Knoxville, TN Dentist Explains Stages of Gum Disease

If you heard the news that you had an “incurable disease,” you’d probably feel pretty hopeless. Yet, you may be surprised to know that periodontal (gum) disease is actually not curable. Once you have joined one of the 80% of people in the United States that harbor some form of gum disease, your best hope is to treat and stop the…

If you heard the news that you had an “incurable disease,” you’d probably feel pretty hopeless. Yet, you may be surprised to know that periodontal (gum) disease is actually not curable. Once you have joined one of the 80% of people in the United States that harbor some form of gum disease, your best hope is to treat and stop the infection, though it will not go away completely. Knoxville, TN dentist, Dr. Jim Erpenbach, strives to help patients stop gum disease before it starts. However, if you do receive a periodontal disease diagnosis, there are ways to treat the condition before you have too many severe side effects.

Early Gum Disease: Gingivitis

Early gum disease is also known as gingivitis. You will not always have symptoms with gingivitis, though some report gum tissue that bleeds during brushing and flossing, or discoloration of the gingival tissues. It’s also possible that your gums could feel sensitive to the touch or even achy. Treating gingivitis can involve deep cleanings, meticulous oral hygiene, and supplemental dental-grade mouthwash to control the infection. With early intervention and a proactive attitude, you may be able to prevent early gum disease from going any further.

Severe Gum Disease: Periodontitis

If you should end up with full blown gum disease and you still ignore the condition, you can end up with periodontitis (severe gum disease). One of the side effects of periodontitis are periodontal pockets. These pockets form when germs infiltrate your gum tissues leading to a separation between your gums and jawbone. Gum tissues can recede creating exposure of the usually protected roots of your teeth. Gum recession is often accompanied by tooth sensitivity. Eventually, periodontitis can lead to loose teeth, and even tooth loss.

Treating Gum Disease in Knoxville

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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