Taking good care of your teeth is one way to ensure that you have a great smile that lasts a long time. But that said, many people neglect to take care of their gum, and the gums are just as essential to having a healthy smile. It’s for that reason that the team at our Queens cosmetic dentistry center is committed to making sure patients have optimal dental health. That means strong teeth and healthy gums. If you suffer from gum disease, it’ll be our goal to address that problem as quickly as we can.
About Gum Disease
Gum disease refers to an infection of the soft tissues in the mouth. This infection is caused by the same bacteria in the mouth that causes plaque to form and bad breath. Using the latest diagnostic techniques, our cosmetic dentists in Astoria will devise a treatment plan just for you.
In its earliest stages, gum disease is called gingivitis. This can result in bleeding gums, swollen gums, discolored gums, bad breath, and gum recession. In its more advanced stages, gum disease is called periodontitis. This results in much more severe symptoms experienced in gingivitis, as well as loose teeth and increased risk of tooth loss.
Treating Gingivitis
In order to effective address gingivitis at our Astoria, Queens cosmetic dentistry center, we have a number of different options at our disposal. It’s first important to control the infection, so you will undergo a thorough cleaning and be given a special antiseptic rinse to help kill bacteria. We will also recommend some other treatments and tips for care for when you leave the practice. Antibiotics and various medications may be prescribed or suggested as well.
Treating Periodontitis
Periodontitis will require more invasive and in-depth treatment than gingivitis given how serious it is. Other cleaning techniques will be used to help keep the infection under control. Rinses, medications, laser therapies, and any tools available will be considered to help restore the health of your gums.
Treating the Adverse Effects of Gum Disease
Once the bacteria is brought under control, it’s important that we then restore your overall dental health and reverse the effects of gum disease. This will invovle a number of restorative dentistry treatments, each of which will be considered carefully. We’ll address any tooth decay that occurs under the gumline, help rebuild soft tissue through gum grafting, and if you’re missing teeth, we will figure out a replacement option. For some patients, we may use Queens dental implants to help secure dental bridges, dentures, or a dental crown. This will restore the overall beauty of your smile and strength of your bite as well.
Schedule a Consultation for Gum Disease Treatment
Gum disease needs to be taken seriously, so thankfully there are plenty of options to take care of it. If you would like more information on the various treatments available for periodontal disease, be sure to contact our Astoria cosmetic and restorative dentistry practice today. We all look forward to your visit and discussing these matters in greater detail in person.
