Periodontal Services
What is Gum/Periodontal Disease?
Periodontal disease, commonly known as gum disease, is caused by bacteria in plaque. If not consistently removed, this bacteria builds up, infecting your teeth, gums and eventually the bone that supports your teeth, a common cause of tooth loss.
Stages of Gum Disease
Gum disease has three stages of progression: gingivitis, periodontitis, and advanced periodontitis; the longer the disease has to advance, the more damage it causes. With advancements in detection and treatment, RLJ Dental can discover periodontal disease early and begin treatment before complicated issues arise. Call our office at 920-725-5584 today to get high quality periodontal treatment near Menasha!
Common Signs of Gum Disease
- Red, tender, and swollen gums that bleed during brushing or flossing
- Constant bad breath or bad taste in your mouth
- Gum line is receding, or gums are pulling away from teeth and forming pockets
- Changes in your bite or teeth alignment, loose teeth
The main goal of treatment is to control the infection. The number and types of treatment will vary, depending on the extent of the gum disease. Any type of treatment requires that the patient keep up good daily care at home. In addition to routine dental cleaning, RLJ Dental offers Deep Cleaning (also known as Scaling and Root Planing).
How Can I Prevent Gum Disease Before it Starts?
Simple, everyday steps can be taken to avoid gum disease growth, including:
- Brushing and flossing consistently at least twice a day
- Using an antimicrobial mouth rinse daily to help control plaque
- Scheduling regular checkups
If you are experiencing the symptoms of gum disease, please contact RLJ Dental at 920-725-5584 to schedule an appointment right away.
Laser Gum Therapy
Periodontal or gum disease is an infection of the supporting tissues and bone that hold your teeth in place. In laser gum therapy, your dentist uses a laser to access and remove the inflamed gum tissue from around the root of the tooth. This technology replaces cutting of the gum tissue with a scalpel and does not require stitches. When the infected tissue is removed and the root is exposed, the root scaling begins. This involves scraping off the tartar and plaque built up below the gumline and around the root. The dentist then smooths the root with instruments to remove any rough spots that might attract bacteria and cause future infections. The area between the gum and the root can then regenerate during the healing process.