When most people think of a healthy smile, they picture bright, white teeth, but healthy gums are just as important. Gum disease, also known as periodontal disease, is a common but often silent condition that can put your oral health, and even your overall health, at risk.
In fact, many adults don't even realize they have it until it reaches an advanced stage. Gum disease is preventable, treatable, and manageable with the right care.
Give Hoffman Dental a call at (503) 648-7700 for periodontal care in Hillsboro!
What is Gum Disease and Why Does it Matter?
Gum disease occurs after a sticky film of bacteria and plaque forms on the surface of the teeth.
It typically starts with plaque buildup along the gumline and, if left untreated, can lead to gum recession, tooth mobility, and even tooth loss.
That's why early detection and treatment are so important.
Signs and Symptoms of Gum Disease
Gum disease is not usually painful at first, and you can be completely unaware that you have it. However, later on, the conditions may worsen, and you will need an immediate check-up.
Be on the lookout for these signs and symptoms.
| • | Tooth Sensitivity |
| • | Swollen Gums |
| • | Bad Breath |
| • | Pain While Chewing |
| • | Loose Teeth |
| • | Shrinking Gums |
Stages of Gum Disease: Gingivitis vs. Periodontitis
Gum disease is typically categorized into two main stages: gingivitis and periodontitis.
Gingivitis is the earliest and mildest form of gum disease, characterized by redness, swelling, and bleeding of the gums, especially during brushing or flossing.
It is caused by the buildup of plaque. Fortunately, gingivitis is reversible with proper oral hygiene and professional dental cleanings.
If left untreated, however, gingivitis can progress to periodontitis, a more advanced and serious condition.
Periodontitis involves the destruction of the supporting structures of the teeth, including the bone, leading to gum recession, deep pockets around the teeth, and even tooth loss.
Unlike gingivitis, periodontitis requires more intensive treatment and ongoing maintenance to manage.
Effective Gum Disease Treatments in Hillsboro
At Hoffman Dental, we recommend that treatment is begun as soon as any signs of periodontal disease are noticed.
This is primarily to prevent the situation from getting as bad as the loss of your teeth or bone loss, in which surgical treatment has to be done.
Non-surgical periodontal disease treatment often involves restorative treatments such as scaling and planing.
Scaling and Root Planing
The first thing done is scaling, whereby our dentist removes the soft and hardened plaque, meaning plaque and tartar respectively. The dentist cleans above and below gum lines going all the way to reach the pockets of the gums.
What follows is root planing, which involves smoothing the root to remove hiding places for bacteria and plaque. Smoothing the root also enables reattachment of the gums to occur on healthy tooth surfaces.
During the procedure, we use a local anesthetic to ensure that you are as comfortable as possible throughout the entire procedure.
Removing bacteria and plaque in the gum line also enables the area to heal, which ensures that the tooth reattaches properly to the gum, eliminating the space that allows for the bacterial plaque to collect.
This is why this procedure can sometimes, especially if done in good time, be a very effective treatment for gum disease.
When To Visit Our Hillsboro Dentist
Your gums and jawbone may have extensive damage if you let periodontal disease go untreated.
It is essential you come to our office once you start noticing signs of gum disease such as bleeding and inflammation of gums or tooth decay.
Our periodontal team at Hoffman Dental will check the gums and examine the bone to find out if they are badly damaged.
Where it is found that non-surgical treatments such as deep cleaning are ineffective, surgical treatment may be advised.
Gum Disease Treatment FAQ
What is Bone Grafting?
In people who have advanced periodontal disease, where it attacks the jawbone, they may need bone grafting. The procedure is also suitable for people who have missing teeth and want to get dental implants.
In bone grafting, our dentist will take bone tissue from another part of the jawbone, placing it in the damaged or eroded jawbone area.
As a result, the jawbone begins to rebuild, often increasing in volume and density to ensure firm implant placements.
How Do I Know What Treatment I Need?
Depending on the specific issue you are addressing, our dental team will determine what procedure to use. You may just need scaling and root planing.
If you have any symptoms of periodontitis or gingivitis, give us a call at (503) 648-7700 to book an appointment!
