Jun
Gingivitis is the earliest stage of gum disease. Gum disease, often referred to as periodontal disease by Dr. Scott Stewart, is an inflammatory condition that results in damage to the bone, gum tissue, and teeth. When periodontal disease is caught in the earliest stages, it is reversible. This is why patients are encouraged to visit their dentist at least twice a year to catch any problems early enough for successful treatment. Gingivitis is often recognized by bleeding of the gums during brushing and flossing, redness of the gum tissue, and inflammation and swelling in the mouth. At this point, patients are highly encouraged to contact their dentist for diagnosis and treatment for early intervention.
Dr. Scott Stewart of South Lakewood Dental provides gum disease procedures based on the stage of gum diseases. Since gingivitis is the earliest stage, it requires minimal attention. Patients can undergo a professional dental cleaning to address all surfaces of the teeth and gums to remove plaque, tartar, and bacteria, which may be contributing to the condition. Patients may also be educated on ways to avoid the development of further problems with brushing, flossing, regular cleanings, and examinations at South Lakewood Dental.
If the condition worsens, patients will then need to undergo a gum disease procedure known as scaling and root planing. This cleans all surfaces of the teeth, including the roots, and is a more invasive procedure. However, Dr. Scott Stewart and the team of South Lakewood Dental often use laser dentistry to perform this procedure, which reduces bleeding, swelling, and discomfort dramatically than traditional procedures. Dr. Scott Stewart also provides several methods of sedation to improve comfort for those who need to undergo scaling and root planing to control their condition.
If you think you may be dealing with the earlier stages of gum disease, or you are struggling with advanced periodontitis, our team can help. Contact South Lakewood Dental today to book your appointment and examination and learn more about the ways in which laser, holistic dentistry can assist in the treatment of this condition.