Gum Disease Treatment & Maintenance Gum disease, clinically known as periodontal disease, is a serious oral health condition that results from poor dental hygiene. When plaque and harmful bacteria are allowed to build up due to inconsistent brushing and flossing, they can damage both the soft gum tissue as well as the bone that supports your teeth. Without proper periodontal care in Eugene, this condition can lead to tooth loss and other oral health complications.Tackling Gum DiseaseThe earliest and only reversible stage of gum disease is gingivitis. If diagnosed and treated at this stage, the condition can be completely resolved. However, if it progresses, gum disease becomes a lifelong condition requiring ongoing management. Advanced cases often involve periodontal surgery in Eugene and frequent periodontal maintenance visits. Periodontal care and maintenance is usually performed three or more times per year. If you're experiencing any signs of gum disease or would like a professional evaluation, we invite you to visit Harmony Dental for expert dental services in Eugene tailored to your individual dental health needs. Signs and Symptoms of Gum DiseaseMany people underestimate gum disease, mistaking it for minor bleeding during brushing or occasional sensitivity. However, gum disease is a progressive and potentially serious oral health issue. Common symptoms of gum disease may include:
These early signs are warnings and should not be ignored. If you recognize any of these symptoms, it's time to seek periodontal care in Eugene to prevent further progression of the disease. Stages of Gum Disease: Gingivitis to PeriodontitisGum disease develops gradually and can be categorized into these three distinct stages: GingivitisGingivitis is the first and only curable stage of gum disease. Gingivitis involves inflammation of the gums, bleeding during brushing, and mild discomfort. Proper oral hygiene and timely dental services in Eugene can fully reverse gingivitis. Early PeriodontitisIn the stage of early periodontitis, the gums begin to pull away from the teeth, forming periodontal pockets that harbor bacteria. Treatment for gum disease becomes more complex, and bone loss may begin. Moderate to Advanced PeriodontitisAs gum disease progresses, bone and tissue damage increase. Teeth may become loose, and significant bone loss can occur. At this point, periodontal surgery in Eugene may be required to restore your oral health. Why Treating Gum Disease Is ImportantGum disease doesn't just affect your mouth, it can influence your overall health as well. Untreated periodontal disease has been linked to several systemic health problems such as:
Beyond systemic health, advanced gum disease can cause tooth loss and facial changes due to bone deterioration. Our teeth provide essential support to the lips and cheeks, so losing them can significantly alter your appearance. Early detection and treatment for gum disease is vital. That's why Harmony Dental emphasizes proactive periodontal care here in Eugene, so we can help you safeguard your health and smile. Non-Surgical Gum Disease TreatmentsWhen diagnosed early on, gum disease can often be managed without surgery. Early gum disease can be treated using the following techniques: Scaling and Root PlaningScaling and root planing is a deep-cleaning procedure that removes plaque and tartar from beneath the gum line. The procedure also smooths the root surfaces, helping gums reattach to the teeth and thus preventing further bacterial buildup. Antibiotic TherapyAntibiotics may be administered orally or placed directly into periodontal pockets to reduce infection and inflammation. These dental services in Eugene can significantly reduce gum inflammation and prevent disease progression when implemented early on after diagnosis. Periodontal Surgery EugeneIn moderate to advanced cases of gum disease, non-surgical methods may not be sufficient enough to treat the disease. Periodontal surgery in Eugene, such as flap surgery, gum grafts, and bone grafts can restore damaged tissues and halt further deterioration of the gums. Flap SurgeryThe flap surgery procedure lifts the gums to allow for deep cleaning beneath the gumline. The gums are then sutured back in place to reduce pocket depth. Deep gum pockets are an easy way to harbor bacteria and it is important for them to be closed up. Gum GraftsWhen gum recession occurs, tissue from another part of your mouth can be grafted onto affected areas to protect roots and improve the appearance of your gums and smile. Bone GraftsWhen bone has been lost due to infection, grafting procedures can help regenerate this lost bone. Bone grafts can be performed using either donor tissue or synthetic material. Our Harmony Dental team provides advanced periodontal care in Eugene to treat gum disease and help preserve and restore your oral health. Maintenance After Gum Disease TreatmentOnce gum disease is managed, long-term success of your oral health relies on consistent follow-up care and maintenance. This can be done by taking the following steps: Periodontal Maintenance VisitsPeriodontal maintenance visits are typically scheduled every three to four months. These appointments are important for monitoring your progress and preventing recurrence of the disease. At-Home CareAt home periodontal care includes twice-daily brushing, daily flossing, and the use of antimicrobial mouth rinses. We will instruct you which mouth rinses to use. Lifestyle AdjustmentsMaking lifestyle choices such as avoiding tobacco, maintaining a healthy diet, and managing medical conditions like diabetes can significantly support your gum health. Regular Dental VisitsRegular visits for dental services in Eugene allow our dental team to monitor your condition and intervene quickly if symptoms should return. Gum Disease Treatment & Maintenance with Harmony DentalIf you're concerned about gum disease or want to learn more about your treatment options for this condition, we invite you to schedule a consultation at Harmony Dental. Call us today at (541) 246-3250 to take the first step toward healthier gums and a confident smile. We're proud to provide comprehensive periodontal care in Eugene tailored to your individual needs. |
