Gentle Care Dentistry & Implants
General Dentist & Dental Implant Provider located in Sierra Vista, AZ
Periodontal Care in Sierra Vista, AZ
Caring Periodontal Treatment With Dr. Hales
Untreated gum disease can damage your smile and result in severe health conditions. Don’t let oral infection ruin your beautiful smile— trust the best dentist in Sierra Vista, AZ, for personalized periodontal care. By utilizing their years of experience and education, Dr. Hales can restore your smile’s health and stop gum disease at its source.
Schedule your periodontal treatment consultation today by calling our Sierra Vista dental office at (520) 458-9460 or filling out our convenient online contact form. We look forward to helping you on your journey to better oral health!
Protect Your Healthy Gums With Our Sierra Vista Dentist
If your gums feel sore or inflamed when you brush or floss, it may indicate periodontal (gum) disease, an oral infection that can impact your overall well-being if left unchecked. At Gentle Care Dentistry & Implants, Dr. Kent Hales offers patient-oriented treatment for gum disease.
Our Sierra Vista, AZ family dentist is here to help you improve and maintain the health of your gums. We’ve helped countless patients from Huachuca City, Whetstone, and Cochise County restore their smiles. Discover the signs of gum disease and when you should seek professional dental treatment.
What is Gum Disease?
What is Gum Disease?Periodontal (gum) disease is an infection of the gums’ soft tissues, usually caused by poor oral hygiene. As plaque and tartar accumulate, unhealthy bacteria harden onto the gums and begin attacking the tissue.
There are three main stages of gum disease:
- Gingivitis: This early stage may not come with noticeable symptoms, but undergoing early treatment is your best shot at eliminating the infection. Dr. Hales can detect gingivitis at routine dental checkups and provide treatment.
- Periodontitis: This stage develops when gingivitis is left unchecked. Periodontitis is typically accompanied by painful symptoms like bleeding, and swollen gums as plaque begin to attack the soft tissues of your mouth.
- Advanced Periodontitis: Failing to address gum disease will result in advanced periodontitis, which causes irreversible damage. Teeth may become loose as gums recede and jawbone mass depletes, typically requiring surgical intervention.
Signs and Symptoms of Gum Disease
Signs of gum disease may not be as noticeable in the early stages, so it’s crucial to maintain good oral hygiene. If you experience any of the following symptoms, it may indicate periodontal disease:
- Gaps or spaces between the teeth
- Teeth shifting positions
- Consistent bad breath (halitosis)
- Red, tender, or swollen gums
- Bleeding gums when brushing and flossing
- Pain when chewing
- Receding gum line
Gum Disease Treatment: Scaling & Root Planing
Scaling & root planing, also known as deep cleaning, can reverse mild periodontal disease. When our dentist in Sierra Vista performs a full-mouth evaluation, he’ll determine if a deep cleaning is necessary for your oral health.
- Scaling is the process of removing built-up bacteria above and below the gumline using specialized dental tools. Our dentist ensures a close clean, efficiently removing plaque and tartar from your smile. Scaling also helps decrease your chances of reinfection.
- Root planing is typically performed after scaling. This treatment smooths out any rough spots and pockets where the infection is more likely to occur while removing any remaining plaque from the root. Root planing helps your gums reattach to your teeth following infection and gum recession.
Frequently Asked Questions
Unfortunately, periodontal disease won’t resolve itself and will worsen if left untreated. It’s crucial to seek early treatment for gum disease to increase your chances of reversing its effects. Any damage after gingivitis may be irreversible, and complications from untreated periodontitis can include:
- Irreversible tooth damage
- Tooth loss
- Gum recession
- Diabetes
- Heart disease
- Pneumonia
If caught in its early stages, the effects of gum disease can be reversed. By detecting gingivitis before it has a chance to progress, your dentist can effectively “cure” your periodontal disease. Attending routine dental exams and cleanings allows your dentist to monitor your oral health for signs of underlying problems.
Preventing gum disease is as simple as maintaining good oral hygiene and visiting your dentist every six months for regular checkups. Your dental hygienist will use special dental tools to remove built-up plaque and bacteria before they can wreak havoc on your oral health. Your dentist will also evaluate your teeth and gums for any signs of underlying conditions, providing personalized treatment if necessary.
Yes, dental insurance typically covers the cost of gum disease treatment. You should contact your insurance provider beforehand to better understand your plan’s benefits. Your dentist will provide a cost breakdown of your periodontal treatment at your initial consultation.