Gum Disease Overview from Desert Valley Dental
Reno, Sparks, Sun Valley, Stead, Damonte
Our team of dentists and our highly trained and experienced hygienists work together to give our patients improved oral health through gum disease treatment and maintenance cleanings. Desert Valley Dental offers care for gum disease at each of our locations — Stead, Reno, Sparks, Damonte Ranch, and Sun Valley. We treat various periodontal concerns and educate patients how to best care for the soft tissue area surrounding their teeth. We strive to make periodontal, or gum disease treatment, a kinder, gentler process.
How does gum disease start?
When plaque is left on the teeth it turns to calculus (tartar). Plaque and tartar build and will travel under the gums to destroy the soft tissue, tooth roots, and bone below. Once the disease has traveled beneath the gum line, professional deep cleaning and maintenance is the only way to stop the progression of the condition and prevent tooth loss.
When visual symptoms are recognizable, it is time for immediate periodontal care:
- Red and/or swollen gums
- Bleeding gum during normal eating or brushing routines
- Pus located along the gum line
- Receding gums
- Persistent bad breath
- Tender or painful gums
The Progression of Gum Disease
Many people have gum disease and don’t even know it. The early stage, gingivitis, may not have visual signs or painful symptoms for patients to catch on their own. If left alone, periodontal disease will work its way under the gum line to attack the soft tissue, roots, and bone that support your dentition. In advanced periodontitis, patients are at risk of tooth loss and infection continuing its way through the bloodstream.
Research suggests that periodontal disease is linked to diseases such as stroke, bacterial pneumonia, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and increased risk during pregnancy. Smoking and oral tobacco use also increase the risk of gum disease as will the use of certain medications. It is important for patients to discuss their overall health and medication with their dentists to ensure that your personalized gum disease treatment plan can target all of your needs.
Treat Your Gums Right
Good oral hygiene, a balanced diet, not smoking, and regular dental visits will help to prevent potential periodontal disease.
Early detection is also an important part of successfully treating periodontal disease. Routine dental visits will work to remove excess plaque and calculus form your teeth, keep an eye on receding gums, and inspect your mouth for signs of periodontal troubles.
For patients who are diagnosed with periodontitis, deep cleaning will eradicate the disease and maintenance cleanings (three to four per year) will help keep the damaged soft tissue healthy and prevent reinfection as a healthy bite and beautiful teeth rely on good oral health.
Contact Us Today
If you have periodontal concerns or questions about signs and symptoms of gum disease, call our the Desert Valley Dental team right away at (775) 66SMILE to make an appointment. You can schedule your gum disease treatment at any of our five locations in Stead, Sun Valley, Reno, Damonte Ranch, and Sparks and receive exceptional dental care.
