Gum disease is a big deal because it’s one of the most serious dental problems out there. It can also affect people of all ages. In fact, it’s the number one reason people lose their teeth! Gum disease is also connected to other health issues like diabetes, heart disease, and strokes. It can even cause problems during pregnancy, like premature birth or low birth weight.
Dr. Tom Trinkner is all about keeping your gums healthy at our Columbia, SC, dental office. We focus on preventive care and gentle treatments that stop gum disease from getting worse.
We know that healthy gums are the foundation for healthy teeth. If gum disease isn’t treated, it can weaken your gums and even damage the teeth they support. Dr. Trinkner takes the time to work with each patient individually to help them understand their personal risk factors for gum disease. He will help you address gum issues and keep your gums healthy in the long run.
So, if you’re worried about your gums or just want to make sure they’re in great shape, we’re here to help. Let’s work together to keep your gums strong and healthy.
What You Need to Know About Gum Disease
Gum disease is a serious and often overlooked oral health issue. It can cause missing teeth, weakened jaw structure, and even damage to the arch of your mouth. Everyone is at risk for gum disease, but some have a higher risk because of family history, health factors, or medical conditions.
There is a broad spectrum of periodontal disease. However, we categorize them into three stages: gingivitis, periodontitis, and advanced periodontitis. Gingivitis is the inflammation of the gums. During this stage, you have constant bad breath and your gums bleed every time you brush your teeth.
Periodontitis begins when the disease spreads to the bone, and other support structures of the tooth. Advanced periodontitis is very noticeable as your teeth might feel loose and begin to die and fall out.
Gum disease is a silent disease because many patients don’t have any obvious signs or symptoms until the advanced stages. Patients should visit the dentist at least twice a year for our dental care team to check for signs of gum disease. Some of the more common symptoms include:
- Sore gums or bleeding gums
- Receding gums
- Loose teeth, changes to the fit of the bite or dentures
- Bad breath
Gum Disease Treatment in Columbia, SC
Dr. Trinkner offers several treatment options for gum disease in Columbia, SC. He uses ultrasonic tools that deliver treatment that is highly conservative as well as comfortable. We use ultrasonic scaling tools to remove plaque and tartar from the deep pockets of the gums without harming gum tissue or tooth enamel.
We may refer patients who have periodontitis to a periodontist for more intense treatment or surgery. Dr. Trinkner will work with the periodontist to coordinate a treatment plan that will treat the gum disease. Then he will repair the damage that gum disease leaves behind by restoring your damaged teeth and replacing your lost teeth.
Cosmetic Gum Surgery
A beautiful smile has beautiful teeth and healthy gums. If you’re unhappy with how your smile looks or if you have a “gummy” smile, Dr. Trinkner may recommend a gum lift. Gum lifts reshape the gums to enhance the look of your smile. Also known as crown lengthening, this procedure can drastically boost how great your smile looks.
Periodontal Therapy FAQs
Here we will answer some of your questions about gum and periodontal disease. With this information in hand, you’ll be able to maintain healthy gums long-term.
Does Gum Treatment Cause Gum Irritation?
No, your gum treatments for periodontal disease will not cause gum irritation. Think of periodontal therapy as a deep massage for your gums. After treatment, your gums will feel refreshed and healthy. They may be a little tender and sensitive at first, but no irritation will occur.
Will Periodontal Therapy Cause Gums to Recede?
No, treatment for bleeding gums will not drastically change your gum line. Periodontal therapy actually promotes healthy gum growth. After we remove the unhealthy gum tissue, we create room for your gums to grow back healthier than ever.
Can Gum Disease Cause Oral Cancer?
Gum disease creates a large opportunity for bacteria to penetrate your bloodstream. If left unchecked, gum disease can progress and contribute to other health issues, including oral cancer. Your dentist can accurately diagnose your chances of getting oral cancer.
Can Gum Disease be Cured Completely?
You can reverse early-stage gingivitis with proper treatment and good oral hygiene. However, you can only manage more advanced stages, or periodontitis, not fully cure it. Regular dental care and maintenance are key to keeping it under control.
How Long Does Gum Disease Treatment Take?
The length of treatment depends on the severity of your gum disease. Early-stage treatments like cleanings and scaling may take one or two visits, while more advanced cases could require multiple appointments or ongoing care.
Is Gum Disease Treatment Painful?
Most patients find gum disease treatment to be comfortable, especially with modern tools like ultrasonic scalers. If you have sensitive gums, your dentist can use local anesthesia to ensure you’re comfortable during the procedure.
Can Children Get Gum Disease?
Yes, children can develop gum disease if they don’t take care of their teeth. However, it’s less common for kids to develop severe forms like periodontitis. Regular dental check-ups can help catch and treat gum issues early.
Can I Get Gum disease Even if I Brush and Floss Regularly?
While good oral hygiene reduces your risk, other factors can still increase your chances of getting gum disease. Genetics, medications, health conditions, and diabetes can contribute to the issues. Regular dental visits are essential for catching it early.
Are There any Side Effects of Treatment?
Most patients experience little to no side effects after treatment. Some may have mild sensitivity or tenderness in the gums for a day or two, but this usually goes away quickly. Your dentist will provide aftercare instructions to help you recover comfortably.
Schedule an Exam and Consultation Today
Are you looking for a way to improve your oral health and keep your teeth and gums strong? If so, scheduling a periodontal consultation with our experienced dentists is a great first step. Call us at 803-400-8729 to schedule a consultation, or request an appointment online.