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What To Do If You Have Gum Disease?

Jul 27 • 2 minute read

Total Family Dental Group – What To Do If You Have Gum Disease?

After seeing a general dentist, you may have found that you have developed gum disease. Whether that’s due to genetics or poor oral care, gum disease is a serious issue that can affect your overall health. But what can you do with this diagnosis? At Total Family Dental Group, we have periodontal specialists on staff to provide effective treatments to keep your entire smile. From optimizing your care at home, to referring to a specialist, these are just some ways to combat gum disease.

Caring for Your Smile 

A healthy smile is usually white, bright, and free of cavities. However, gums are essential to consider in the whole scope of oral health. Visiting your general dentist biannually allows them to ensure that you’re properly taking care of your teeth at home. It’s important to practice optimal oral care at home and recommend treatments to protect your teeth and treat any issues.

Your general dentist can develop a treatment plan if they find signs of gingivitis, whether that’s taking more time during your at-home oral care routine or scheduling more follow up appointments. Professional cleanings can keep your smile clean and gums proactively checked.

Seeing a Specialist

If your gingivitis has progressed to periodontitis, your general dentist may suggest you see a periodontist, a specialist who dedicates years of training to treating gum disease general dentist.

With the onset of advanced periodontitis, the bacteria that caused the disease can spread and affect other areas of your oral and overall health. A specialist can provide periodontal disease surgery, which cover the tops of roots that have been exposed due to gum recession. Utilizing gum grafts, they takes this tissue from donor tissue or your upper palette and places it on to those roots. This procedure helps protect the gums from further decay. 

Pocket reduction procedures are recommended when gum pockets are too deep to clean at home as well as a professional cleaning from your general dentist. A specialist will lift infected gums to remove bacteria and tartar trapped underneath, which cause deepened pockets. The treated gum are then placed so that they fit tighter onto the surface of the tooth, effectively reducing the pocket. 

Depending on the severity of gum recession, tooth extraction may be necessary. However, there are options such as dentures and implants that can replace the extracted teeth. It’s important to go through all options before removing teeth, and the staff at Total Family Dental Group are here to answer any and all your questions. 

Contact Us Today

Gum disease can be prevented with mindful oral health practices and visiting your dentist for professional cleanings. At Total Family Dental Group, we have a team of specialists, general dentists, and hygienists that are dedicated to your oral health and wellness. For more information about our periodontal disease treatments and dental implant procedures, contact us today

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