Gum Disease Treatment in Hopewell, VA
About half of adults have some kind of gum disease which can cause bad breath and tooth loss. It’s also directly linked to diabetes, heart disease, Alzheimer’s, and more. (Remember, your mouth is part of your body!) The good news is, it’s treatable, and if caught early, we can stop it.
Gum disease, also known as periodontal disease or periodontitis, is a chronic inflammation of your gums caused by bacteria and buildup of plaque and tartar. At its early stage, called gingivitis, it’s reversible through good oral care habits at home and regular cleanings.
Early detection is crucial, so we’ll check for gum disease every year. Using strict measurements and x-rays, we'll catch it, diagnose it, and provide treatment recommendations.
If left untreated, gingivitis will turn into periodontal disease. The ligaments and bones that keep your teeth in place will start to break down and your teeth will loosen and eventually fall out. Periodontitis isn’t curable, but it can be slowed and managed to limit damage.
Treatment usually starts with a deep gum disinfection to remove the tartar and bacteria that is causing inflammation. After two months of healing and home care, we reassess patients. If you heal well, we’ll continue to see you every four months for maintenance appointments. We love seeing you, but we don’t want you back in the chair for another round of deep gum disinfection!
If there are still further improvements we want to see after doing deep gum disinfection, we’ll explore other options or call on the help of a gum specialist.