Comfortable Gum Disease Treatment in Galloway

Did you know that early detection of gum disease can reduce your chances of having a stroke or a problematic pregnancy? Here at West Broad Dental, we know the early signs of gum disease and how to halt its progress. When you schedule a dental checkup with Dr. Jeffrey Fisher, he will examine your gums to monitor for any issues. Our state-of-the-art facility allows us to offer the latest gum disease treatment to Galloway and surrounding areas.

If you are worried about your gums, we can relieve your discomfort. Even if you haven't been to the dentist in a long time, we will never judge you at West Broad Dental. Our only goal is to protect your smile. Schedule an appointment today to maintain your oral health.

CALL US: (614) 870-8474 REQUEST APPOINTMENT

Signs and Causes of Gum Disease

If you haven't been to the dentist in a while, you might not even realize you have the beginning of periodontal disease. Gingivitis, the early stage of gum disease, is inflammation of the gums caused by irritation from plaque. If allowed to progress, it becomes periodontitis, which can result in tooth loss, erosion of bone in your jaw, and a permanently sunken look in your cheeks. For this reason, it's important to be aware of the causes and early signs of periodontal disease.

Periodontal disease is an infection resulting from a buildup of plaque, which consists of bacteria that settles in pockets between your teeth and gums. This sticky substance can easily be removed by brushing twice a day and flossing between teeth, but if left alone, plaque will harden and be impossible to remove at home. Hardened plaque is a mineral deposit called tartar, and only a dentist or hygienist can remove it.

You should suspect gum disease if your gums are:

• Sore
• Bright Red
• Swollen
• Bleeding

Your teeth may loosen or appear longer, a sign that your gums are receding. Bad breath that isn't resolved by brushing is another sign of gum disease.

Gum Disease Links to Major Health Issues

It's important that you understand how your oral health impacts your body as a whole. We'll talk to you about the link between oral health and overall well-being as we show you ways to avoid gum disease. Untreated periodontal disease has been linked to cardiovascular disease, bacterial pneumonia, stroke, and increased risk of complications during pregnancy.

That's why we work hard to communicate effectively, listening to your questions and providing solid answers. We examine your teeth and gums thoroughly, taking time to learn about your medical history and any factors that could influence the condition of your gums. Even medications you have taken can play a role in your oral health, which is why open and direct communication is a vital part of how we help your smile.

Our Periodontal Services

Finding periodontal disease before it becomes serious is the best weapon in our arsenal. We diagnose gum disease early and provide prompt treatment for mild to moderate cases. In severe cases, we will refer you to a periodontist for effective, specialized care. Our gum disease treatment options include:

• Scaling & Root Planing: This non-surgical deep cleaning treatment starts with removing plaque and tartar above and below the gum line. Once scaling is complete, root planing involves smoothing the root of the tooth. After planing, the gum will better adhere to the surface of the root, helping gum pockets to close.
• Maintenance Cleanings: We perform maintenance cleanings every three or four months to keep your teeth and gums free of disease-causing tartar and prevent reinfection. If we refer you to a periodontal specialist, you will alternate visits to the specialist with appointments at our office. We work closely with the specialist during this time to monitor your entire mouth.
• Sedation: Your comfort is our top priority, and we can administer sedation as you need it. Your sedation will come in the form of a pill you take an hour before your appointment, which means you will need someone to drive you to and from our office. This approach, called "twilight sedation," is safe and effective. You won't lose consciousness altogether, but it will help you stay relaxed during treatment. You also likely won't remember the procedure. The sedation wears off in four to six hours.
• At-Home Treatments: If necessary, Dr. Fisher will prescribe a mouth rinse for you to use at home. The mouth rinse works to kill bacteria on your teeth and gums, further reducing the buildup of plaque and tartar.

How to Avoid Gum Disease

We see education as a significant part of our role here at West Broad Dental. We not only look after your oral health in our office, but we also give you the tools to care for your teeth and gums effectively at home.

Of course, regular dental appointments are a must, as we can detect the early signs of gum disease and reverse it before it becomes a problem. You inevitably will miss a few spots while brushing and flossing, and we'll remove the tartar that forms.

Between visits, you can help maintain your gum health by brushing twice a day and flossing daily to remove plaque between teeth. Avoid using tobacco products, and be sure to eat a healthy, balanced diet low in sugar and rich in Vitamin C. Be particularly vigilant if you have crooked teeth, as it is easy to miss areas of plaque that form. If you have diabetes, you have a higher risk of gum disease, which can cause complications with your condition, so it is crucial that you monitor your gums for issues regularly.

The Early Gum Disease Treatment Galloway Relies On

We do understand that life keeps you busy. Our staff will try to accommodate your schedule and keep your appointments as efficient as possible. If you are experiencing discomfort, we will see you the same day you call whenever possible. We also will group any procedures that require numbing to avoid multiple visits, if we can.

Don't risk painful periodontal disease. Call West Broad Dental today for the gum disease treatment Galloway patients rely on.

CALL US: (614) 870-8474 REQUEST APPOINTMENT