Treatment for gum disease with laser therapy in Riverview, FL

Infections in your gums can cause bad breath, receding gums, pain and sensitivity in your teeth, and eventually tooth loss. Because your gum tissue doesn’t regenerate the same way as other soft tissues in your body, gum disease requires prompt treatment before there is irreversible damage. The dentists at Inspiration Dental in Riverview, FL, offer gum disease treatment using dental lasers to reduce patient discomfort and restore healthy gums and teeth.

The progression of gum disease 

Gum disease is caused by pathogenic bacteria in your mouth. As they feed, they form acids and a sticky biofilm known as plaque. The acids wear down tooth enamel and help plaque to stick in place, where it will harden and form tartar. Tartar acts as a protective barrier for the bacteria, and it’s impossible to remove without the help of a dentist. Meanwhile, these same bacteria produce swelling in the gums, which causes them to pull away from your teeth and allow the bacteria to hide in tiny pockets below your gum line.

In the early stage, gum disease is known as gingivitis. You may notice bad breath, swollen or red gums, or bleeding when you brush or chew certain foods. As the tartar forms under your gum line, the bacteria can infect the bone, ligaments, and soft tissues in your mouth, causing irreversible damage. This advanced form of gum disease is known periodontitis, and it is more difficult to treat.

Gingivitis and periodontitis treatment

Gum disease is preventable with good oral hygiene, routine dental cleanings, and with good eating habits. Even so, gum disease is one of the most common chronic conditions that affect adults, and the older you get, the more likely you’ll deal with it.Traditionally, gingivitis and periodontitis are treated using scaling and root planing. This treatment is a long, sometimes uncomfortable process where the dental team scrapes tartar and plaque from underneath your gum line. Dual-wavelength laser light therapy offers a more efficient alternative that doesn’t require any scraping or prodding in your gums.  

Dental lasers can eliminate bacteria in gingival pockets and warm the cells responsible for healing to stimulate gum reattachment. Laser therapy can reverse periodontal disease and, in many cases, avoid the need for gum surgery. Once the infection is clear, our team will work with you to prevent gum disease from recurring and protect your smile for years to come. Contact our office in Riverview, FL, today at (813) 638-0313 to schedule an appointment and prevent complications from gum disease. 

Gum Disease

Gum Disease

Video Transcript

The 3 stages of gum disease are gingivitis, periodontitis, and advanced periodontitis. Gingivitis is caused by toxins irritating the gum line as a result of plaque buildup. Signs and symptoms of gingivitis includes swelling, sensitivity, and bleeding of the gums during brushing and flossing. Gingivitis can be easily reversed through professional care and good home oral hygiene. Periodontitis is categorized by irreversible bone loss that results from untreated gingivitis. The gums may begin to form a pocket below the gum line which traps food and plaque. Dental treatment and home care can help prevent from further damage, but at this stage, the results are not reversible. Advanced periodontitis is when the fibers and bones supporting the teeth destroyed. This may cause teeth to shift or loosen. Teeth may have to be removed depending on how advanced the disease has become and if treatments are not effective. You can begin by preventing gum disease with good oral health. Pick up a brochure or ask your dentist today.

DR. JANIS MILNE

Dr. Janis Milne is dedicated to providing high-quality dental care for patients while focusing on preventing dental problems. She obtained her Doctor of Dental Surgery degree from the prestigious University of Toronto, Faculty of Dentistry before completing an Advanced Education in General Dentistry (AEGD) at Nova Southeastern University in Ft. Lauderdale. She continues to further her education by attending various dental programs. She loves helping her patients achieve their best smiles while dealing with their fears, concerns, and expectations.

DR. ROSIE KICKISH

Dr. Rosalia (Rosie) Kickish earned her Doctor of Dental Medicine degree from the James B. Edwards College of Dental Medicine at the Medical University of South Carolina and completed her AEGD at the University of Florida in Seminole. She has experience working at several dental practices before joining Inspiration Dental.

DR. ROSIE KICKISH

Dr. Rosalia (Rosie) Kickish earned her Doctor of Dental Medicine degree from the James B. Edwards College of Dental Medicine at the Medical University of South Carolina and completed her AEGD at the University of Florida in Seminole. She has experience working at several dental practices before joining Inspiration Dental.