The health of your gums is just as important as the health of your teeth. While you cannot reverse serious damage from gum disease, you can stop its progression. However, the earliest stage of gum disease is often reversible with professional care and gum disease therapy.
Our team at Embrace Dental Care can help you understand your options and create a path forward for your gum health.
Gingivitis vs. Periodontitis: What’s the Difference?
The term gum disease can refer to two different conditions, gingivitis and periodontitis. Your treatment path depends on which one you have.
Gingivitis: The Reversible Stage
Gingivitis is the first and mildest form of gum disease. It involves inflammation caused by plaque buildup. At this point, the infection has not reached the bone that supports your teeth. With professional care and consistent home care, you can often reverse the condition completely.
You may have gingivitis if you notice signs like:
- Gums that are red or swollen
- Gums that bleed when you brush or floss
- Tender gums
Periodontitis: The Manageable Stage
If gingivitis is not addressed, it can progress to periodontitis. This is a more serious condition where the infection damages the soft tissue and bone that support your teeth. While you can’t fully regrow the lost bone, you can manage the disease to prevent it from getting worse.
How a Dentist Detects Gum Disease
A thorough dental exam helps us understand the health of your gums. The process includes:
Your Dental & Medical History
We’ll talk about your overall health and any conditions or medications that might affect your oral health. This includes discussing any concerns you have about your teeth or dentures. Our goal is to see the whole picture.
A Look at Your Gums & Teeth
We will carefully inspect your mouth for signs of irritation, plaque buildup, and swelling. We also check how your teeth fit together. Any dental work, like bridges or crowns, might also be a factor.
Measure Gum Pockets
A small dental tool is used to gently measure the space between your teeth and gums. In a healthy mouth, this space—or pocket—is typically between 1 and 3 millimetres deep. Deeper pockets can suggest that gum disease is present.
Professional Gum Disease Therapy in SE Calgary
The goal of professional treatment is to remove bacteria and tartar to stop gum disease from advancing. The type of gum disease therapy you need depends on how far the condition has progressed. We’ll create a plan focused on your specific needs.
Scale & Root Planing
For mild periodontitis, a deep cleaning procedure known as scaling and root planing is often recommended. This procedure cleans plaque and tartar from below the gumline. It also smooths the tooth roots to help prevent bacteria from reattaching.
Can You Repair Receded Gums?
Gum recession is when the gums pull away from the teeth. It’s a common sign of periodontitis.
If you have lost gum tissue, a procedure called a gum graft may be an option. This involves adding tissue to cover exposed roots and help rebuild the gumline.
Alternatively, pocket reduction surgery can be used to remove bacteria growing in the pockets caused by receding grums. Bone grafts may also be a possibility to help restore the alveolar bone.
Gum Disease Is Serious but Manageable
A diagnosis of periodontitis can feel overwhelming, but it’s not a hopeless situation. With the right care, you can control the infection. You can maintain your oral health for years to come.
The Goal of Treatment
Our main objective is to stop the disease from progressing and to preserve your teeth. Managing periodontitis is a partnership between you and your dental team. We work with you to keep your gums healthy.
Your Role in a Successful Outcome
Your commitment to daily oral hygiene and regular dental visits is an important part of managing gum disease. Healthy habits make a significant difference, as they contribute to the long-term success of your treatment.
At-Home Care to Support Healthy Gums
What you do at home every day is your first line of defence. Good oral hygiene helps remove plaque before it can cause problems.
Brush & Floss with Care
Brush your teeth twice a day with a soft-bristled toothbrush. An electric toothbrush is also an effective option.
Don’t forget to clean between your teeth daily with floss or another interdental tool.
The Importance of Regular Dental Visits
Consistent check-ups and cleanings are key to managing gum health. We can monitor your condition and catch any changes early. We’ll work with you to set a schedule that’s right for your needs.
Your Next Stop: Embrace Dental Care
At Embrace Dental Care, we understand that every person’s situation is unique. Building a foundation of trust by treating our patients as individuals is important to our work. We’re dedicated to providing you with personalized care to make your visits as comfortable as possible.
If you have questions about gum health or would like to schedule a visit, please contact our office. We are here to listen to your concerns and discuss how we can help you with your dental care.
(9:00 AM – 3:00 PM)
Apply for Dental Financing:
