Periodontal Treatment in Apex, NC

Woman at dental exam with dentist in Apex NCIn most cases, gum disease usually starts with neglect, though certain medications and medical conditions can also play a role. Many people do not realize that gum disease is actually a serious condition that may complicate existing diseases such as heart conditions, stroke, diabetes, Alzheimer’s disease, low birth weight, and respiratory illnesses.

To avoid gum disease, a regular oral hygiene routine is essential. Brushing, flossing, and regular dental cleanings are the way to go if you are trying to keep your gums healthy. Each person is different, and we treat them on an individual basis to keep each one of our patients healthy. Together, we can tackle gum disease and restore your health.

Diagnosing Gum Disease

You may notice that we take measurements of your gums at your routine dental exam and teeth cleaning. Numbers like one, two, and three are all normal measurements. Numbers higher than three indicate a problem. What we are measuring is the pocketing between your gums and teeth. Your gums should tightly hug your teeth. This keeps out bacteria and decay beneath your gum line.

Higher numbers indicate inflammation. The higher the number, the more serious your condition. Other symptoms of gum disease include bleeding when you brush or floss your teeth, painful gums, redness, and tooth mobility.

Failure to address gum disease will likely result in tooth loss and other serious health issues.

Man in treatment chair at dentist in Apex NCGum Disease Treatment in Apex

In the beginning stages, gum disease is often reversible. By cleaning your teeth thoroughly, reviewing your home care routine, and scheduling regular dental appointments, we can restore the health of your gum tissue.

In its later stages, gum disease poses additional challenges. You may need more frequent dental cleanings along with localized antibiotic treatment to keep the infection under control. We will monitor you closely to ensure your gums heal.

With significantly advanced gum disease, surgery to remove diseased tissue may be necessary to restore your oral health. In some cases, removing certain teeth is the only option to protect your health.

Treating Periodontal Disease

We know that most cases of gum disease come from poor home care and missed dental cleanings. Even if it has been awhile since you have been to the dentist, we will never make you feel ashamed about taking the first step toward improving your health. Dr. Prusik and our entire team will focus on improving your oral health and providing comfortable, gentle dental treatments that give you the greatest opportunity for recovery.

Schedule Treatment at Our Dentist Office in Apex, NC!

Contact Olive Chapel Family Dentistry at (919) 335-6133 to schedule your next dental exam in Apex! If you let us know it has been awhile since your last dental visit, we can set aside some extra time to treat you so that you can begin your path to a healthier smile.