Looking for gum disease treatment in Spirit Lake? Hill Avenue Dental offers the highest standards of patient care, using state-of-the-art technology in a comfortable and friendly environment. We take time to get to know each patient so that we can provide personalized treatment plans for maximum results. Plus, our team provides superior customer service every step of the way—from scheduling appointments to offering payment options that fit your budget.
Gum Disease Awareness Month
Did you know that every February marks Gum Disease Awareness Month? At Hill Avenue Dental, we strive to ensure our patients understand the basics of gum disease and how it can impact their oral health. We’ll provide an overview of gum disease and why prevention is so important.
What is Gum Disease?
Gum disease, or periodontal disease, is a bacterial infection in the gums caused by plaque buildup. If left untreated, this infection can cause severe damage to your teeth and gums. Symptoms of gum disease include red and swollen gums, receding gums, bleeding when brushing or flossing the teeth, bad breath, loose teeth, and pain while chewing. If any of these symptoms are present, you may be experiencing gum disease—it’s always best to consult with a dentist immediately if you suspect you have it.
Gingivitis and periodontitis are severe gum disease forms, usually caused by poor oral hygiene habits and sometimes impacted by genetics. Without treatment, these conditions can worsen and cause other significant issues such as gum recession, loose teeth, and bone erosion.
Preventing Gum Disease
The best way to prevent gum disease is by practicing good oral hygiene habits each day. Good oral hygiene includes brushing your teeth twice daily for two minutes and flossing once daily. Additionally, regular professional dental cleanings are necessary for preventing gum disease as our hygienists remove plaque buildup from hard-to-reach areas of your mouth that even the most diligent brusher can miss.
We recommend that patients visit us for biannual dental cleanings to ensure good oral health. Early treatment helps to reduce the severity, so if you suspect you may have gum disease, reach out to us immediately! If you already have gum disease, more frequent visits may be necessary to monitor improvement properly.
Treating Gum Disease
If you already have gum disease, treatments available can help maintain your oral health and prevent your periodontal condition from worsening. Treatments range from deep cleaning procedures like scaling and root planing to more advanced treatments that would require seeing a specialist called a periodontist. The specific treatment recommended will depend on the severity of the condition—so again, it’s essential to be seen by a dentist if you think you may have periodontal disease.
Scaling and root planing is an effective periodontal treatment that can help prevent gum disease and restore healthy gums. This deep cleaning removes plaque and tartar buildup around the parts of the teeth that are visible as well as below the gums on the roots of your teeth. If caught early enough, this procedure has been shown to be successful in halting the progression of gum disease. The length of the procedure often depends on your individual needs and usually takes two visits. Scaling and root planing may cause some discomfort during treatment, but we will do our best to ensure that you feel as comfortable as possible while providing you with top-quality care.
Gum Disease Treatment Spirit Lake, Iowa
At Hill Avenue Dental, we encourage all our patients to practice good oral hygiene habits every day—and especially during Gum Disease Awareness Month! We also want our patients to be aware of the signs and symptoms of periodontal disease so they can seek treatment right away if needed. Our knowledgeable professionals are always here to answer any questions or concerns about gum disease prevention or treatment options available here at our office — so don’t hesitate to reach out whenever needed!
Schedule a consultation today with Dr. Darren Dotson or Dr. Amy Hartzell, or call now for more information!
