Optimal oral health involves more than your teeth. In fact, one of the worst oral diseases affects your gums, causing untold health issues. While gum disease is the leading cause of tooth loss in America, it’s also linked to stroke, heart disease, diabetes, and much more. Given these far-reaching oral health issues, at Maegan Elam, DDS & Associates, we offer periodontal treatment to restore your oral health before it’s too late.

Gum disease explained

While genetics and certain medical conditions put you at risk of gum disease, poor oral hygiene is the leading cause of gum infection. Gum disease occurs when plaque is left to accumulate on your teeth and gums. Your body’s immune system tries to get rid of the plaque by an inflammatory response. That is what is seen as redness and swelling on your gums.

While everyone has bacteria in the mouth, plaque is usually formed by bacteria feeding on sugary foods left in your mouth when you don’t brush and floss. The plaque provides the perfect environment for gum disease-causing bacteria to thrive and multiply.

Dental Crowns Before and After Results

_{This patient lost her front tooth to a trampoline accident as a child. Thanks to a wonderful surgeon who placed a dental implant and Dr. Elam who made her a flawless crown, she finally has the beautiful smile she’s been waiting for!}

Stages of gum disease

Before embarking on gum disease treatment options, it’s critical to understand the two stages of gum disease. These are:

• Gingivitis: It’s the mild, early form of gum disease. It affects the surface layer of the gums and is characterized by symptoms like swollen and bleeding gums.
• Periodontitis: If gingivitis isn’t treated in good time, it morphs into full-blown periodontitis. This form of gum disease is irreversible because the tooth-supporting structures are already compromised. Typical symptoms include chronic bad breath, loose teeth, and receding gums.

Gum disease treatment

While prevention is the best strategy to combat gum disease, we offer periodontal treatment just in case gum infection strikes. For the early stage of gum disease, Dr. Maegan Elam recommends root planing and scaling (deep cleaning).

Call Our Office for More Information

Call Us Today : (817) 283-2871
Request an Appointment

Scaling involves the removal of plaque on the teeth’ surface and below the gum line. Root planing is the smoothening out of the tooth roots to discourage plaque formation and encourage reattachment of the gums to the teeth. After deep cleaning, we encourage you to brush twice a day, floss daily, and see a dentist 3 to 4 times a year to avoid the reoccurrence of the gum disease.

For advanced gum disease (periodontitis), antibiotic therapy, flaps surgery, and gum and bone grafting may be recommended to restore your oral health.

Gum disease treatment in Bedford, Texas

If you notice any gum disease signs, seek treatment immediately before it becomes more challenging to treat. Early treatment of gum disease is reversible, saving your teeth and gums. For effective gum disease treatment in Bedford, Texas, please dial (817) 283-2871 to book an appointment with the team at Maegan Elam, DDS & Associates.