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Gould Dentistry Can Help Your Sore Gums Today
Gum disease is a common problem, with about half of Americans over 30 showing some signs of periodontal, or gum problems. If you’re experiencing issues like sore, red, or easily bleeding gums, bad breath, or painful chewing or flossing, these can be signs of gum disease. It’s easy to develop, but also easy to treat with simple in-office procedures and at-home dental care. Dr. Gould is experienced in treating gum disease and can help you regain healthy gums and prevent further complications.
There are a few stages of gum disease; gingivitis, the least serious version; mild periodontitis,a progressive infection of the gums, and advanced periodontitis, when jaw bone is infected and teeth loosen, fall out or develop painful abscesses. The whole process is caused by bacterial infections in the mouth and gums, usually from deposits of calculus and plaque. Gum disease can lead to tooth decay and loss eventually. That’s why it’s important to get good treatment as soon as you notice any signs of gum disease.
Some things increase your risk of gum disease, and you should have a dentist check out your gums if you might have one or more of these risk factors:
Dr. Gould will assess the severity of your gum disease, if present, and recommend treatment based on your individual needs. For cases with mild gingivitis, improvements in at-home care often help, along with regular in-office dental cleanings. At-home treatments include prescription-strength medicated toothpaste and mouthwash, using specific techniques for brushing and flossing or using an electric toothbrush.
In more serious cases of periodontitis, deep cleanings are often needed. Also called scaling and root planing, this kind of deep cleaning involves removing tartar and plaque both above and below the gum line, and smoothing out rough surfaces to keep bacteria away. Dr. Gould will carefully clean the roots and surfaces of each tooth, pulling the gums back to reach any pockets of infection. The procedure sometimes takes two or more sessions, depending on how extensive the infection and plaque buildup is. It’s an effective method to clear gum infections and prevent future problems by speeding natural healing and making it more difficult for bacteria to gain a foothold.
Some serious cases of gum disease will require further treatment. When periodontal disease progresses far enough, patients can see bone or tooth loss, or lose gum tissue. There are options for replacing gum tissue and helping gums heal from recession and infection, like periodontal surgery to reshape gums. When bone loss occurs, we also now have the option of bone regeneration techniques that work to target the lost area of bone and help it heal quickly, such as grafting and guided regeneration. After tooth loss, dental implants with replacement teeth are another possible choice.
Regardless of the type or stage of gum disease you’re experiencing, Dr. Gould and his staff will approach each patient with an individual treatment plan and offer a path back to healthy gums and teeth.
We’re a purposefully-small dental office so our whole team can focus on delivering excellent, personalized care that’s never rushed. Dr. Gould and the team are passionate about making you feel comfortable and respected throughout the course of your care.
Dr. Gould prides himself on staying current with the best technologies and treatments in dentistry. From modern laser dentistry to injection-free numbing you can rest assured that you’ll receive excellent care in our office. This top-of-the-line approach is just one of many reasons Dr. Gould serves as the most preferred implant dentist in Racine, WI and the surrounding areas.
Dr. Gould has been an active member of the Racine community for years and frequently volunteers his dental services at the Healthcare Network. We believe deeply in bettering our community through our work.
