I’ve been a Lakewood dentist for more than 30 years. That’s long enough to know that people get uncomfortable when you start picking around on their teeth and gums. Those are sensitive areas of the mouth, so I can understand the hesitation. Here’s the thing about dentistry today: it doesn’t have to be uncomfortable or painful. Years ago gum treatment, especially, was not so comfortable and took several visits to complete. Now you can complete your treatment in about half the time. Today I want to share some information about gum disease and how you can manage your problem and even overcome receding gums.
A Problem Bigger Than the Flu
Gum disease is a problem that occurs when bacteria inflames the gums, creating bleeding or swollen tissue. It’s a problem that will affect about 75 percent of people. What’s so scary is that gum disease can strike without warning, and it’s linked to deadly diseases like heart disease and diabetes. Gum disease is also the NUMBER ONE cause of tooth loss in adults.
This is a ton of information, and I didn’t provide it to scare you. Rather, I want you to think about the different ways you are caring for your gums. Are you brushing and flossing as often as you should? Also, if you have gum problems, do you know how to resolve your problems?
Here are a few ways we can help!
Gum Disease Treatment Without Scalpels, Stitches
Traditional gum disease treatment involves cutting the infection out of the gums and stitching the gums back together. I understand that doesn’t sound appealing. The process is long, tedious, and the recovery is lengthy.
This is why my office has invested in technology that allows us to treat your gum problems without scalpels or stitches. Laser-assisted gum therapy is the most modern way to treatment gum disease. The laser evaporates the gum infection and then creates an environment for the teeth and gums to re-attach naturally. The laser is an incredible tool that minimizes bleeding and then increases the overall recovery from the procedure. The laser treatment is quick and affordable, and it’s a great alternative to conventional gum surgery.
If you struggle with gum disease, we recommend that you visit the dentist about once every three to four months. Unfortunately, gum disease is not curable, and the bacteria tied to gum disease develops and multiplies quickly. So, your best defense against gum disease is constant care and oversight by a dental professional.
Treat Gum Recession Without Scalpels, Stitches
Gum recession is often caused by gum disease, but it is treated much differently. Gum recession is dangerous because it exposes the root of the teeth, making that area more susceptible to tooth decay. Additionally, without a healthy layer of gums, your smile does not look uniform. At our office, we can manipulate the gums into a better position using a method called the Pinhole Surgical Technique, which allows us to avoid grafting the gums.
The Pinhole Surgical Technique is where we make a small pinhole in the gums and the manipulate the gums into a more appropriate positions. Once the gums are in position, we place collagen strips to secure the gums.
If you have gum problems, you don’t want to wait around to resolve your problems. We are experts in treating gum problems with gentle, comfortable care. Call our office today at 303-647-1907 to book a visit with me and my team.