Periodontal Therapy New Bern, NC

If your gums are bleeding you may have scratched your gums on crunchy food or you may have flossed too vigorously. As long as the bleeding is minimal and does not occur frequently, there is little need for any concern. However, if you are experiencing bleeding gums on a regular or daily basis, they may be a sign of a more serious dental health concern. New Bern, NC dentist Dr. Stephen Hoard recommends patients experiencing frequent bleeding gums to schedule a visit the dentist.

Periodontal Disease, better known as Gum Disease, will affect three out of four Americans at some point in their life. Also the leading cause of tooth loss, only 3% of those affected will get treatment before it is too late. Dr. Stephen Hoard is a general dentist in New Bern, NC who offers comprehensive treatment options to prevent and manage gum disease.

What Causes Gum Disease?

Gum disease is caused by bacteria and debris trapped below the gum line in the periodontal pockets between the gum and tooth. This bacteria can cause irritation and inflammation, attacking the tissue, causing it to erode.

A silent disease, gum disease often exhibits no signs or symptoms and typically goes undetected or ignored until severe gum and bone destruction is unbearable. A chronic and often painless bacterial infection, gum disease that is left untreated can cause tooth loss.

For patients who have established a routine of dental cleanings and examinations, gum disease can often be caught in the earliest stages. Bacteria can be cleaned from the periodontal pockets, preventing gum disease from erupting.

How Do I know If I have Gum Disease?

Bleeding gums is a common sign of gum disease. Gum disease is a common advanced dental concern caused by a bacterial infection in the gums. Gum disease is progressive and when left untreated can lead to systemic health concerns. It is essential to seek treatment as soon as possible to prevent gum disease from developing into more complex concerns.

Gingivitis is the first stage of gum disease. This common but mild form of gum disease affects more than half of the population. Gingivitis can cause swollen, bleeding or irritated gums and often can be detected by chronic halitosis. Regular dental cleanings can help to keep gingivitis under control by removing plaque and tartar from the teeth and gums.

Periodontitis is advanced gum disease that has been linked to serious medical conditions like heart disease, inflammation and Alzheimer’s. Diagnosing and treating periodontitis as early as possible can help prevent the need for costly and time consuming restorative dental procedures- and even tooth loss. Dr. Hoard offers routine dental cleanings, scaling and root planing and laser dentistry for the treatment of periodontist.

Know The Signs of Gum Disease

  • Red or swollen gums
  • Receding gums
  • Loose or shifted teeth
  • Bleeding gums when brushing or flossing
  • Persistent bad breath
  • Changes in the fit of dentures
  • Sores in the mouth

If you already have signs or painful symptoms of gum disease, you may need more intense treatment. Depending on your case, Dr. Hoard will recommend the most conservative treatment method possible.

Gum Disease FAQs

Is gum disease contagious?

No. It is uncommon to get gum disease from kissing or sharing saliva with someone with this condition. Gum disease is progressive, so you will have to develop gum disease in your mouth to have it. It is not transferable through blood.

Is gum disease curable?

In its early stages, a periodontist can help you reverse and treat gum disease. Early-stage gum disease, known as gingivitis, is treatable and reversible with good oral hygiene and regular professional cleaning. However, advanced gum disease, known as periodontitis, is more challenging to treat. While you can manage periodontitis effectively, a periodontist or dentist cannot cure it. Therefore, early detection and treatment are important.

Do I need surgery to cure gum disease?

Most patients do not need oral surgery to cure their gum disease. Oral surgery is only necessary when your gum disease has evolved to advanced periodontitis, and you are showing signs of deteriorating gums and tooth loss.

Can flossing reverse gum disease?

No. Dental flossing can’t completely reverse advanced gum disease on its own. However, regular flossing can reduce early signs of gingivitis and help stop its progression to periodontitis. 

Overall, diligent flossing and brushing can help you manage periodontal disease.

How painful is periodontal treatment?

The pain a patient will feel during periodontal treatment can vary in discomfort. The pain levels will depend on the disease’s severity and the procedure type. 

Basic treatments like scaling and root planing may cause mild discomfort, similar to deep cleaning. On the other hand, more advanced procedures, such as surgical treatments, may cause more discomfort. However, periodontists use local anesthesia to numb the area and minimize procedure pain. 

Will gums grow back after periodontitis?

If your gums have receded due to periodontitis, they cannot grow back to their original position. Periodontitis damages the supporting tissue and bone structure of the teeth. This leads to gum recession. So, while you can halt the progression of periodontitis with treatment and good oral hygiene, the lost gum tissue will not grow back. However, surgical procedures like gum grafting and pinhole surgery help restore the gum line and protect exposed tooth roots. 

Schedule A Dental Exam & Consultation

Daily oral hygiene is key to maintaining a healthy smile. Brushing and flossing twice a day can keep your teeth and gums healthy. Just make sure you are not brushing or flossing too hard. Routine oral health is the best prevention against developing gum disease. Bi-annual dental checkups can also help keep your teeth and gums in top shape, and allows for early detection and intervention of advanced oral health concerns. If you think you may have gum disease at any stage, schedule an appointment with Dr. Hoard for a complete oral health checkup.