valley Dental.
- Healthy Diet: Furthermore, maintain a balanced diet and avoid sugary snacks and beverages contribute to plaque formation.
- Quit Smoking: Moreover, smoking is one of the significant risk factors associated with gum disease. Therefore, quitting smoking can significantly improve your oral health.
Gum Disease Treatment in Tukwila
Gum disease is a severe condition that, if left untreated, can lead to long-term oral health problems. However, we can halt its progression and restore oral health with proper treatment and preventive measures. Plus, at West Valley Dental, we offer the most effective gum disease treatment in Tukwila and ensure that your gum health is preserved. Schedule an appointment with Dr. Kuzi Hsue today to embark on a journey towards a healthier, brighter smile. Your oral health is our priority! Our services include cosmetic dentistry, restorative dentistry, and even orthodontics in Tukwila.
