Gum Disease Treatment – Oklahoma City, OK
Helping Our Dental Patients Maintain Healthy Smiles
When asked to think about the appearance of their smiles, most people only think of their teeth. However, gum tissue and the supporting bone structure underneath this tissue are an important part of your smile. In fact, without healthy gums, you really can’t have an attractive, complete smile. That’s why Dr. Mitchell and his staff place a premium on healthy gums and offer gum disease treatment Oklahoma City, OK residents need to maintain healthy smiles.
Why Choose Mitchell Smile Design for Gum Disease Treatment?
- Talented, Friendly Dentist & Team
- Variety of Available Options for Tackling Gum Disease
- Dental Insurance Welcome & Benefits Maximized
Early Stages of Periodontitis
Although anyone can develop gum disease (which is why nearly 80 percent of adults Americans have the disease), we see it most often in people who do not follow a regimented at-home hygiene routine. The importance of brushing and flossing your teeth cannot be overemphasized. You see, plaque is a sticky film that develops in the mouth throughout the day. The bacteria that cause gum disease hide in plaque. Brushing removes plaque from tooth surfaces and flossing removes plaque from in between teeth. If not removed, then plaque can harden and become tartar. When this happens, bacteria multiply and begin attacking your gum tissue. Initially, symptoms of gum disease are red and swollen gums that may bleed. Advanced gum disease, called periodontitis, is marked by receding gums, bad breath, pus in tissue pockets that form around your teeth, loose teeth, and eventual tooth loss if the disease is not arrested.
Gum Disease Treatment Options
Depending on the specific cause and extent of your gum disease, Dr. Mitchell may recommend one or more of the following treatment options:
Scaling and Root Planing
Plaque and tartar are removed from above and below the gum line, and root surfaces are smoothed, so that plaque is less likely to accumulate in the future.
Periodontal Maintenance
After gum disease treatment, Oklahoma City residents’ gum tissues are kept healthy with ongoing periodontal maintenance about every three months in order to keep this non-curable bacterial infection away.
Prophylaxis
Part of your regular dental checkups, this supragingival procedure helps you maintain healthy gums, along with your regular brushing and flossing.
Bruxism Treatments
Sometimes, the pressure caused by teeth grinding and clenching (bruxism) can lead to gum disease. Thus, by treating bruxism with a dental nightguard, Dr. Mitchell helps patients avoid gum disease.
Bite Adjustment
Similar to the connection between bruxism and periodontal disease, an improper bite can also be the root cause of gum infection. By adjusting your bite to its proper position, we can also keep gum disease at bay.
Crown Lengthening
Some patients have excessive gum tissue, making them more susceptible to periodontal disease. Dr. Mitchell can perform crown lengthening to remove excess tissue and make a patient’s teeth appear longer and more natural.
For extremely serious cases of periodontal disease, gum grafting or cosmetic periodontal surgery may be necessary.
