Gum Disease Treatment in Billerica
Periodontal Disease
At Future of Dentistry in Billerica, we are dedicated to combating periodontal disease and preserving the oral health of our entire Billerica community, including Tewksbury, Wilmington, and many more.
Periodontal disease, also known as gum disease or periodontitis, targets the bone and tissues surrounding your teeth.
Healthy gums should appear pink and feel firm, but infection can cause them to become red, spongy, and even loosen your teeth. Periodontal disease arises when bacteria in plaque release toxins and enzymes, triggering gum irritation, infection, and inflammation. Remarkably, this process often occurs without causing pain.
What many overlook is the potentially life-threatening nature of periodontal disease. According to the American Dental Association, gum disease has been linked to various serious conditions including heart disease, respiratory issues, diabetes, stroke, Alzheimer’s, premature births, and rheumatoid arthritis.
Do not underestimate the importance of treating gum disease promptly. Call (978-663-4303) or request an appointment below to schedule your visit at Future of Dentistry in Billerica today!
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Common symptoms of periodontal disease include:
- Swollen gums
- Dark build-up between teeth
- Bleeding gums when you floss
- Constant bad breath
- Loose teeth
- Decaying teeth
While it is possible for you to detect these signs on your own, usually people who have gum disease don’t know it. For instance, most people just ignore bleeding gums when flossing, but this can actually be a sign of periodontal disease.
Gum Disease Treatment In Billerica
Our Dentists assess the severity of your condition accurately by using a periodontal probe to measure pocket depth. A healthy pocket (around every tooth) is typically 3mm deep or less. The greater the pocket depth, the more severe your periodontal disease. The resulting condition is a deeper and deeper pocket. What ensues is a progressive breakdown of the tissue and bone.
In order to determine the best way to combat the bacteria causing gum disease in a specific patient, we first identify what bacteria are actually present. We work with partners like OralDNA and Temple University for in-depth microbial testing to look for the root cause of the disease so we can find a permanent solution.
We are fully aware that the daily treatment and removal of oral bacteria and plaque are both key strategies for maintaining a healthy mouth. That is why our Massachusetts dentists supply you and your family with proven solutions to combat periodontal disease.
- We treat periodontal disease based on its severity. If you have gingivitis (the early phase of periodontal disease), we typically perform a routine cleaning (sometimes it takes 2 visits to clear up this infection), and we recommend changes to your at-home oral care.
- If the disease progresses to cause deeper pockets, we must conduct a soft-tissue management program or gum therapy. We use hand scaling techniques and an ultrasonic scaler to remove tartar, plaque, and bacteria underneath your gums, and often use a tissue laser to improve unhealthy gum tissue.
After the treatment is completed, we will have you return in 6 weeks for a follow-up visit. At this time, we check your periodontal pockets again and go over any further home care instructions we may have for you.
Once you are diagnosed with periodontal disease, you will always potentially have it. The bacteria that cause this damage will attempt to “recolonize” in about 90 days. This is why we recommend effective at-home oral care and a 3-month maintenance appointment during which we will provide a more thorough cleaning of your teeth and gums.
The American Academy of Periodontology indicates that 3 of 4 Americans have some form of periodontal disease. We do not want you or your family to join this outrageous statistic.
