How Can a Dentist Treat Gum Disease?

Gum disease can be a sneaky but surprisingly preventable condition. Around 80% of the United States population harbors some form of gum disease, which comprises two categories: mild gum disease, or gingivitis, and its more advanced form, periodontitis, or periodontal disease. In its early stages, this condition may not be overly obvious, as the bacteria that cause infection and decay are invisible.

But if professional treatment is not sought out, the bacteria can cause further infection, decay, and damage, potentially causing gum recession, loose teeth, or even injury to the jawbone. Plus, gum disease is linked to major, potentially fatal conditions throughout the body, including heart disease and strokes.

Fortunately, Dr. Patrick V. Nicosia and our experienced dental team are here for you. And with routine check-ups and our suite of advanced treatments, we can keep you in tip-top oral health in Houston, TX. So, contact Patrick V. Nicosia D.D.S., M.S., Inc. today to schedule an appointment.

What is gum disease?

The milder form of gum disease, gingivitis, is marked by the accumulation of plaque, a thin, invisible bacterial coating on the teeth. If left to their own devices, the bacteria multiply, spread, and cause enamel erosion as they feed off the sugars left on our teeth, producing acids that wear away tooth enamel. As the whiter enamel erodes, it reveals the tough yellowish dentin that makes up most of the bulk of the tooth. Our clinically proven techniques can remove this bacterial coating before it becomes a more severe threat.

If plaque is ignored, it hardens and becomes tartar or calcified plaque. This tartar may be impossible to remove through at-home efforts and may require in-office intervention, such as scaling and root planing, to stave off further damage, infection, and gum recession. Because as the gums continue to recede, the bacteria and decay move downward, attacking the tooth roots and potentially necessitating tooth extraction and, eventually, jawbone damage.

How can our experienced dentists treat gum disease?

Detection is key, and we can create a detailed image of your mouth using various cutting-edge imaging options, including cone beam CT and intraoral cameras. With such comprehensive sensing technologies, we can spot even the earliest signs of gum disease and decay. And preemptive action is always more efficient, more convenient, and less time-and-money consuming.

We also offer a wide variety of gum-disease-busting oral health services, including less-invasive treatments such as an Allen Tunnel Technique for patients seeking a more noninvasive approach. Additionally, our state-of-the-art periodontic and dental technology (and expertise) can yield the most effective, easiest patient outcomes yet.

For example, our X-Guide® live-time computer-navigated procedures are, as the name suggests, orchestrated by top technology to help you achieve your best, most comfortable possible results. Plus, our various surgical options and guided bone regeneration can correct and reverse more severe cases of gum disease to preserve your gums, teeth, and jawbone.

Protect your smile, dental wellness, and overall health

Treating gum disease is one of our specialties at Patrick V. Nicosia D.D.S., M.S., Inc., and we offer many in-office services to give you a healthy, spectacular smile. In addition to our in-office care, we're thrilled to offer you and your family tips, tricks, and personalized strategies so you can maintain oral health and stave off gum disease at home through optimal hygiene habits.

And you can protect your long-term dental wellness by contacting us and scheduling a consultation with Dr. Patrick V. Nicosia in Houston, TX. Treating and preventing gum disease goes beyond a dazzling smile and daily dental comfort. Timely treatment can improve your overall outcome, as gum disease is linked with significant illnesses or issues, including diabetes, heart disease, strokes, respiratory problems, and osteoporosis.