Your Place for Trusted Gum Treatments in Portland
If your gums are red and tender, or they bleed during regular brushing and flossing, it should be a cause for concern. The state of your gums affects not only your oral health but also your overall health. Our dental team at Forest Park Dental Studio, led by Dr. Ashley Bennett and Dr. Jukka J. Perkiomaki, has extensive experience diagnosing gum disease and providing effective gum disease treatments to Portland and residents of neighboring communities.
We are passionate about providing you with effective dental services, positive experiences, and results that you can be proud to show off. Our dentists can tailor our Portland gum disease treatments to meet your specific needs. Our advanced technology and proven techniques provide safe, reliable, and effective care.
Let us help you keep your gums healthy so you can smile confidently and comfortably for years to come. Get in touch with us to schedule an appointment.
CALL US: (559) 226-2211 REQUEST APPOINTMENT
What Is Gum Disease?
Gum disease, also known as periodontal disease, is an infection and inflammation of the tissues surrounding and supporting your teeth. As bacteria and dental plaque accumulate above and below the gum line, the surrounding tissues become irritated. If left unchecked, this buildup can lead to serious oral health complications such as receding gums, tooth loss, and even bone loss.
Gum disease progresses in three stages with increasing severity. The earliest stage is called gingivitis, which is gum inflammation and is easily treatable. If left unchecked, gingivitis progresses to periodontitis. In this stage, the gum starts to pull away from the teeth, leading to advanced periodontitis. Advanced periodontitis is the most complex stage of gum disease and the most difficult to treat.
Gum Disease and Your Overall Health
Your immune system protects against toxins found in plaque, which might occasionally cause inflammation of the gum tissue. However, in advanced stages of gum disease, the bacteria can find their way into the bloodstream, possibly leading to complications such as:
- Heart Disease
- Diabetes
- Stroke
- Respiratory Disease
- Rheumatoid Arthritis
- Osteoporosis
If left untreated, advanced periodontitis can lead to a variety of serious health issues. Therefore, it is important to schedule routine dental checkups to catch signs of gum disease as early as possible.
How Do You Know You Have Gum Disease?
While the most common cause of gum disease is poor oral hygiene, many contributing factors accelerate its progression. They include genetics, diabetes, tobacco use, age, pregnancy, bulimia, and gastric erosion. In its earliest stages, gum disease is subtle, with minor symptoms that are mostly unnoticeable. As the disease progresses, the signs become more obvious and can include:
- Swollen and tender gums
- Bleeding when brushing and flossing
- Sensitivity to hot and cold temperatures
- Receding gums
- Pain when chewing
- Halitosis and a bad taste in the mouth
Our Portland Gum Disease Treatments
Dr. Bennett and Dr. Perkiomaki understand how complex gum disease can be, which is why we adopt a comprehensive approach that includes both treatment and prevention. Our team will take an in-depth look at your medical history during your initial exam to identify all possible contributing factors. Depending on your specific needs, we will develop a treatment plan to restore the health of your gums, teeth, and jaws and prevent future gum-related issues.
Some of our routine gum disease treatments in Portland include:
Scaling and Root Planing - This two-part gum disease treatment procedure involves scraping plaque and bacteria from the tooth's surface along and beneath the gum line. During planing, the dentist smooths the root surface of the teeth to promote a secure bond with the gums and negate the risk of a consequent infection.
Gingivectomy - This surgical procedure removes and reshapes the gum tissue. We recommend gingivectomy in minor cases of gum disease when the gum has pulled away from the teeth and created pockets that could expose the tooth’s root to bacteria. Reshaping the gum line provides better support for your teeth as the gums heal.
Regular Maintenance - We also follow up with frequent cleanings, scaling, and root planing procedures to restore your oral health and prevent gum disease from recurring. We also educate you on proper oral hygiene techniques and provide dietary advice.
Does Gum Disease Go Away?
Although gum disease can be a complex condition to manage, it is possible to get back to good health. However, you need professional treatment to stop gum disease. If your case has reached the advanced stages, the results cannot be reversed, but modern dentistry can treat it and halt its development.
At Forest Park Dental Studio, our gum treatments can stop the progression of the disease. Our routine maintenance cleanings can keep it under control.
Proven Portland Gum Disease Treatments
Forest Park Dental Studio provides gum disease treatments in Portland to help you achieve a healthy and stunning smile. We are here to help you look and feel your best with gums that are strong and healthy. We feel privileged to serve the residents of Portland and all neighboring communities.
Let us restore and renew your oral health. Contact us today to schedule your next appointment!
CALL US: (559) 226-2211 REQUEST APPOINTMENT