Most people do not spend a lot of time thinking about their gums. At least, not until they look into the sink and see blood after brushing their teeth, or notice other signs and symptoms of gum disease. Thanks to recent advances in oral healthcare, gum disease can be treated using both surgical and nonsurgical treatments, depending on the severity of the disease. If you are looking for the best dental care for surgical and nonsurgical gum care, look to Dr. Steven Hagerman, voted Top Dentist by Minneapolis/St. Paul Magazine.
What is Gum Disease?
According to the American Dental Association, chronic gum disease affects over 47% of the US population. In many cases gum disease comes on silently, with little to no warning that it is underway. The good news is that gum disease, also known as periodontal disease, is treatable. Gum disease, or periodontal disease, is basically a bacterial infection that affects the gums and tissues that support your teeth. Symptoms and warning signs of gum disease may include:
- Gums that bleed easily
- Persistent bad taste in the mouth
- Chronic bad breath
- Swollen, red inflamed gums
- Shifting teeth or a change in bite
- Changes in the fit of dentures
- Loose or shifting teeth
- Pus or obvious infection
Gum disease risk factors can include smoking, genetics, poor oral hygiene, diabetes, pregnancy, certain medications such as steroids, oral contraceptives, dry mouth, cancer drugs, some heart medications, and damaged teeth. Like any disorder, gum disease is easier to treat if caught early.
Surgical and nonsurgical gum disease treatments
If gum disease is caught in time, it often can be cleared up with nonsurgical scaling and root planing. This approach relies on carefully removing plaque and hardened tartar, known as calculus, from deep pockets where bacteria are attacking the gums.
Most patients respond well to scaling and planning treatments. In some cases, with more advanced gum disease, newer technologies such as host modulation, which targets bacterial colonies with chemotherapeutics or antibiotics, or other antimicrobial treatments may also be required. In more extreme cases, surgical intervention may be required to address the underlying condition and repair extensive damage caused by the infection.
Dr. Hagerman is an expert in all areas of oral health and periodontal care. He offers leading edge treatments, including the advanced PerioProtect. PerioProtect delivers highly concentrated doses of medication deep below the gumline to hit the bacteria where they live. If you need the best dentist for surgical and non-surgical care gum disease, don’t wait another day.
If you, or a loved one needs exceptional dental care, or you would like to know more about surgical and non-surgical gum care, please call the office of Dr. Hagerman today. Call (651) 646-2392 or use our convenient online form. You don’t have to be afraid of going to the dentist anymore. Call now for a healthier, happier smile tomorrow.