If your gums are swollen, tender, red, or if they bleed when you brush your teeth, you may have gingivitis, first-stage periodontal disease. Periodontal disease (gum disease) is the leading cause of tooth loss in US adults. Periodontal disease has been linked to heart disease, stroke and pregnancy complications. Periodontal disease is actually an infection caused by the bacterial plaque that forms around each tooth. As this infection invades the gum tissue it will infect the bone that supports the tooth. To protect itself, the bone will disolve away from the source of the infection leaving the tooth with no support. The tooth, or teeth, will become loose and an abcess will form. By this time it will be too late to save the tooth and an extraction will have to be done.

Gum recession can also be a big problem. Usually occurring on the outside of the tooth, gum recession can leave the root exposed and the remaining gum tissue weak and prone to further destruction. Sensitivity, decay and potential tooth loss are just three of the complications of recession. Using the latest techniques and materials Dr. Glor can treat recession leaving you with strong healthy gum tissue.

At your first appointment, we will assess your gums for signs of disease. If we detect problems, therapy may include preventive care, periodontal scaling, and/or Arestin antibiotics. Severe cases may require surgery.

Rest assured, gum disease can be arrested and damaged tissue repaired with periodontal therapy. However, early treatment is best!

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