Periodontics

What Is Gum Disease?

Gum disease, also called periodontal disease, is an inflammation of the gums and tissues surrounding the teeth. The first stage of gum disease is gingivitis, which can cause your gums to look red, swollen, and bleed while you’re brushing or flossing. When diagnosed early, it’s possible to reverse the effects of gingivitis before it progresses to an advanced stage.

If left untreated, gum disease can lead to periodontitis, a serious gum infection that can cause the gums to pull away from the teeth and destroys the bone and surrounding tissues that support your teeth. It can even cause your teeth to loosen, leading to eventual tooth loss. Gum disease is the primary cause of tooth loss for adults.

What Is a Gum Disease Specialist?

A periodontist is a gum disease expert who completes two to three years of specialized training in the diagnosis and treatment of gum disease and techniques such as dental implants, lip repositioning, and gum contouring. To schedule a consultation for periodontics in Gainesville, call Tioga Dental & Orthodontics at Tioga Town Center today to speak with a member of our friendly staff.

What Does a Gum Disease Expert Do?

A gum disease specialist focuses on the diagnosis and treatment of conditions affecting the gums and other soft tissues. Take a look at some of the periodontal services we provide:

Gum disease treatment

Our mouths contain bacteria, and periodontal disease is caused by the bacteria found in dental plaque. Plaque is the sticky film that forms on your teeth over time. Daily brushing and flossing can remove plaque, but it forms very quickly. When plaque isn’t removed, it can accumulate on your teeth and form a substance called tartar, which can only be removed by a dentist or dental hygienist.

When plaque and tartar are left on teeth, they become much more harmful and can start to attack tooth enamel, leading to cavities. They can also damage the gums and soft tissue around the teeth, causing inflamed, red gums that bleed when you brush and floss. Over time, they can break down the bone in your jaw and cause the gums to pull away from teeth. Maintaining good oral hygiene at home and seeing your dentist regularly for professional cleanings can prevent and treat the early stages of gum disease.

Dental implants

Dental implants are a long-lasting treatment option used to replace a missing tooth. The implant post looks very similar to a screw and is surgically attached to the jawbone to mimic the root of a natural tooth. Implants provide a secure foundation for a natural-looking crown, denture, or bridge. They also help prevent the jawbone from deteriorating, helping you maintain the natural shape of your jawline.

Crown lengthening

This procedure is performed by our skilled periodontist in Gainesville to reshape the gum tissue so more tooth surface is exposed. The crown of a tooth is the part that you can see right above the gum line, and there are several reasons why a person might choose this procedure. For example, it may be performed to reveal more tooth surface so a denture or a bracket for braces can be attached. Many people also choose this treatment for cosmetic reasons, in an effort to even out the gum line for a more confident smile.

Gummy smile surgery

If you’re unhappy with your smile because you show too much gum tissue, gum contouring can help create a more flattering smile. During the procedure, the gums are reshaped to create an even gumline.

Soft tissue graft/gum graft

If your gums are receding to the point where the root of the tooth is exposed, gum grafting is needed to restore lost gum tissue. During the procedure, our periodontist will remove a small amount of tissue from the roof of your mouth, or palate, and use this healthy tissue to build up gum tissue. This prevents the gums from receding further and reduces the chance of bone loss in the jaw.

Oral cancer diagnosis and oral pathology

Oral cancer is a very serious condition that can remain undiagnosed without producing noticeable symptoms until it’s reached an advanced stage. Our periodontist in Gainesville can perform an oral cancer screening to carefully check for the early signs of oral cancer, such as mouth sores, swollen lymph nodes, problems swallowing, and difficulty chewing. If oral cancer is suspected, tissue samples are gathered and sent to a lab for an accurate diagnosis. If necessary, we’ll also discuss your treatment options.

Whether you’re showing the early signs of gum disease or if you have periodontitis, our periodontists can help you resolve existing issues and help you regain a healthy, beautiful smile. To schedule an appointment with one of the best specialists in periodontics in Gainesville, call our office today at (352) 436-4215.