What is Gum Disease?
Gum disease, also known as periodontal disease, is an infection of the supporting tissues of the teeth. It is generally caused by poor oral hygiene habits that allow plaque to build up on the teeth and harden, eventually affecting the gums.
If left untreated, gum disease can lead to a variety of oral health issues including:
- Inflamed and bleeding gums
- Receding gum line
- Bacteria-filled pockets between the teeth and gums
- Eventual bone loss.
Gum Disease Therapy in Innisfil
Periodontal treatment methods can depend upon a few different things including the type and severity of the disease.
Our dentist will work with you to create a treatment plan based on your particular case.
Once your periodontal treatment has been completed, our dental team will recommend that you have regular dental examinations and preventive therapy, usually four times a year to prevent any further issues.
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Preventive Gum Therapy
If the disease is caught in the early stages, preventive therapy will be recommended.
Regular hygiene cleanings and exams are important for maintaining the health of your gums.
By practicing good oral hygiene at home and eating a balanced diet, you can also significantly reduce your chances of ever getting gum disease. -
Non-Surgical Gum Therapy
For patients with mild gum disease, a deep cleaning performed by a dental hygienist may be enough to reverse it.
The dental hygienist will scrape away the plaque and tartar around and below the gum line, and smooth out any rough areas left behind through a process called scaling and root planing. -
Surgical Gum Therapy
For patients with more advanced forms of gum disease, more invasive surgical treatments may be necessary to reverse it.
There are a few different types of surgical gum therapy such as gum grafting and bone grafting.
Cosmetic Gum Therapy in Innisfil
If your gums rest too low or too high on your teeth and you are unhappy with your smile, you may be a candidate for gum grafting surgery.
This cosmetic dental procedure may be able to even out an uneven gum line and reduce the perceived length of the teeth to give you a smile you can be proud of.
Placing Dental Implants
Periodontics also includes the placement of dental implants beneath the gum line as part of the process to replace missing teeth.
Once a dental implant is placed, the gums have healed, and a tooth replacement is added, this procedure can provide several oral health benefits.