Can My Dentist Cure Gum Disease? 

Did you know that nearly half of adult Americans are facing some type of gum disease? Unfortunately, in our fast-paced society, obligations like work, school, and children take priority and things like oral health take a backseat. The good news is that unlike with some physical maladies, it is possible to stop gum disease and reverse the harm early on. Read on to learn when gum disease can be reversed and what you can do to stop it. 

Gingivitis

Gingivitis is the earliest stage of gum disease. Symptoms may include red or swollen gums, bleeding gums when you brush your teeth, and halitosis (chronic bad breath).

Gingivitis is reversible, though it’s good to catch it early. Semi-annual trips to the dentist will not only help you spot gum disease early, but the professional cleanings will go a long way in clearing out the bacteria that cause inflammation for the next six months. So will taking care of your teeth at home, so be sure to brush and floss daily and use mouthwash to reach where your toothbrush can’t. 

Mild Periodontitis

Once gum disease advances past gingivitis, the next stage is called mild periodontitis. You may notice that your gums start to recede in places, giving your teeth a longer-looking appearance. As gums recede, the tissue can create pockets that can trap more bacteria and plaque. 

By this stage, more will be required than brushing and flossing. It’s important to see your dentist to discuss your options. They may recommend a special cleaning called scaling, in which a deep cleaning beneath the gumline is done to remove accumulated plaque and tartar. 

To slow the advancement of periodontitis, root planning may be performed alongside scaling. This procedure smooths the tooth roots, reducing the likelihood of plaque buildup again. In some cases, surgery might be necessary, but your dentist will determine if that’s the best course of action for you.

Moderate Periodontitis

In this third stage, you might notice new spaces between your teeth or pus, as well as changes in how your teeth align when you bite. Now, irreversible damage has started to take effect on the jawbone. Other warning signs include persistent bad breath, tender or bleeding gums, and noticeable differences in the appearance, color, or texture of your teeth and gums.

To get the infection under control, your dentist may need to repeat scaling and root planing over several appointments about three or four months apart. Topical antibiotics are often prescribed to eliminate harmful bacteria as well.

Advanced Periodontitis

Advanced periodontitis is the most serious and final stage of gum disease. It is the leading cause of tooth loss among adults, and it I no longer curable in this stage. However, the condition can still be managed and treated with consistent care and extra treatment.  

At this point, you may see noticeable differences in the appearance, color, or texture of your teeth and gums, and significant damage has occurred to both the gums and jawbone, causing teeth to become loose, fall out, or require extraction.

Treating severe periodontitis usually involves surgery to clean out deep pockets of bacteria between the teeth. In some cases, bone or tissue grafts may be needed to repair damage. If not addressed, this advanced stage can result in more tooth, gum, and bone loss, along with potential complications for overall health.

If you suspect you have gum disease, be proactive about it – schedule an appointment with your dentist as early as possible to discuss treatment options. Even if you are beyond the point of an official cure for gum disease, your dentist can help you achieve a confident smile again through treatments and restoration.

About the Dentist

Dr. Philip A. Lisk is a graduate of the University of North Carolina School of Dentistry. He is also focused on continuing education, with coursework completed at the world-renowned Dawson Academy and the Dawson Center for Advanced Dental Study. If gum disease is affecting you, Dr. Lisk and our team at Philip A. Lisk, DDS can diagnose you in the earliest stages possible so that it doesn’t keep you from a happy, healthy smile! Visit us online or call our Raleigh office at (919) 870-6892 to schedule your appointment today.