Gum Disease Treatment – Cambria, CA
Protect Your Oral & Overall Health
Did you know that periodontal disease (better known as gum disease) is the most common dental problem in the country? Did you also know that it’s considered a risk factor for several non-dental related diseases, including diabetes, heart disease, and dementia? At Cambria Smiles, the importance of gum health is always on our minds, which is why we provide a number of gum disease treatments that are designed to keep your entire smile (not just your teeth) healthy and strong. If you have red, swollen, or tender gums that bleed every time you brush, read on to learn how the team at Cambria Smiles can help you take control of your oral health and protect your overall health in the process.
Why Choose Cambria Smiles for Gum Disease Treatment
Periodontal screenings performed at every appointment
Scaling & root planing can eliminate the infection at its source
Kind, friendly, & highly experienced team
What is Periodontal Disease?
Periodontal disease is a bacterial infection that can develop along the gum line and on the roots of the teeth. Most often, it’s caused by a lack of oral hygiene, which allows plaque to build up between the teeth and slowly damage the tissue.
Periodontal disease is quite insidious because it starts with easy to miss symptoms, like slightly irritated or sensitive gums. Left alone, however, it can lead to much bigger problems, such as chronic bad breath, sores along the gum line, loose teeth, and ultimately, tooth loss. In fact, periodontal disease is the number one cause of tooth loss in the world, but at Cambria Smiles, we can help patients well before the infection ever has the chance to get to this point.
How We Handle Gum Disease
After screening a patient’s gums, if we discover any signs of an infection, we may recommend that they undergo what is called a scaling and root planing treatment. What is this? Think of it basically as a dental cleaning that is solely focused on the gums and roots of the teeth.
First, an ultrasonic cleaner is used to remove any built up plaque and tartar along the gum line, and then the rough surfaces of the teeth’s roots are gently smoothed out. This makes plaque much less likely to gather on them in the future, lowering a patient’s chances of reinfection.
Think that you might be suffering from periodontal disease? Contact our practice so we can start protecting your smile today!
Gum Disease Treatment FAQs
Is Gum Disease a Dental Emergency?
Yes! Gum disease can have serious consequences when left untreated, and only gets worse as time goes on. It’s best to address it as soon as possible so you can avoid long-term effects like bone or tissue damage and tooth loss.
When you call our office with concerns about gum disease, we’ll help you schedule the next available appointment.
Are There Any Risk Factors Associated with Gum Disease?
There are many risk factors for gum disease. The most common one we see is poor oral hygiene, but it would be an understatement to say that this condition is a complicated one. Here are some other risk factors that can contribute:
Older folks are statistically more likely to develop gum disease, partially due to medical conditions that negatively affect the immune system.
Tobacco products. Smoking and other tobacco-related habits damage and irritate oral tissue, which makes it easier for bacteria to infect the gums.
Your genes can actually impact the bacteria content in your mouth and influence how well your body responds to inflammation. Some people have a genetic predisposition for gum disease, while others are uncannily resilient against it.
The hormonal fluctuations that pregnancy causes increase the risk of gum disease.
Certain medical conditions. The blood sugar shifts associated with diabetes, for example, contributes to gum disease, as does the inflammation that goes along with rheumatoid arthritis.
If one or more of these factors applies to you, it’s a good idea to tell your dentist so they can help you develop an effective preventive plan.
What’s the Best Way to Prevent Gum Disease?
Since poor oral hygiene is the number one cause of gum disease, the best thing you can do to prevent it is brush your teeth twice daily and floss at least once per day. Biannual checkups and cleanings can also help by allowing us to eliminate plaque and tartar deposits, monitor your dental health, and give you a personalized preventive plan.
Something else you can do, though, is support your immune system by eating a healthy diet, getting plenty of sleep, and managing stress. The better your immune system is able to function, the more effectively it can fight off gum disease!
Is Mouthwash Good for Gum Disease?
It depends. Some mouthwash contains alcohol, which, while being a decent sterilizer, can also dry out your mouth and make gum disease worse. Mouthwash should also never be used as a replacement for brushing and flossing!
Before using any mouthwash product, talk to your dentist in Cambria. We’ll help you determine what’s best for your smile.
How Much Does Gum Disease Treatment Cost?
Gum disease treatment in Cambria can vary in terms of cost. Your overall expenses will ultimately depend on the severity of your condition and the specifics of your treatment plan.
If you have dental insurance, your benefits will likely offset some of the costs after meeting your deductible. If you don’t have dental insurance, you may be interested in our Kleer Membership Program or CareCredit financing.
Rest assured, treatment costs are something we’ll discuss with you in-depth during your consultation.