Gum disease is one of the most common oral health afflictions. In fact, according to some estimates, it affects nearly half of the adults in the U.S. If you have been diagnosed with this condition, you might wonder if it can be completely cured. That really depends on how far it has progressed. This blog post can help you to have realistic expectations for the treatment journey in front of you.
It Is Possible to Reverse Early Gum Disease
Gum disease has two main stages. Its earliest stage, known as gingivitis, is a mild infection of the gum tissue. It causes inflammation, redness, tenderness, and bad breath, among other symptoms.
While gingivitis is very unpleasant, the good news is that it does not cause any permanent damage to your oral tissues. In fact, in many cases, it can be completely reversed!
When you visit your dentist, they may give you some coaching to help with your at-home oral hygiene routine. Thorough brushing and flossing can do much to reduce the number of gum disease-causing bacteria in your mouth. They might also prescribe antibiotics, perform a deep cleaning of your mouth, and recommend that you start using a mouth rinse that is specifically designed to fight gum disease.
If you comply with the recommended treatment plan, there is a good chance that your mouth will be completely free of gum disease within a short period of time!
Advanced Gum Disease May Cause Permanent Damage
If gingivitis remains untreated for too long, it can worsen. Eventually, it may progress to periodontitis, which is characterized by permanent damage to the gums and teeth. Your gums may start to recede, and the underlying bone tissue may also begin to lose its shape and volume. Eventually, the damage can become so severe that your teeth no longer have a solid base of support and need to be extracted.
That may sound scary, but the good news is that even though periodontitis can cause significant damage, it is treatable. With a deep cleaning of the mouth, surgery, or other means, your dentist may be able to get rid of the infection so no further damage occurs.
It may also be possible to restore some of the lost tissue via a gum graft and/or bone graft. If gum disease caused you to lose some teeth, you may be able to replace them with dentures or dental implants.
Gum disease does not have to ruin your smile! See your dentist as soon as you notice symptoms of this condition so you can receive timely care.
Meet the Practice
At New Haven Dental Group, our team of dental experts is proud to offer a full range of oral health services, including gum disease treatment. If you are concerned about the health of your gums are simply have questions about how you can protect your smile, we would be pleased to speak with you. Contact our Hamden location at 203-587-7327.