Gum Disease Therapy – Fort Worth, TX
Protect Your Smile and Overall Health
Gum disease is an extremely common oral health condition; it affects roughly one half of adults in the U.S. In its earliest stages, it is little more than an irritation. As it progresses, however, it can lead to devastating consequences for a person’s oral and overall health. It can even lead to tooth loss, heart disease, premature birth, and more. Dr. Tillman, your dentist in Fort Worth, provides gum disease therapy to help you battle this condition and preserve your long-term well-being.
Symptoms of Gum Disease
When bacteria attack the gums, it causes gum disease. In gingivitis, the earliest stage of this condition, symptoms are relatively mild. You may experience tender gums that bleed easily when you brush and floss. You might also notice that your gums look slightly red and swollen.
As gingivitis progresses and becomes periodontitis, the advanced form of gum disease, you may experience other symptoms, including:
- Gum recession
- Persistent bad breath
- Sensitive teeth (due to gum recession that exposes the tooth roots)
- Loose teeth
- Pain when chewing
- Teeth that are drifting out of place
The Importance of Early Treatment
Gingivitis is a mild condition that causes no permanent damage to the gums or bone tissue. However, periodontitis does cause permanent damage. It can eat away at the bones that support the teeth and destroy the gum tissue.
Fortunately, for most people, early intervention can stop and even reverse gum disease. During your routine exams, if Dr. Tillman notice that you’re showing any signs of gum problems, he or your hygienist can coach you on how to improve your at-home oral care routine. A few simple adjustments to your diet or your brushing and flossing habits may be able to stop the gum disease well before it causes any long-term problems.
Scaling and Root Planing
Dr. Tillman may determine that your gum disease is serious enough that you require more than a few adjustments to your daily routine. He might recommend that you undergo scaling and root planing. During this procedure, which essentially equates to a deep cleaning of the mouth, Dr. Tillman removes bacteria-filled tartar from both above and below the gum line, thus removing the tiny microbes that are attacking your oral tissues. Then, he smooths out the roots of the teeth so it is more difficult for bacteria to cling to them. Depending on the extent of your condition, scaling and root planing may take place across multiple appointments.
Following your procedure, your gums will have a chance to heal, free from the damaging bacteria that cause the gum disease. They’ll be able to reattach to your teeth so you can once again enjoy a healthy, pain-free smile. Regular follow-up appointments with Dr. Tillman will help you to ensure that your gum disease does not reoccur.
Do you need gum disease therapy in Fort Worth? Contact our office today to schedule a checkup or to learn more about how we can help you achieve and maintain problem-free gums.