Dr. Jason Petkevis is a skilled dentist in Chester Springs, PA. He helps his patients fight off the harmful effects of gum disease every day. Gum disease is one of the most common dental concerns that we treat at Dental Distinction. However, many patients are unsure of what gum disease is, what causes it, and how it is treated. Here are the answers to frequently asked questions about gum disease development and treatment options:
What is gingivitis?
Gingivitis is considered the first stage of gum disease development. Also known a bleeding gums, gingivitis is when you notice a small amount of blood in the sink following brushing or flossing your teeth. This occurs because of the plaque or tartar buildup on your dental structures irritating your gum line and causing it to bleed. If you notice that your gums are bleeding, this is a sign that you are at risk for developing gum disease. Gingivitis can often be cured by a thorough dental cleaning at our Chester Springs, PA dentist office or by improving your at-home oral hygiene routine.
What is plaque and tartar?
Plaque and tartar are caused by sticky food residues that have remained on your dental structures long enough to harden. Often found along your gum line or between your teeth, plaque and tartar can be difficult to remove from your smile on your own. This is why we recommend that our patients visit our office once every six months for a routine oral health and wellness visit. During these preventative visits, we will remove any plaque or tartar residues from your smile to prevent the progression of gum disease.
What is gum disease?
Gum disease occurs when the plaque or tartar buildup surrounding your gum line begins to infect and eat away at the soft tissues of your smile. Poor oral hygiene is often the cause of gum disease; however tobacco use, hormonal changes, and poor nutrition may also contribute to its progression. Symptoms of gum disease include discolored gums, receding gumline, loose teeth, increased sensitivity, and bad breath. Gum disease may lead to tooth loss if not treated promptly. Rest assured that we are a judgement-free practice and will do everything we can to help you restore your dental health.
How is gum disease treated?
Gum disease is treated based on the severity of the case. You will likely require some form of periodontal therapy to restore the health of your teeth and gums. Dr. Petkevis may recommend an intensive teeth cleaning procedure known as scaling and root planing. During this procedure, he will remove plaque and tartar from the deep pockets of your infected gums to restore your smile. Dr. Petkevis may also recommend laser dentistry solutions to clear away any infected tissue. The only way to know which treatment will be most effective for you is to schedule an appointment at our Chester Springs, PA dentist office.