Gum Disease - Clearwater, FL
Gum Disease Treatment Can Improve Your Oral and Overall Health
Schedule ConsultationSigns and Symptoms of Gum Disease
Gum (periodontal) disease is one of the most common oral concerns we see, as it affects nearly half the American population over the age of 30. Gum disease is caused by toxins from bacteria that infect your gum tissue, jaw bone, and teeth. The first stage of gum disease is called gingivitis and is curable if caught early. However, if gingivitis is left untreated, it can advance to periodontitis and eventually advanced periodontitis, which is incurable and can lead to jaw bone and tooth loss.
70% OF ADULTS OVER 65 HAVE HAVE PERIODONTITIS
30% OF PEOPLE AGED 65–74 HAVE NO NATURAL TEETH
85 MILLION AMERICANS HAVE CARDIOVASCULAR DISEASE
Research has also shown gum disease to be linked to our systemic health
Many of these health conditions include heart disease, diabetes and in some cases even stroke. Common symptoms of gum disease include:
- Red, swollen gums
- Bleeding gums
- Bad breath (halitosis)
- Loose teeth
- Gum recession
- Sensitive teeth
Effective Gum Disease Treatments
At Clearwater Dental Associates, we offer effective gum disease treatments in a minimally invasive manner. We utilize advanced laser dentistry technology for a gentle alternative to surgery, including the WaterLaser® iPlus™, WaterLase EPIC™, and the SiroLaser diode. Additionally, we have time-tested traditional treatments to keep gum disease in check. The gum disease treatments we offer include:
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Laser gum therapy
Using state-of-the-art dental lasers, we can provide minimally invasive gum disease therapy without the need for scalpels, sutures, and with minimal bleeding. Gentle laser light eliminates bacteria and dead tissue without harming healthy gums and bone. With laser dentistry, patients enjoy a quick recovery time with nearly instant results. -
Scaling and root planing
A time-tested, non-surgical method of controlling gum disease, scaling and root planing gets below the gum line to remove bacteria that cannot be easily cleaned away otherwise. We use special tools to scrape away bacteria and tartar buildup, smoothing the tooth roots to allow for gums to reattach effectively. -
Gingivectomy
When disease has infected the gum tissue around a tooth, we can perform a gingivectomy to remove the infected tissue. The dead tissue will be removed and the healthy gums will then be reattached to the teeth using small sutures. This treatment can be performed with one of our dental lasers or a scalpel. -
Periodontal maintenance
When gum disease has progressed to periodontitis, regular periodontal maintenance is necessary to keep the disease in check. This maintenance involves a deep cleaning above the gum line as well as scaling and root planing below the gums, around the roots of the teeth. We recommend routine visits every three months to keep your mouth healthy.
Save Your Teeth and Overall Health
Our experienced dentists at Clearwater Dental Associates can identify signs of gum disease during your regular cleanings and catch this progressive condition early on. While patients report our laser therapy solutions to be mostly pain-free, we also offer sedation options to block pain and give you an anxiety-free experience. By catching and treating gum disease early, you can save your teeth and gums as well as your overall systemic health.