Why Treat Gum Disease?
Gum disease may start quietly. At first, you may notice your gums feel tender or bleed when you brush and floss. When plaque and calculus are allowed to accumulate on your teeth, your gums become inflamed and tender before pulling away from your teeth. If left unchecked, this infection can cause more than a little pink in the sink, though. Gum disease can lead to tooth loss, bone loss, and even cause systemic health conditions like cardiovascular disease, stroke, or diabetes complications.
Our skilled, caring dental team at David M. White, DDS offers the highly effective, minimally invasive treatments you need to keep infection under control and maintain proper oral health for years to come. We partner with multiple insurance companies to ensure your entire treatment process is easy and painless. Contact us at the first appearance of symptoms!
Gum Disease Warning Signs
- Tender, inflamed, or bleeding gums
- Persistent bad breath (halitosis)
- Loose, shifting teeth
- Toothaches
- Receding gums
Targeted Treatment for Gum Disease
The great news is that gum disease is preventable—and curable at an early stage! Just be sure to brush and floss your teeth and have regular professional teeth cleanings and checkups. If you do require care for gum disease, we’re the team to trust. We provide multiple treatments for gum disease in Reno & Elko, NV, depending on the severity of your case and the stage of gum disease you’re in. We’ll begin with a consultation that includes an oral examination.
Our dentist will assess your current oral health and provide you with a customized treatment plan that reflects your unique needs. Depending on your treatment and your anxiety level we may offer calming sedation dentistry to guarantee you’re comfortable throughout your visit. With proper treatment, maintenance, and good oral health habits, gum disease doesn’t have to damage your smile again. Most importantly, a smile free from bacteria and infection helps you live an overall healthy lifestyle!
Key Gum Disease Treatments
1
Scaling and Root Planing
A non-surgical treatment, scaling and root planing is often the first procedure in the fight against gum disease. Scaling removes the bacterial plaque from above and below the gumline. Root planing smooths the tooth surfaces to encourage healthy tissue reattachment and protection against future infection.
2
Osseous Surgery
Osseous surgery is the most aggressive treatment for advanced gum disease in Reno & Elko, NV. It involves removing the diseased gum tissue and repairing the damaged bone to restore support to the teeth. This surgery also removes the bacteria and calculus trapped in the deep pockets between the teeth.
3
Periodontal Maintenance
Once gum disease has been comprehensively treated, periodontal maintenance is recommended to ensure it does not return. This procedure is completed every 3-4 months and involves a deep cleaning of the teeth at and below the gumline to remove bacteria and plaque accumulation. These deep cleanings will replace your regularly scheduled hygiene appointments.
Related Gum Disease Articles
Understanding Gum (Periodontal) Disease
Have your gums ever bled when you brushed or flossed? This most commonly overlooked simple sign may be the start of a silent progressive disease leading to tooth loss. Learn what you can do to prevent this problem and keep your teeth for life...
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The Link Between Heart & Gum Diseases
Inflammation has emerged as a factor in the process of cardiovascular disease (CVD), which commonly results in heart attacks and strokes. While the precise role inflammation plays in causing chronic CVD remains an area of intense investigation, much more is now known. The good news is that, based on current research, we know that if we can reduce the inflammation caused by periodontal disease, we may reduce the risk for heart attacks and strokes...
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Periodontal Plastic Surgery
Millions of Americans have some degree of gum recession — a loss of the tough, pink tissue that surrounds teeth. Receding gums can cause anything from minor tooth sensitivity to tooth loss in very severe cases. Fortunately, the field of periodontal plastic surgery has made enormous strides in devising techniques, including grafting, to deal with the problem of lost or damaged gum tissue...
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Pregnancy & Oral Health
Pregnancy is generally thought of as the time when a woman strives to be particularly aware of the need for better health. Many women, though, may not be aware of the link that exists between their oral health and their systemic (general) health, as well as the impact this can have on a developing child. Learn about how to care for yourself and your baby...
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Stop gum disease before it’s too late!
Schedule your gum disease consultation in Reno & Elko, NV to get started.
