If you live in North Carolina and are suffering from or at risk of periodontal disease, it’s important that you seek out dental care from an expert dentist. The right dentist will evaluate your teeth, gum tissue, and bones and diagnose the stage of gum disease, if any, and then take the necessary prescriptive and preventative measures to ensure that you not only receive the best care but can maintain optimal oral health long term.
Identifying and Treating Periodontal Disease in North Carolina Early
If you have a family history of periodontitis or have symptoms of this disease, you must seek out treatment as soon as possible since the disease is reversible when detected and treated early. At Smith Family and Cosmetic Dentistry, we offer gum disease treatment options to meet the needs of our patients at risk of developing this disease and those with symptoms.
When you come in for your appointment, we’ll discuss your symptoms and health history, take x-rays, and evaluate your gum tissue to make an accurate diagnosis. By detecting this condition early, we can move forward with the proper treatment plan so that you can achieve and maintain healthy gum tissue and avoid infection, inflammation, and tooth loss that accompanies the more advanced stages of this disease.
What Is Periodontal Disease?
Also known as periodontitis, this disease refers to an infection of the gum tissues that negatively affects the health of the gums, bones, and teeth and, without proper care, will only worsen over time. Different symptoms accompany each of the four stages of periodontitis. When treated early, gum disease, also known as gingivitis, is reversible, but if it advances to the later stages, it will require more invasive treatments.
The Primary Stages of Periodontitis
There are four primary stages of gum disease. If the disease in the early stages is left untreated, it will worsen over time, eventually leading to tooth loss and jawbone deterioration. Knowing the warning signs is important because once you do, you’ll know what to look for and can seek treatment as soon as you notice symptoms.
Gingivitis
The earliest stage of periodontitis is gingivitis, and the most common symptoms include red or inflamed gums, bleeding gums while flossing or brushing, sore gums, and bad breath. At this earliest stage, gum disease is reversible; it doesn’t result in bone loss, and patients will still have a successful chance of achieving healthy gums with a specialized treatment protocol.
Mild Periodontitis
Common symptoms of this second stage of periodontitis include plaque and bacteria buildup, gum recession, gum pain, and bad breath. At this stage of the disease, bacteria have grown in the area beneath the gums and will begin to affect the bone. The teeth and gums will begin to separate, and the growth of bacteria will multiply.
Moderate Periodontitis
The third stage of this disease is moderate periodontitis, during which bacteria multiply and affect the ligaments, bone, and soft tissue that promote gum stability and hold the teeth in place. Symptoms during this stage include infected tissue, pain, and bad breath.
Advanced Periodontitis
The final stage of gum disease is advanced periodontitis, during which patients continue to suffer from gum infection, pain, bad breath, and bone loss. Eventually, bone loss will cause teeth to loosen and fall out.
How Is Gingivitis Treated in the Early Stages?
The early stages of periodontitis can be reversed and treated through regular dental cleanings and a commitment to at-home oral hygiene. The primary goal in the early stages is to eliminate bacteria to prevent the disease from progressing.
During the earliest stages, you’ll need to schedule regular exams and cleanings and brush your teeth two to three times a day while flossing daily to ensure optimal oral health and prevent or mitigate bacteria development. Patients suffering from the more advanced stages of the disease will need to undergo more invasive treatment methods to treat or manage the symptoms.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who Is at Risk of Periodontitis?
While gum disease can affect anyone, certain factors put some individuals at greater risk of developing this condition than others. Genetics plays a significant role in whether or not you develop gum disease, as it’s typically passed down in families.
Patients with heart disease, autoimmune diseases, diabetes, or who have experienced hormonal changes are more at risk of the disease. Stress, smoking, tobacco use, an unhealthy lifestyle, and overall poor oral hygiene can also increase the risk of developing this disease.
How Can I Prevent It?
If you haven’t yet developed any of the symptoms of gum disease but are concerned because of your genetic predisposition, there are some steps you can take to ensure optimal oral health. Scheduling regular cleanings at least every six months will keep your mouth bacteria-free and your gums and teeth in the best condition.
You must also commit to brushing and flossing twice daily and living a healthy lifestyle. Reduce your stress levels, avoid smoking, exercise regularly, eat the right foods, and avoid foods that cause inflammation. These preventative measures will all work together to keep your gums, teeth, and bones healthy.
How Often Should I Schedule Teeth Cleanings?
If you’re at risk of developing periodontitis because of genetics, lifestyle, or health-related factors, you can take steps to prevent this condition from developing or worsening by committing to optimal oral health.
Scheduling bi-annual professional cleanings is an excellent first step. Once you discuss your concerns with our dentist, he can determine whether increasing the frequency of your exams and cleanings is necessary to prevent the development or worsening of gum disease.
What Other Dental Services Do You Offer?
Aside from designing periodontitis treatment plans, we also offer a wide range of dental services to meet the needs of our patients looking for excellent dental care. Our services include the following:
- Crown and bridgework
- Dental implants
- Porcelain
- Fillings
- Short-term and traditional orthodontic treatments
- Oral cancer screenings
- Removable dentures
- Root canal treatments
- Professional teeth cleanings and exams
- Sealants for adults and children
- TMJ/TMD treatment
- Tooth extractions
What Should I Expect From Treatment at Smith Family and Cosmetic Dentistry?
When you visit one of our North Carolina locations, we’ll begin with a consultation during which we’ll evaluate your oral health. We’ll ask you questions about your medical history and any symptoms you’re dealing with and then move forward with a full examination.
When you visit one of our offices for gum disease treatment or any other dental services, you can expect quality dental care from our dentist, Dr. Smith, who will listen to your concerns, diagnose any issues, and move forward with the right treatment plan. Our treatments and consultations take place in a comfortable setting where you can expect professional care from a team of dental professionals acquainted with the most up-to-date dental health and wellness services.
Whether you’re at risk of periodontal disease or have already been diagnosed with it, we can help. When you visit one of our North Carolina offices, we’ll design the right treatment plan for your exact needs so you can feel confident about your oral health. Contact one of our Smith Family and Cosmetic Dentistry offices in Sneads Ferry, Porters Neck, Goldsboro, Jacksonville, Hampstead, Wilmington, Surf City, and New Bern, NC, to schedule an appointment.