Periodontic Dentistry
Your gums bleed sometimes when you brush your teeth, or maybe you notice that some of your gums are receding, exposing more of certain teeth. What is normal and when is it time to take action?Diagnosed in its early stages, gum disease is easily treatable and reversible.
Well… first of all, your gums should never bleed when brushing or flossing, so if they do, it’s time to take action before the situation worsens. Give Trillium Dentistry a call to schedule an examination. We need to assess the condition of your gums before the condition worsens and you develop more serious gum disease that requires more costly and time-intensive treatment.
What Do Healthy Gums Look Like?
Healthy gums are usually red in color. They don’t appear to be “puffy” or swollen. They don’t bleed when you brush or floss. They have a texture to them that resembles an orange peel. The edges are scalloped and follow the lines of your teeth. And… they don’t hurt.
First-Stage Gum Disease
The first stage of gum disease is known as gingivitis. Symptoms include bleeding gums and inflamed or swollen gum tissue around the teeth. This occurs when plaque and tartar build up around the teeth, infecting the gums. If diagnosed at this stage, gum disease is easily treatable and reversible. If ignored, the condition evolves into Stage Two gum disease
Second stage gum disease
Second stage gum disease, known as periodontitis, occurs when plague and tartar surrounding the teeth start to extend below the gum line. Next, your gums start to pull away from your teeth and your teeth start to loosen. Usually infection sets in and you have bad breath. Bones supporting the teeth may become damaged and there is increased tooth sensitivity.
At this point, your teeth may become so loose that they are structurally unsound and unable to function. They may have to be removed.
Most healthy patients benefit from a preventative dental visit every six months. These visits focus on disease prevention and oral hygiene, reducing the need for more complex treatments later on. During your preventative appointment, we complete services such as:
Comprehensive Exams
Preventative dental care is essential to maintaining a healthy smile. During these visits, we will complete a thorough examination of your teeth, gums and other orofacial structures. Dr Kang will inspect the health of your teeth and the integrity of existing dental work.
Digital X-Rays
If X-rays are necessary, we will take those at this time. Digital x-rays use reduced radiation levels and allow us to pinpoint areas of concern before they are visible clinically.
Scale and Polish
During your visit you may receive a preventive dental cleaning. We will clean your teeth above and below the gumlines to eliminate plaque build-up, tartar and stains. Having your teeth regularly cleaned helps to prevent periodontal (gum) disease that can cause major dental problems, including loss of teeth. We will also review oral hygiene methods with you that will keep your teeth stronger, longer.
Oral Cancer Screenings
A thorough soft tissue examination will detect changes in the soft tissue lining of the mouth, cheeks, floor of the mouth and tongue. Early diagnosis of precancerous and abnormal tissues is essential for effective treatment, as most oral cancers do not cause symptoms until they are very progressed.
Periodontal Assessment
We also perform a periodontal screening to check your gingiva for any sign of gum disease. It is important to detect gum detachment in its earliest stages to achieve the best results, as periodontal disease is the #1 cause of tooth loss.
