From gingivitis to periodontitis, gum disease comes in many forms.
Gum disease is an infection that damages the gums and can eventually begin to destroy the jawbone. The condition is commonplace, with nearly half of Americans seeking gum disease treatments. It can occur at any age, but the risk of gum disease and tooth loss rises sharply after age 65. The good news is, gum disease is preventable and treatable.
Some factors that can increase the risk of gum disease include:
Periodontal disease starts with gingivitis. Untreated gum disease can lead to more severe dental issues such as gum detachment, pocket formation, and even the loss of one or more teeth.
Gingivitis is the first stage of periodontal disease. Plaque and its toxin by-products irritate the gums, making them tender, inflamed, and likely to bleed.
Plaque hardens into calculus (tartar). As calculus and plaque continue to build up, the gums begin to recede from the teeth. Deeper pockets form between the gums and teeth and become filled with bacteria and pus. The gums become very irritated, inflamed, and bleed easily. Slight to moderate bone loss (resorption) may be present.
The teeth lose more support as the gums, bone, and periodontal ligament continue to be destroyed. Unless treated, the affected teeth will become very loose and may be lost. Generalized moderate to severe bone loss may be present.
Periodontal disease is diagnosed by your dentist or dental hygienist during a periodontal examination. This type of exam should always be part of your regular dental check-up. A periodontal probe (small dental instrument) is gently used to measure the sulcus (pocket or space) between the tooth and the gums. The depth of a healthy sulcus measures three millimeters or less and does not bleed. The periodontal probe helps indicate if pockets are deeper than three millimeters. As periodontal disease progresses, the pockets usually get deeper.
“I had some receding gum lines and deep pockets and badly needed a periodontal disease treatment. Dr. Feinberg got me on a gum disease treatment plan and helped me take better care of my teeth and gums. I love the feeling of walking in there showing him that I properly handled the periodontal disease!”
More than 47 percent of Americans, or 64.7 million people, have some form of gum disease, according to data from the CDC. That number is 1.5x higher for adults aged 65 or older. Men are more likely to have periodontal disease than women by a small margin. The following gum disease symptoms can be mild, moderate, or severe.
With his La Mesa periodontal treatments, Dr. Feinberg can help you:
The sooner you start treating gum disease, the better. Without treatment, it can quickly progress to serious oral health problems, pain, difficulty speaking and chewing, and cosmetic issues such as tooth loss or gum recession. Researchers have found that untreated gum disease raises the risk of heart disease, diabetes, pneumonia, osteoporosis, and cancer. Addressing your periodontal disease now will keep your body healthy as well as preserve your teeth and gums so they can function as originally intended.
Periodontal disease is diagnosed by your dentist or dental hygienist during a periodontal examination. This type of exam should always be part of your regular dental check-up. A periodontal probe (small dental instrument) is gently used to measure the sulcus (pocket or space) between the tooth and the gums. The depth of a healthy sulcus measures three millimeters or less and does not bleed. The periodontal probe helps indicate if pockets are deeper than three millimeters. As periodontal disease progresses, the pockets usually get deeper, inevitably leading to loosened teeth and tooth loss.
As one of the most respected prosthodontists in San Diego, Dr. Feinberg is equipped to handle all stages of gum disease. He relies on the latest technological advancements to make treating gum disease in San Diego a comfortable experience. He offers non-surgical and surgical options depending on what you need.
We use painless gum laser treatment when Periodontal treatment is required for a patient. Previously, Periodontal Surgery was the only option. Our patients appreciate this new technology that we have harnessed and use for all types of gum problems, such as uneven gum lines or gums that need reshaping. We often use this technology for bone re-contouring. It’s amazing that dentists practiced without this new technology.
We can remove excess gum, seal the gum as treatment progresses so no stitches are needed. It’s amazing to our patients that these procedures are relatively painless and performed in such a short period of time.
We’ve used gum laser treatment in conjunction with porcelain veneers. It completes the job by correcting small, crooked or misshapen teeth and we create a beautiful and balanced smile. If you’ve been afraid to see your dentist because of gum issues and what it could mean, think differently.
You may associate dentistry with that old drill sound. Now you can get dental care without any drilling at all. Previous to the new laser technology, the heat and vibration of the drill caused most of the pain that patients used to feel. Since water-cutting laser doesn’t transmit heat or vibration, most of the procedures performed here are absolutely pain-free.
Most of the public is unaware of this and avoid seeing their dentist for this fact alone. In most cases we don’t even need any form of anesthesia.
Laser is a hi-tech device that generates a beam of concentrated light. This beam of light brings energy into your mouth to help remove areas of infection or tooth decay with great precision and accuracy. The laser beam also sterilizes the affected area and seals off blood vessels, which minimizes the chance of infection or bleeding. Our patients love it. Once they’ve had it done, they are completely relieved and are more compliant with routine check ups.
Once you have treated your gum disease, you will need to take steps to prevent it from coming back. Be sure to brush and floss daily to remove bacteria. You can also try a mouthwash designed for people with gingivitis.
To maintain pink, healthy gums, schedule regular periodontal maintenance visits with Dr. Feinberg. He will ensure your gums and teeth stay healthy for life. Maintenance treatments may include:
Gum disease is reversible if you take action in the earliest stages. Advanced gum disease (periodontitis) cannot be cured, but it is manageable with routine periodontal maintenance.
Treating gum disease at home entails rinsing with chlorhexidine mouthwash, twice-daily brushing, and flossing. A pilot study shows that swishing with a mouthwash containing 0.25 percent lemongrass oil may be as effective at staving off gum disease as chlorhexidine oral rinses.
Advanced gum disease may lead to tooth loss if left untreated. In these cases, Dr. Feinberg will first address the infection and then recommend restoration options such as crowns, implants, bridges, or dentures.
Don’t risk your health; If you think you have some form of periodontitis and want to treat it with our gum disease treatment La Mesa dentist, Dr. Feinberg, can answer any questions you have and address your concerns during an initial consultation and dental exam. The sooner you catch gum disease, the easier and less costly your treatment. Call (619) 462-8550 today to get started on the path toward better gum health.
The first step towards a beautiful, healthy smile is to schedule an appointment.
Please contact our office by phone or complete the appointment request form. Our scheduling coordinator will contact you to confirm your appointment.
Call us Today (619) 462-8550
San Diego Dental Center proudly serves patients from La Mesa, La Jolla, El Cajon & the entire San Diego, CA area.
Office Hours
Monday: 9am - 4pm
Tuesday: 8am - 4pm
Wednesday: 8am - 4pm
Thursday: 8am - 4pm
Friday: 8am - 2pm
