Finding the Best Gum Disease Treatment Options

Gum disease is a lot more common than you might think, and the main reason for its prevalence is pretty straightforward: not everyone sticks to their dental hygiene routine. It’s easy to skip a night of brushing or forget to floss now and then, but those little shortcuts can lead to bigger issues down the road. Neglecting routine dental care allows harmful bacteria to flourish, leading to gum inflammation and disease. However, not all gum disease cases require the same approach. Dr. Bashi and the team at Best Care Dental collaborate with our patients to design the best treatment option to put their health back on track.

Gum Disease Explained

Periodontal disease, or gum disease, is a common yet preventable condition affecting the gums and bones supporting our teeth. It’s often caused by poor oral hygiene, which leads to plaque buildup. Plaque is a sticky film of bacteria that forms on your teeth. When not removed through regular brushing and flossing, it can harden into tartar, further irritating your gums.

Gum disease progresses through several stages, each with its own symptoms and treatment options:

• Gingivitis: This initial stage is characterized by red, swollen gums that may bleed easily. Fortunately, it’s reversible with proper oral hygiene and professional dental care.
• Periodontitis: Untreated gingivitis can progress to periodontitis. Gums start pulling away from the teeth, forming pockets where bacteria can accumulate. The body’s immune response breaks down the bone and connective tissue, causing the teeth to become loose.
• Advanced periodontitis: This final stage is characterized by severe inflammation, significant loss of bone support, and deep pockets forming between the gums and teeth. As a result, this stage has a heightened risk of tooth loss.

Preventative measures for gum disease are simple enough. Brushing, flossing, and regular dental checkups with Dr. Bashi can adequately manage these issues. However, should the disease progress, we offer treatment options to preserve your oral health.

Determining the Best Treatment Options for Gum Disease

The approach to treating gum disease varies depending on the severity of the condition. At your free consultation, Dr. Bashi will assess the health of your gums and teeth and determine the best course of action. Treatment methods include:

• Professional cleaning: During your regular checkup, Dr. Bashi thoroughly removes plaque and tartar from your teeth. If you show signs of gingivitis, he may recommend more frequent cleanings.
• Scaling and root planing: Scaling involves scraping off tartar from above and below the gum line, while root planing targets areas where an accumulation of plaque and tartar have created pockets between the teeth and gums. Root planing helps the gums reattach to the teeth.
• Flap or pocket reduction surgery: For severe periodontitis, Dr. Bashi might recommend treatment to lift back the gums and remove tartar. This treatment helps to limit the space between the gum and tooth where bacteria can grow.
• Laser gum therapy: We may also utilize laser treatment, an emerging technology in dental care, for treating periodontitis. Lasers provide a less invasive, more comfortable alternative to surgery and are precise in targeting infected areas.
• Medication: Dr. Bashi might also prescribe antibiotics to help control bacterial infection. These could be mouth rinses or gels applied directly to the gum pockets after scaling and root planing or antibiotic tablets to fight bacteria and reduce the size of periodontal pockets.

In some instances, gum disease treatment may not be able to save the existing tooth. If this is the case, Dr. Bashi will extract the compromised tooth to prevent the spread of infection. He can also replace the tooth swiftly with mini dental implants.

Mini Dental Implants: The Best Tooth Replacement Option

When gum disease leads to tooth loss, mini dental implants can be a viable restoration option. Mini implants are smaller and less invasive than traditional implants, which makes them suitable for patients looking for a quick tooth replacement solution. They can support various prostheses, from individual crowns to dentures. Since these implants are smaller, placing them requires less surgical intervention, which makes the procedure more comfortable for the patient.

Protect Your Oral Health With Dr. Bashi Today

If you’re concerned about gum disease or considering options for dental restoration, now is the time to act. Remember, early intervention can significantly impact your oral health journey. Dr. Bashi and his team are dedicated to providing you with personalized care and the most effective treatments available. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation. We’re here to answer your questions, address your concerns, and guide you toward a healthier, more confident smile!