Brookline, MA area dentist describes the different types of gum disease treatment options for the smile
At Alpha Plus Dental Center, we are proud to provide patients with the solutions they need to achieve healthy smiles and to treat a number of conditions that can develop. Dr. Stan Kovtun and his team welcome patients who have been diagnosed with gum disease who are interested in learning about the types of treatment available in the Brookline, MA area. Our dentist is here to help in a judgement-free zone.
What is gum disease?
Learning about gum disease and how it forms is the best way of understanding preventative care. Gum disease is an infection that can spread without the mouth and is not curable. However, once diagnosed, it can be controlled with regular treatments at the dental office. It is completely preventable with proper oral health care and attention, including routine visits to Dr. Stan Kovtun.
The infection starts with poor oral health habits. Bacteria begins to develop on the gums that can spread. The gum tissue shrinks, creating pockets between the gums and teeth that can harbor even more bacteria that can grow. Over time, patients experience problems such as bone and tooth loss which can result in irreparable damage. However, with the care and attention of a dedicated dentist who wants the best for his patients, patients can not only avoid the development of this condition but can seek effective treatment options.
What are the symptoms of gum disease?
- Red, swollen gums
- Pockets between gums and teeth
- Loose teeth
- Halitosis
- Bleeding when brushing and flossing
- Bone and tissue loss
How is gum disease treated?
First, patients need to visit their dentist at Alpha Plus Dental Center for an evaluation and to determine the stage at which the condition has reached. The earlier stage, called gingivitis, is the easiest to treat. Patients come into the office and have a thorough cleaning of the teeth and gums. This can remove a good portion of bacteria alone. For the later stages of gum disease, called periodontitis, patients may need to undergo a procedure known as scaling and root planing. This procedure removes plaque, tartar, and bacteria from all surfaces of the teeth and gums. It is more invaisve than a standard cleaning for gingivitis, but is incredibly effective at addressing the infection. In many cases, our team may also suggest antibiotics to treat the infection as well. These may be oral medications or antibiotics applied directly onto the gums.
How to prevent gum disease
Prevention is incredibly important to keep the smile healthy and free from periodontal disease. This includes brushing and flossing the teeth after every meal and visiting Dr. Stan Kovtun and his team at least every six months for a cleaning and evaluation. At Alpha Plus Dental Center, we can educate patients on the ways in which they can prevent not only gum disease, but cavities, which can also impact the health of the smile.
Why should patients get treatment for gum disease?
If patients leave gum disease alone and fail to undergo treatment to get it under control, they are putting themselves at risk for a variety of problems. This includes the loss of soft tissues, jaw bone, and natural teeth. There is no way to completely repair the smile after this, so it is important to keep the condition from developing in the first place. However, if the condition causes a problem with the natural teeth, gums, and bone, there are procedures that can be done to help in restoring the smile. Our team of professionals work with patients to help them wherever they are at—whether they are learning how to care for their smile or have experienced unwanted damage due to poor oral health habits. We assist patients in finding the ways to restore their smile and keep it healthy each and every day with our staff of dedicated professionals at hand.
Schedule a visit today!
Dr. Stan Kovtun and the team at Alpha Plus Dental Center welcome patients in and around the area of Brookline, MA to visit and learn about the treatment options available for the various stages of gum disease. Call the practice to book an appointment by calling (617) 274-8494 and seeing the team at 185 Harvard Street.
