HEALTHY GUMS SUPPORT YOUR SMILE AND MORE
Healthy gum tissue doesn’t just make for a balanced and healthy-looking smile, it also supports your teeth and jawbone and creates a barrier against harmful bacteria. Gum disease is inflammation of the soft tissue (gingiva) and abnormal loss of bone that surrounds the teeth and holds them in place. Gum disease is caused by plaque, a sticky film of bacteria that continually forms on the teeth. If left untreated, plaque can harden into tartar that cannot be removed by brushing. The mildest form of gum disease called gingivitis is reversible with a combination of good oral home care and professional gum disease treatment.
Without intervention, gums become inflamed, start pulling away from the teeth, and forming pockets, trapping food debris and disease-causing bacteria. This can trigger chronic inflammation, further damage soft tissue and bone, and result in tooth loss. SLC Dental Founder Dr. Robert Palmer has undergone specialized training in soft tissue periodontal treatments and has extensive expertise helping patients with mild to advanced gum disease. We offer a wide range of options for gum disease treatment in Salt Lake City, UT, from traditional approaches to minimally invasive laser dentistry so you don’t have to let warning signs turn into systemic health issues.
SIGNS OF GUM DISEASE
SYSTEMIC EFFECTS OF GUM DISEASE
Gum disease can increase the risk of stroke and worsen symptoms in people with diabetes, respiratory disease, and heart disease. Research has linked periodontitis to pregnancy complications, dementia, and specific types of cancer in men. Seeking early treatment before gum disease progresses can prevent oral bacteria from causing systemic infections and these more serious health issues. No matter what stage of gum disease you’re in, we offer tailored treatment plans to restore your oral function and safeguard your overall health.
What to Expect at a Gum Disease Exam
Your or your child’s dental appointments are both to provide oral examinations and teeth cleanings as well as to help him or her feel at ease at the dentist’s office. It may seem unnecessary to pay such close attention to baby teeth, but establishing proper oral health at this stage of your child’s life is important. We want to ensure that a healthy foundation and good habits are in place for when your child’s adult teeth do come in. Our pediatric dentistry appointments in Salt Lake City, UT follow these general steps:
SCALING AND ROOT PLANNING
This non-surgical treatment involves a two-part deep cleaning. Scaling removes all the plaque and tartar above and below the gumline, down to the bottom of the pocket. During root planning, plaque, tartar buildup, and bacteria are removed from the roots of your teeth and rough surfaces are smoothed.
GINGIVECTOMY
This surgery is performed to heal damage caused by periodontal disease or to correct a gum condition involving the structures around your teeth. An entire section of gum tissue is removed from in and around a tooth or teeth, the remaining gums are reattached, and the area is thoroughly cleaned.
OSSEOUS SURGERY
The most common surgical procedure used to treat advanced periodontal disease, gum tissue is pulled away from your teeth to smooth bone irregularities and eliminate or reduce gum pockets. A deep cleaning is done before gums are reattached to the tooth surfaces.
PERIODONTAL MAINTENANCE
Bacterial plaque can cause a recurrence of gum disease a few months after a professional cleaning. Periodontal maintenance with deeper cleanings at 3-4-month intervals can help keep your gums and teeth healthy. The timing of these visits is influenced by the degree of periodontal disease, type of treatment and response to it, rate of plaque growth, and commitment to following good oral care at home.
LANAP
Dr. Palmer and his team are certified in the Laser Assisted New Attachment Procedure (LANAP). This type of laser gum surgery provides a gentler gum disease treatment option than traditional osseous surgery, without scalpels or sutures. LANAP reduces bacteria, promotes regeneration of healthy gum and bone, and restores oral health. Patients experience greater post-op comfort, less tooth sensitivity, and improved confidence in their smile.
