Irvine Gum Treatment
Gum disease is a serious health risk. It is the leading cause of tooth loss in adults, can result in the loss of bone in your jaw or skull, and is associated with numerous health risks. Your daily oral hygiene routine is your best defense against gum disease, but if you are beginning to suffer gum disease, gum treatment can stop gum disease and even reverse some of the damage it causes.
If you suffer from bleeding gums, receding gums, or loose teeth, you will benefit from getting gum treatment as soon as possible. Please call (949) 551-5902 or email Rice Dentistry in Irvine, California today to schedule an appointment.
Some people may not necessarily have gum disease but they have a gummy smile that they are displeased with and would like to see more of their teeth when they smile. For these people we offer a crown lengthening procedure which will give them the smile they desire.
What Is Gum Disease?
The bacteria that live in your mouth can cause cavities, but they can also cause gum disease. Saliva can kill these bacteria, but they band together in films called plaque for protection. As colonies of bacteria collect in the pockets around your teeth, the acid they excrete damages your gums as well as your teeth. This enlarges the pocket, providing shelter for more bacteria. Above the pocket, calcified bacteria deposits, known as tartar, provide additional protection.
The acid excreted by larger colonies of bacteria not only damage your gums, they can damage your tooth root and even your jawbone, resulting in loose teeth and, eventually, tooth loss. And if you lose teeth to gum disease, you may not be able to receive the best tooth replacement option, dental implants.
Gum disease is a danger not just to your teeth, but to your overall health. It has been associated with other health conditions, such as:
- Heart disease
- Premature birth
- Low birth weight
In addition, gum disease increases your body’s overall bacteria load, which can make it harder for your body to fight off other diseases or infections. You may experience more colds and be more susceptible to food poisoning than other people. You may also be more likely to get acne or infected ingrown hairs.
Preventing Gum Disease
The best way to prevent gum disease is by performing your daily oral hygiene: brushing and flossing. Dr. Scott L. Rice may also recommend that you use an antibacterial rinse. You should also visit our office every six months for preventative dental care.
We can test the DNA of bacteria in your mouth to determine how much bacteria you have that can cause minor gingivitis or more serious gum disease. We can also determine whether you are genetically more susceptible to serious forms of gum disease and test you for oral and throat cancer risk.
What Is Periodontal Therapy?
Periodontal therapy is another name for gum disease treatment. If gum disease has progressed to the point that it threatens your teeth, immediate action must be taken. In gum disease, the pockets around your teeth will be cleaned out of bacteria and sterilized to prevent bacteria’s return. We use a completely nonsurgical gum disease treatment for your comfort. Microsonics are used to clean away the hardened plaque, so there’s no scraping. A laser is used to clean out the pockets, removing bacteria and infected tissue. Then Arestin® periodontal therapy microspheres are placed in the pocket. These microspheres release antibiotics over time, exactly where you need it, killing periodontal bacteria and helping your gums to heal.
Don’t suffer with gum disease. Please call (949) 551-5902 or email Rice Dentistry’s office in Irvine, California today for a gum treatment appointment.