About Periodontal Disease
Gum (periodontal) disease is an inflammation in the gums, which can cause significant damage to your oral and general health. The condition is caused by harmful oral bacteria living within plaque in the mouth and is generally characterized in three stages. The first phase is gingivitis, which is characterized by red, swollen gum tissues that bleed. Without treatment, gingivitis can progress to the next stage, called periodontitis, which begins to break down the fibers and bone that support your teeth. Advanced periodontitis is the final stage of periodontal disease, where significant bone deterioration often leads to tooth loss. To help Avon, CT patients who have gum disease, our established dental practice provides both nonsurgical and surgical options to treat and control its progression. If you have signs of a periodontal infection, contact Avon Dental Group today to schedule a periodontal screening with one of our experienced general dentists.
Do You Have Symptoms?
Symptoms of gum disease may be subtle, especially in the initial stage, which is why it is very important to attend routine dental exams with our team. This gives us the opportunity to properly screen for gum disease and address any evidence of the condition as early as possible. If you notice any of the following common indicators of periodontal disease, please schedule a visit at Avon Dental Group right away:
- Bleeding of the gums when brushing or flossing
- Puffy, tender, or red gum tissues
- Receding gums or teeth that look longer
- Teeth sensitive to hot or cold temperatures
- Noticeable pus between teeth and gums
- Teeth that feel loose or seem to shift
- Persistent bad breath or bad taste
Gum disease is the leading cause of tooth loss today. But beyond having destructive oral effects, the condition has also been associated with several systemic health issues, including diabetes, heart problems, respiratory illness, problems during pregnancy, and some cancers, along with a number of others. Getting the care you need for gum disease early can help preserve your oral and overall health and wellness.
Gum Disease Treatment Options
Your treatment for gum disease will be based on the extent of the infection. Our team will measure the spaces between your gums and teeth (periodontal pockets) and take digital x-rays to view the amount of bone supporting your teeth. If your pockets measure over three millimeters and/or there is evidence of bone loss on your radiographs, a gum disease diagnosis will likely be rendered. Our team can then recommend the appropriate type of treatment to address your specific periodontal needs. Gingivitis does not involve any loss of bone tissue and can often be treated with a thorough dental cleaning combined with improved oral hygiene at home. To treat periodontitis, we may recommend nonsurgical scaling and root planing with localized antibiotics to clean out periodontal pockets beneath the gums and keep bacterial growth to a minimum. Cases of advanced periodontitis may be best treated with gum surgery, which can reach areas of infection that are occurring deep within the gum and bone tissues.
Avon Dental Group Reviews
Megan was my Dental Assistant today. Megan was very pleasant, making my visit, patient friendly.
Very good experience! Megan was great and very accommodating. Made an uncomfortable experience much more manageable.
I visited Avon Dental this morning and Shawna did my X-rays. She was courteous, helpful and detailed oriented. I felt very relax as a patient. On the way out I was helped by Mahlaida and Megan whom took care of my next visit, again very helpful. What a great team!!
Excellent professional experience. Takes care of you by asking questions.
My hygienist John made my very early 8am appt quick and painless while receptionists Mahlaila and Shawna provided comic relief at checkout!
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Recovery After Care
The recovery period following treatment for periodontal disease will vary according to the type of procedure received. You might need to attend a few appointments at Avon Dental Group to fully address your gum condition. Once your oral health has been reestablished, it is extremely important to keep up with very thorough home care each day, including flossing and brushing. Our team will then likely recommend a periodontal maintenance program, which includes thorough cleanings at 3- to 4-month intervals to help keep bacteria from growing and reinfecting your tissues. Periodontal maintenance visits will also include routine dental exams as needed and take the place of bi-annual cleaning visits.
Insurance Coverage
Insurance coverage for gum disease treatment may vary according to the policy and type of treatment needed. If you have dental insurance, our office will talk to your insurance provider to learn the details of your plan and let you know of any potential personal costs. At Avon Dental Group, we want all patients to get the proper care needed for a healthy smile and are pleased to accept an array of easy payment options, including no-interest financing plans through CareCredit.
Protect Your Smile and Health
Gum disease can continue to progress without the proper treatment and may place your smile and general health at serious risk without professional care. Having gums that are swollen or bleed when you brush or floss is never normal. Please get in with Avon Dental Group today if you notice any symptoms of a periodontal infection. Our team offers can help arrest the disease process and assist you in protecting your smile and health from the damaging effects of gum disease. For more information or to schedule a consultation, contact our Avon, CT practice today.