Gum Disease Treatment in Watkinsville, GA

woman with gum diseaseDid you know that gum disease affects over 64 million Americans? Or that gum disease is highly preventable?

At Athens Oconee Dentistry, we understand the impact gum disease has on your smile, gums, oral health and even general health. We are proud to offer periodontal evaluations and gum disease treatment in Watkinsville, GA, for patients who suffer from the condition.

If you want to manage your symptoms and prevent the condition from worsening, we will customize your periodontal treatment to meet your needs. Not sure if you or a loved one are experiencing gum disease? Please schedule an appointment with Athens Oconee Dentistry today to see how we can help you!

What Is Gum Disease?

Gum disease, also called periodontal disease, is a common oral condition typically caused by a lack of proper dental care and poor oral hygiene. As bacteria, plaque, and tartar build up in the mouth, they cause the gums to become infected and inflamed, leading to gingivitis—the first and only curable stage of periodontal gum disease.

Left untreated, the damage to the gums and supporting structures in the mouth becomes more severe and permanent. As gum disease progresses, the gums recede, pockets form around the teeth, and the teeth eventually become loose and mobile. Ultimately, tooth loss is quite common in untreated gum disease.

Why Is Gum Disease Treatment Important?

As you can see, gum disease can become a serious problem and cause issues with your smile’s appearance, health and even function. With expert periodontal treatment at our Watkinsville, GA, dental office, we can help manage the symptoms and prevent the condition from advancing further.

What Are Gum Disease Symptoms?

toothbrush and dental flossGum disease is widespread, not because it’s difficult to treat but because people don’t recognize the symptoms and seek prompt treatment. At every teeth cleaning, your hygienist will check for signs of gum disease, but the following are common symptoms to be aware of:

  • Gums that bleed when you brush
  • Puffy, inflamed, or swollen gums
  • A change in the way your teeth feel
  • Gums that pulled away from the teeth
  • Loose teeth
  • Chronic bad breath

If you notice any of these symptoms, the team at Athens Oconee Dentistry would be happy to determine if you need periodontal care.

Individualized Gum Disease Treatment

The treatment that your hygienist recommends depends on how advanced the gum disease is.

Gingivitis gum disease's first stage and treatment is typically as straightforward as a routine teeth cleaning. Your hygienist will also provide tips on improving brushing and flossing to prevent a reoccurrence.

Periodontitis is the advanced stage, where gum disease breaks down the bones and structures that support your teeth. Treatment for advanced gum disease is called scaling and root planing or SRP. This process removes plaque and tartar from above and below the gumline. Because SRP is more involved, it is typically performed over two or more appointments.

Start Watkinsville Gum Disease Treatment Today

Think you or a loved one may need gum disease therapy in Watkinsville? Contact Athens Oconee Dentistry today. We would be happy to get you on our schedule for a periodontal evaluation.