Gum disease is one of the most serious dental conditions affecting patients of all ages. It is the leading cause of tooth loss! Gum disease also has links to many other chronic health conditions such as diabetes, heart disease, stroke, premature birth, and even low birth weight.
At our Columbia, SC dental office, we focus on managing periodontal health through preventive care and conservative treatments that stop the spread of gum disease and improve oral health.
Healthy gums support healthy teeth! Untreated gum disease weakens the gum tissue and can affect the integrity of the teeth. Dr. Trinkner works with patients on an individual basis to address their unique risk factors for gum disease and educate them on the benefits of maintaining gum health for overall physical well-being.
What You Need to Know About Gum Disease
Gum disease is a serious and often overlooked oral health issue that can cause missing teeth, weakened jaw structure, and even damage to the arch of your mouth. Everyone is at risk for gum disease, though some have a higher risk because of family history, health factors, or other reasons.
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 do not experience any obvious signs or symptoms until the advanced stages. It is important that patients visit the dentist at least twice a year so that our dental care team can screen for evidence 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 and Dr. keefer offer several treatment options for gum disease, depending on your symptoms. Our dentists in Columbia, SC use 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 advanced gum disease, or 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 as well as beautiful, healthy gums. If you are unhappy with the appearance of your smile or if you have a “gummy” smile, Dr. Trinkner may recommend a gum lift to reshape the gums and enhance the look of the smile. Also known as crown lengthening, this type of procedure can dramatically improve the appearance of your smile.
Periodontal Therapy FAQs
Here we will answer some of your questions regarding gum and periodontal disease. With this information in hand, you’ll have the tools needed to keep your gums healthy for years to come.
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.
Schedule a Periodontal 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.