Learn more about Gum Disease Treatment: Causes , Treatment & Prevention

Gingivitis is a mild type of periodontal disease. It causes gums to become red, swollen, and easily bleed. At this point, there is typically little to no discomfort.

A destructive bite is indicated by symptoms such as tooth wear, looseness, spacing, or movement of teeth, and pain in the jaw joint (TMJ).

Yes, gum diseases are treatable. If gum diseases are diagnosed at the right time and given appropriate treatment with good compliance from your side, gum diseases are reversible.

Laser therapy is mostly pain-free. Typically, local anesthetics are used to keep you comfortable during the procedure. If you feel anxious, you can ask Dr. Adatrow for sedation dentistry options.

A dentist who specializes in the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of periodontal disease and the insertion of dental implants is a periodontist. Periodontists are also specialists in the diagnosis of oral inflammation. Periodontists undergo rigorous training in these fields, including three additional years of training after dental school.

The gingival pocket is a gap formed between the tooth and the gum, which causes the gum to swell leading to gum disease. The development of these pockets is due, to the deposition of plaque at the gum line and progressing under the gum.

1. Reduces gum recession and bone loss.
2. Covers exposed roots and protects them from decay.
3. Reduces tooth sensitivity.
4. Improves your smile.
5. Increases confidence.

Laser periodontal treatment is the latest advanced technology for treating gum diseases. It is a less invasive technique than standard gum surgery and uses laser technology to gently remove diseased tissue and harmful bacteria from the gums while preserving the height of the gum tissue around the teeth.

In cases of gum recession caused by gum disease, a gum graft surgery can help correct these defects. During this procedure, Dr. Adatrow can extract gum tissue from your palate or from another donor source to cover the exposed root. This procedure can be done for one tooth or multiple teeth.

Scaling and Root Planing (SRP) is a periodontal cleaning procedure that reaches below the gumline to scale deep-seated plaque and tartar deposits away. During this treatment, the root surface is smoothened to eliminate irregularities and bacterial toxins. It is a non-surgical gum treatment that enables gum tissue to recover and reconnect to the tooth.

Gingivectomy or gingivoplasty involves the removal of excess gum tissue to eliminate periodontal pockets or improve the visibility of teeth. Excess gum tissue can occur as a side effect of certain medications like anticonvulsants and antihypertensives. This technique is also referred to as esthetic crown lengthening.

Laser gum treatment is suitable for almost everyone, except for those with highly severe periodontal disease or severe general health issues. Dr. Adatrow will assess your oral and medical health and recommend the optimal treatment for your condition.

No. We adhere to strict guidelines on the use of various wavelengths and power levels to ensure a safe and comfortable experience. Moreover, Dr. Adatrow is an expert in laser treatments, so you are in safe hands.

Mild exposure of the tooth root can often be covered after traditional or laser gum surgery. However, for severe exposure, a gum graft surgery may be recommended. Dr. Adatrow will suggest the best treatment based on the severity of your oral health condition.

No. We adhere to strict guidelines on the use of various wavelengths and power levels to ensure a safe and comfortable experience. Moreover, Dr. Adatrow is an expert in laser treatments, so you are in safe hands.

Osseous surgery, also known as a periodontal pocket reduction procedure, is a common surgical technique used to treat advanced periodontal disease. This procedure smoothens the irregularities in the underlying bone, helping to restore oral health.

1. Decreased pocket depth
2. Improved brushing as a toothbrush can reach more areas
3. Greater comfort during teeth cleaning at a dental office
4. Fresher breath
5. Reduced gum bleeding
6. Overall healthier mouth

Osseous surgery is recommended when periodontal pockets are too deep to clean effectively with regular oral hygiene and professional treatment. Healthy bone and gum tissue should fit snugly around the teeth, creating a barrier against bacteria. Osseous surgery helps establish this protective cover.

Yes, sedation can help reduce anxiety and allow Dr. Adatrow to treat you more effectively. You must share your medical history with Dr. Adatrow to determine the best sedation option for you.

A bone graft replaces lost bone in the jaw. If the upper jaw lacks teeth or bone, a bone graft can stimulate bone growth, reshaping the jaw and preparing it for dental implants.

You will likely experience some pain after osseous surgery, so taking painkillers is essential. You may be advised to take 400-600 mg of ibuprofen every 6-8 hours. If you cannot take ibuprofen, Tylenol® is an alternative. For more severe pain, Dr. Adatrow may prescribe Vicodin and an antibiotic to control infection. If severe pain persists, or you encounter other issues after the surgery, please contact us.

The types of gum treatments are non-surgical treatments, surgical treatments, and laser treatments.

• Non-surgical treatments are scaling, root planing, and antibiotic delivery
• Surgical treatments are gum graft surgery, gingivectomy, dental crown lengthening, and osseous surgery.
• Laser treatments are the surgical gum disease treatments done with laser

Occlusion refers to the relationship between the upper and lower teeth. Ideally, your bite should align so that no single tooth endures excessive pressure. Misaligned bite, teeth alignment issues, or improper occlusion can lead to several problems, including temporomandibular joint disorder (TMJ) or TMD.

Bite therapy is a collection of procedures designed to address specific dental needs. At Advanced Dental Implant and TMJ Center, Dr. Adatrow will evaluate your oral health and may recommend occlusal adjustment, periodontal treatment, mouth guards, tooth splinting, or full mouth restoration.

1. Realigns your upper and lower arches
2. Improves harmony between teeth
3. Reduces temporomandibular joint pain (TMJ)
4. Alleviates headaches, neck, and shoulder pain
5. Prevents damage to teeth, gums, and underlying bones
6. Enhances chewing efficiency

A destructive bite occurs when the alignment of your upper and lower teeth compromises dental health. Bruxism (teeth grinding) and jaw clenching can damage your teeth by applying excessive pressure, potentially leading to fractures or broken teeth.

Research indicates that periodontal disease is more prevalent in men, with an incidence rate of 56.4% compared to 38.4% in women. This means that out of every 10 adult men, 5 are affected by gum diseases.

According to the CDC, half of Americans aged 30 years or older have periodontitis, a more advanced form of gum disease. However, gum disease can occur at any age.

Women may experience increased vulnerability to periodontal disease during puberty and pregnancy due to elevated levels of sex hormones such as progesterone and estrogen. Additionally, menopause can contribute to a higher risk of gum disease as hormonal changes may lead to a drier mouth, exacerbating oral health issues.

Menstruation gingivitis is a condition where women experience bleeding gums, bright red and swollen gums, and sores inside the cheek just before their menstrual period. It usually resolves once menstruation begins.

Pregnant women with periodontal disease face a higher risk of delivering a baby prematurely or with low birth weight. While more research is needed, any infection during pregnancy poses a significant risk to the health of both the mother and the baby. Pregnant women should undergo regular gum evaluations to mitigate these risks.

Gum diseases in children often present as bleeding gums, bad breath, puffy (swollen and red) gums, and gums that are receding away from the teeth.

Common types of gum diseases in children include chronic gingivitis and aggressive periodontitis:

1. Chronic gingivitis: Common in infants, causing gum tissue to swell, turn red, and bleed easily.
2. Aggressive periodontitis: Affects otherwise healthy young people with significant loss of alveolar bone. It can be localized (affecting molars and incisors) or generalized (affecting the entire mouth).

Research shows that men with symptoms of periodontal disease such as red, swollen, or sore gums and prostatitis (inflammation of the prostate) have higher levels of PSA (prostate-specific antigen). This suggests a correlation between prostate health and periodontal health.

Studies show that in severe gum disease (periodontitis), bacteria from infected pockets under the gums can enter the bloodstream, potentially causing low-level systemic inflammation throughout the body. This chronic inflammation can elevate the risk of developing general health issues such as heart disease.

Research has shown that bacteria from the oral cavity can be inhaled into the lungs, leading to respiratory diseases such as pneumonia, especially in individuals with periodontal disease.

To prevent gum disease in children:

1. Establish good oral hygiene habits early. Use toothpaste from 12 months old and start flossing when gaps between teeth close.
2. Be a positive role model with good oral hygiene practices.
3. Schedule regular dental appointments for family examinations, including periodontal evaluations and cleaning.
4. Monitor for signs of gum disease such as bleeding gums, swollen and red gums, gums moving away from the teeth, and bad breath.

Research has revealed a bidirectional relationship between diabetes and periodontal disease. Periodontal disease can complicate the management of blood sugar levels in individuals with diabetes. Conversely, those with diabetes are at an increased risk of developing gum disease due to their higher susceptibility to infections. Periodontal disease is sometimes viewed as a complication of poorly controlled diabetes.

Studies have indicated a correlation between periodontitis and osteoporosis, highlighting that bone loss in the jaw due to osteoporosis can contribute to dental loss. The decreased bone density that supports the teeth means that the teeth may no longer have a stable base.

Research has shown that men with gum disease were 49 percent more likely to develop kidney cancer, 54 percent more likely to develop pancreatic cancer, and 30 percent more likely to develop blood cancer.

Several studies have shown that periodontal disease is linked to heart disease. Although a direct causal relationship has not been definitively established, research indicates that gum disease increases the risk of cardiovascular disease. This association is believed to be related to the inflammation caused by periodontal disease.

Gingivitis is an early stage of gum disease that commonly precedes periodontal disease, an advanced form of gum disease. Gingivitis is frequently treated by seeing your dentist for frequent dental cleanings and brushing and flossing your teeth regularly. On the other hand, periodontitis can lead you to lose your adult teeth and even cause facial deformity if you do not receive regular dental care.

Your periodontist will initially educate you on proper oral hygiene. In cases of mild gingivitis, boosting your oral hygiene can reverse the condition and enhance the health of your gums. If the illness has progressed to periodontitis, therapies may include scaling and root planing, laser treatment, and different surgical procedures. Dr. Adatrow will discuss the best choices for your gums with you.

If gingivitis is left untreated the infection progresses next stage called periodontitis. As time progresses, the plaque on the surface of the tooth will spread and grow below the gum line. The toxin produced by the bacteria in the plaque irritates the gums. Toxin induces a persistent inflammatory reaction in which the body attacks itself, and the supporting tissues and bone are destructed. Gums detach from teeth, forming pockets (spaces between teeth and gums) that are infected. As the disease progresses, pockets deepen and more gum tissue and bone are lost. This destructive mechanism also has very mild symptoms. Eventually, the teeth can become loose and need to be removed.

Periodontal disease is reversible, but only in its early stages. Once your dentist eliminates dental plaque at this stage, you may quickly recover your gum health — but you must also brush and floss regularly to keep it at away. Gum disease will not go away entirely after it has progressed to a severe stage, but it can be treated with suitable dental procedures. It’s because advanced periodontal disease causes the loss of support structures around your teeth, like bone. This can be irreversible, but you may be able to rectify it with corrective surgery.

The types of gum treatments are non-surgical treatments, surgical treatments, and laser treatments.

1. Non-surgical treatments include scaling, root planing, and antibiotic delivery.
2. Surgical treatments include gum graft surgery, gingivectomy, dental crown lengthening, and osseous surgery.
3. Laser treatments involve performing surgical gum disease treatments using laser technology.

1. A local anesthetic is administered to numb your gums.
2. Dr. Adatrow will make a small incision around the gumline, then fold the gums back to eliminate bacteria underneath. Any damaged or irregularly shaped bone is then smoothed.
3. If the bone is severely damaged, a bone graft and guided tissue regenerative membranes might be necessary—known as periodontal regeneration techniques.
4. The gums are repositioned and covered with a periodontal dressing to control bleeding.

In osseous surgery, the diseased root and bone are accessed, and the infected gums and bacteria are removed. This reduces periodontal pockets and improves oral health. The procedure also reshapes the gum and jawbone to adhere more closely to the teeth, facilitating better plaque removal. Tooth length and spacing between teeth are enhanced. Post-surgery, some patients may experience reduced temperature sensitivity. During recovery, using toothpaste designed for sensitive teeth may be recommended. If the gum tissue in the front of the mouth is limited, alternative treatments may be considered depending on the extent of the condition.

Osseous surgery is recommended when the bone supporting your teeth is damaged. If scaling and root planing—a non-surgical treatment—fails, osseous surgery may be necessary. This procedure uses incisions and ablation to remove infected gum tissue and damaged bone, creating a healthier environment, slowing the progression of periodontal disease, and improving long-term oral maintenance. The surgery may be performed on specific parts of the mouth or across all affected areas. Staggering treatment times across different mouth regions can minimize complications by reducing tissue damage. Treating all affected areas is crucial, as untreated spots can re-infect treated areas.

Bite therapy can involve one or more of the following procedures:

1. Bite Adjustment (Occlusal Adjustment): Reshaping the biting surfaces of the teeth to reduce friction and improve the bite.
2. Splinting Teeth Together: Using a tooth-colored bonding material to stabilize mobile teeth and aid recovery after periodontal therapy.
3. Braces (Orthodontics): Repositioning malaligned or drifted teeth with braces.
4. Replacing: Updating old or damaged fillings, crowns, etc., to correct the bite.
5. Smile Makeover: Reconstruction of damaged or worn teeth using crowns, bridges, or dental implants.

Misaligned teeth can impact more than just the appearance of your smile. Crooked or crowded teeth can make it challenging to maintain oral hygiene, increasing the risk of gum disease. At Advanced Dental Implant and TMJ Center, we offer gum disease treatment, dental implants, and sedation dentistry. We address not only your smile but also your overall oral health. If you are considering treatments for uneven teeth, remember that misalignment can affect your long-term oral health. Crooked or crowded teeth can complicate brushing and flossing, raising the risk of gum disease. For adults looking to straighten their teeth, options like metal braces and aligners are available. Whether you had braces previously, noticed recent shifts in your teeth, or have an overbite causing pain, there are treatments to explore. Each solution has its own benefits and drawbacks, and your orthodontist will help determine the best option for your specific needs.

To treat bad breath, it is important to identify the cause. However, there are some remedies to alleviate bad breath. The American Dental Association (ADA) recommends the following measures –

• Brush and floss your teeth daily. Remember to clean your tongue, too, to remove bacteria from your surface.
• Get regular dental check-ups and ensure that dentures or braces are correctly fitted and cleaned (and clean dentures thoroughly every night).
• Stop smoking or chewing tobacco.
• Chewing sugarless gum and sugar-free sweets will also prevent the mouth from drying out.
• Keep your mouth moist by drinking water and chewing sugarless gum or sugar-free hard candy to promote the production of saliva. Eat a diet of foods that need to be chewed thoroughly to keep saliva flowing. Foods that need a lot of chewings, such as apples or carrots, are good choices.
• Over-the-counter mouthwash may help kill bad breath causing bacteria and may temporarily mask bad breathing odors but may not treat the underlying cause.
• Over-the-counter mouthwash may help kill bad breath causing bacteria and may temporarily mask bad breathing odors but may not treat the underlying cause.