Find out why proper gum care is just as important as caring for your teeth.
While it’s normal to lose teeth as a child, it’s not something adults often expect to face. However, with periodontitis (colloquially known as gum disease) being an ailment that millions of Americans face every year, needing a tooth extraction is an unfortunate reality for a large portion of the population. Luckily, periodontitis can be prevented with proper oral hygiene and regularly visiting our Putnam, CT, family dentists, Dr. Alaa Ahmed and Dr. Islam Dehis, for routine checkups.
Why Checkups are Essential
It’s important that you don’t forget to visit your dentist for routine checkups and cleanings, even if everything looks and feels fine. After all, people with gum disease don’t always experience symptoms, so the only way to detect the issues early on and avoid serious complications is by coming in twice a year for checkups. Our Putnam, CT, dentists know what to look for when it comes to symptoms of gum disease.
The Effects of Periodontitis and its Treatments
If gum disease is left untreated it can wreak havoc on your oral health. Not only will it cause the gums to recede, but it also creates pockets of infection that will develop within the gums. In more severe stages, this results in loose teeth, tooth loss, and even bone loss. Luckily, there are simple solutions for managing your gum disease.
If gum disease is detected during the earliest stages (when the ailment is still known as gingivitis) it can be reversed if you seek treatment soon enough. We may perform a deep dental cleaning (known as scaling and root planing) to remove plaque and tartar buildup or we may just recommend lifestyle modifications to improve your oral hygiene and to reduce plaque and tartar buildup.
Those with mild-to-moderate gum disease can also benefit from scaling and root planing, in which we will remove plaque and tartar from under the gum line and even the roots of the teeth. In some cases, laser treatment can also be used to remove diseased and severely damaged gum tissue.
If gum disease has caused significant gum loss, then our Putnam, CT, general dentist may recommend getting gum-grafting treatment. During this procedure, we will remove gum tissue from another part of the mouth and place it where the gums are receding the most.
Contact Us Today!
If you are dealing with the warning signs of gum disease, then it’s time to call our Putnam, CT, office. Here at Putnam Family Dental, we are dedicated to providing you with the comprehensive oral care you need to keep your teeth and gums healthy for life. Call (860) 928-5334 today!