Like many people, you may be unaware of the dangers of gum disease. According to the American Academy of Periodontology, this widespread dental disease affects almost three out of four Americans. Without treatment, periodontal disease may worsen until you develop periodontitis, which can cause tooth loss. Your Allen TX periodontist, Dr. Marco Cueva, offers treatment options for patients suffering from gum disease.
Causes and Symptoms of Gum Disease
Over time, bacteria in our mouths can coat the teeth in a sticky layer of plaque. Soon, plaque buildup begins to irritate the gums, leading to gingivitis. The gums pull away from the teeth, exposing pockets at the gum line. Bacteria enter these pockets, causing the onset of gum disease. Common symptoms of periodontal disease include:
- Sore gums
- Red gums
- Gums that bleed easily when brushing or flossing
- Bad breath
- Loose teeth
If the patient develops periodontitis, the connective tissue between the gums and teeth dissolves, leading to tooth loss. If you notice one or more of these common symptoms, schedule a consultation with your Allen TX periodontist right away.
Treatment for Gum Disease
Treatment will depend on the cause and severity of your gum issues. During an examination, your Allen TX periodontist will diagnose the extent of your gum disease. For minor cases, you may require a deep cleaning. This process involves removing the plaque buildup from your teeth to reduce the symptoms of gum disease. For more advanced cases of periodontal disease, you may require periodontal surgery. During this procedure, the gum tissue will be folded back. This allows us to remove the bacteria and infected tissue. The teeth will then be polished and smoothed, which erases hiding spots for bacteria and allows the gum tissue to better adhere to the tooth. For patients who have lost teeth due to gum disease, we offer a number of replacement options to return smiles to optimal health and function.
About Dr. Marco Cueva: Marco Cueva, DDS, MS is a board-certified periodontist with extensive training in periodontology and implantology. New patients can schedule an appointment or a consultation by calling 972-390-9944.
