Gum Disease Treatment Questions & Answers

What causes gum disease and gum loss?

Gum disease, also called periodontitis, is a condition affecting the gum tissues when bacteria builds up and eats away at the gums as well as the bone. If plaque-containing bacteria is not removed by flossing and brushing teeth regularly, it can build up and cause an infection in your gums and bone. The gums and bone are the supporting structures of teeth and if they do become infected, patients increase their chances in developing periodontitis. When periodontitis develops, the gums begin to become puffy, inflamed and overgrow and can create deep pockets in a painless manner. It can also lead to bad breath and foul taste in the mouth. One of the early signs of gum disease is the presence of bleeding gums during routine flossing and brushing. If left untreated, the gums and bone can recede from the teeth. When the bacteria reach deep under the gums to the tooth root, they can kill the bone and connective tissues. Left alone for long enough, the tooth will fall out. In America, periodontal disease is the number one cause of tooth loss.

What affect does gum disease have on overall health?

Scientists have found links between periodontitis and other bodily health related issues. Though the connection between these links are unknown, scientists suspect that inflammation is a common thread among them. Typically, inflammation caused by periodontitis can cause inflammation throughout the rest of the body. As oral bacteria escapes into the bloodstream, oc can cause injuries to other major organs. Some health issues related to periodontitis include:

• Heart disease
• Diabetes
• Dementia
• Rheumatoid arthritis
• Premature birth
• Difficulties with conception

How is gum disease treated?

Early stages of gum disease are often treated with more professional frequent teeth cleaning along with improved oral home care to eliminate bacteria and bring the condition under control. Moderate to severe gum disease is treated with more advanced methods, such as deep cleaning procedure called “scaling and root planing”, which use special techniques to reach below the gum line to eliminate the bacteria. Dr. Shokri can use laser therapy, following deep cleaning procedures, to treat periodontal disease further by eliminating bacteria and toxins. This innovative treatment has significantly minimized the recovery period often associated with gum disease treatment Woodland Hills and has drastically minimized the discomfort of related dental procedures. These lasers can also be used for reshaping and treating the deep gum pockets formed by periodontitis.

Here at mega bite, Dr shokri offers extensive knowledge in treatment of all levels of periodontal disease with state of art equipment and the newest technology in dentistry. She takes pride in staying up with the newest innovations to better care for her patients, especially in respect to toward the treatment of gum disease. Without healthy gums and bone, dental treatment may not succeed in the long-term, as gums and bone are the underlying foundation of teeth and the surrounding structure of your mouth.

Below are videos of Dr. Shokri performing deep cleaning services (scaling & root planing).