How We Treat Periodontal Disease

Periodontal disease is unfortunately not curable. If you are one of the 80% of Americans who harbor some level of gum disease, thorough treatment is still the best course of action for halting the progression of periodontal infections, even if they won’t go away entirely. Gingivitis is the beginning stage of the condition. Left untreated, as…

Periodontal disease is unfortunately not curable. If you are one of the 80% of Americans who harbor some level of gum disease, thorough treatment is still the best course of action for halting the progression of periodontal infections, even if they won’t go away entirely. Gingivitis is the beginning stage of the condition. Left untreated, as the condition worsens, gum recession, tooth sensitivity, and jawbone deterioration are all likely symptoms. Gum tissues may bleed during brushing, become inflamed, appear deep red or purple in hue, or feel extremely sensitive to the touch. Part of treating gum disease includes good�oral hygiene and frequent dental cleanings.

The Progression of Gum Disease

Gingivitis will not simply go away. Catching the early signs of periodontal disease and treating the condition immediately will prevent severe gum disease from developing. Ignoring gingivitis leads to a sharp decline in your oral health which could result in painful Ð’?periodontal pockets. These pockets form when infection infiltrates the gum tissues, creating a separation between the tooth and jaw. Eventually, teeth will loosen and Ð’?fall out entirely.

Gingivitis Treatment in Knoxville

Treating gingivitis requires frequent dental cleanings. �Dr. Erpenbach�and our dental team will make sure plaque buildup is safely cleaned away. If gum disease is severe enough, scaling and root planing (often referred to as a “deep cleaning”) may be necessary. Additionally, we will offer you advice on the best ways to thoroughly floss, brush, and care for your teeth at home.

More about Scaling and Root Planing

Scaling and root planing is a deep cleaning method with high success rates for treating gum disease and stopping the spread to healthy gum tissues, tooth roots, and the alveolar bone. The procedure may require a local anesthetic for comfort, but is generally quite simple. Special dental tools are implemented to remove bacteria from along the infected gum tissue and below the gumline for a fresh start. Now it’s up to you to keep up with all of your preventive dental efforts.

Treating Gum Disease in Knoxville

Knoxville dentist, Dr. Jim Erpenbach, offers patients quality dental care to help restore dental health and prevent devastating tooth loss. For more information or to schedule a dental cleaning at our Knoxville dentist office, contact our friendly office staff at 865-584-8630.Ð’?We proudly serve patients fromÐ’?West Knoxville and the Bearden area of Knoxville.

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