Gum Disease Therapy

Do you know what culprit is behind the majority of adult tooth loss in the United States? If you said periodontal disease or gum disease, you're right! If left to progress, this stealthy tooth killer can wreak havoc on a smile, causing pain, frustration, discomfort, and significant expense to restore oral health. Gum disease has been linked to increased risk for heart attacks, strokes, bone loss, and complications for diabetics and pregnant women. At Elmbrook Family Dental, we want to catch gum disease early, so we strongly recommend that you visit us at least twice a year for a checkup and cleaning.

Plaque is the primary cause of gum disease, called gingivitis in the early stage. When plaque is not completely removed on a regular basis, it will harden into tartar. Food particles stuck between teeth begin to decay as well. This combination irritates gums and fosters bacterial growth. Other factors can contribute to gum disease, including inhalant medications, health conditions, and risk factors, like smoking. Once gum disease sets in, it will not improve on its own.

Non-surgical periodontal therapy removes plaque and calculus to control the growth of harmful bacteria, and it treats conditions that encourage gum disease progression. Conservative periodontal treatment may solve the issue, especially when periodontal disease is caught early. However, other procedures, such as replacing worn fillings or crowns with overhanging margins that can promote the accumulation of  plaque, may be required before periodontal therapy can begin. We refer advanced gum disease cases to a trusted periodontist for oral surgery.