A Foundation for Healthy Teeth
Gum Disease Dallas
While many patients believe that maintaining their teeth is the most important part of dental care, the truth is that a healthy mouth is built from the bottom up- starting with the gums. Unfortunately, even with advances in dentistry, many individuals are unaware of the prevalence and risks of gum disease, which can compromise their oral and general health. At Lynn Dental Care, we take both preventative and reactive measures to help ensure the overall health of our patients’ mouths. Providing complete dental care, we educate our patients on the importance of oral hygiene, and provide comprehensive gum disease treatments to our Dallas, Texas patients. If you are suffering from gum disease and would like to learn more about restoring your oral health, schedule a consultation with Dr. D. Brock Lynn today.
What is Gum Disease?
Periodontal Disease from Lynn Dental
Understanding gum disease and its causes is the first step toward preventing it. Put simply, gum disease is a bacterial infection that can cause deterioration of the tissues that surround the tooth. If it becomes progressed enough, gum disease can lead to bone infection, tooth loss, and other general health problems. While it is impossible to completely eliminate bacteria from the mouth, proper oral hygiene habits can ensure that harmful bacteria do not lead to oral health complications. When left untouched, plaque buildup can harden, forming what is known as tartar, which cannot easily be removed. This tartar can lead to irritation and infection of the gums. The only way to prevent tartar buildup is to be diligent about brushing and flossing. It is also important to understand some of the signs and symptoms of gum disease, so that it can be treated promptly. These symptoms include:
- Red, swollen gums
- Bleeding while brushing or flossing
- Persistent bad breath
- Receding gums
- Sensitive or loose teeth
Types of Gum Disease
The two main forms of periodontal disease are gingivitis and periodontitis, with the major difference lying in the progression of the disease. Gingivitis is the earliest form of gum disease, and is characterized by gums that are either inflamed or bleed easily. Periodontitis is a more progressed form of gum disease which will require more aggressive treatment. Periodontitis is the stage of gum disease in which tissue, bone, and tooth decay begin. If left untreated, periodontitis will continue to develop leading to severe oral health problems. In some instances, advanced periodontitis has been linked to other general health problems, including cardiovascular illness, respiratory problems, and even diabetes.
Gum Disease Treatment Options
At Lynn Dental Care, we provide a number of treatment options to patients who suffer from both mild and advanced forms of gum disease. In addition to formal treatment at our Dallas office, Dr. Lynn may recommend certain lifestyle and dietary changes to promote good oral health, including not smoking and avoiding sugary foods. Dr. Lynn’s comprehensive approach to treating gum disease has allowed him to reverse the effects of infection, and put thousands of patients back on track toward positive oral health.
LANAP Gum Surgery
Advances in dentistry have made it possible to perform less-invasive gum surgery through the use of lasers. LANAP, also known as a laser-assisted new attachment procedure, uses a laser to eliminate bacteria between the tooth and the gum line. Dr. Lynn utilizes Periolase®, the only FDA-approved laser for gum regeneration treatments. This revolutionary treatment reduces irritation and healing time, while effectively removing all harmful bacteria. Because the surgery does not require incisions and stitches, it also preserves remaining healthy tissue, allowing for healthy regeneration of gums following treatment.
Laser Pocket Decontamination
During this non-surgical procedure, Dr. Lynn uses a high energy laser to eradicate harmful bacteria in the mouth. By using the laser directly in the affected areas, this treatment refreshes the periodontal pockets, providing a fresh start for a healthy mouth.
Root Scaling and Planing
Sometimes referred to as deep cleaning, root scaling and planing is an effective treatment option for gum disease. In an effort to provide the most comfortable care to his patients, Dr. Lynn often recommends root scaling and planing , and other non-surgical treatments, to patients with mild to moderate periodontal issues. This process involves removing plaque from above and below the gum line, as well as smoothing away rough spots on the teeth that can attract bacteria. Following treatment, patients can rinse with prescription mouthwash, and brush and floss routinely to prevent a resurgence of gum disease.
Gum Grafting
A gum graft, also known as a gingival graft, relocates healthy tissue from the roof of the mouth to an area that has been affected by gum disease. This extra tissue is placed around the tooth to protect it and ward off any further infection. This procedure can significantly reduce patient sensitivities, and improve the appearance of the teeth following gum recession.
Bone Grafting
Because advanced gum disease can often lead to bone and tooth deterioration, it is sometimes necessary to rebuild the bone prior to moving forward with restorative treatments. Bone grafting involves the migration of healthy bone to areas of decay to strengthen the jaw. Doing so lays the foundation for further treatment options, such as dental implants, crowns, or implant-support dentures. During this surgery, bone can be harvested from other sections of the mouth or from the hip.
Schedule a Consultation Today
When left untreated, gum disease can lead to a number of cosmetic and oral health problems. Dr. Lynn provides advanced gum treatments to promote the health of the gums and treat any instance of infection. If you are concerned about the health of your gums and would like to learn more about the gum disease treatments that we offer, please contact our Dallas, Texas practice today. A member of our friendly staff will be happy to answer any of your questions.
