Periodontal Disease Prevention & Treatment

Gum disease (also known as periodontal disease) is an infection of the gum tissue that surrounds and supports your teeth. It is generally caused by a buildup of plaque and tartar (hardened plaque) and can damage the gum tissue and bone.

---

The Signs To Look Out For

At the beginning of your consultation, Dr. Klein will discuss your oral health history and any concerns you might have. He then will gently examine your teeth and gums. X-rays might be needed to take a closer look beneath the surface for hidden cavities and check on the health of the surrounding bone. We'll also take a look at your tongue and throat for any signs of trouble.

• Changes in your gums: This includes redness, swelling, or tenderness. Healthy gums should be pink and firm.
• Bleeding gums: Bleeding gums are a common early sign of gum disease and may be noticed when brushing or flossing.
• Receding gums: Your gums may start to pull away from your teeth and make them appear longer.
• Persistent bad breath: Bad breath that doesn't go away with brushing or mouthwash can be a sign of gum disease.
• Loose teeth: Your teeth may become loose or sensitive as gum disease progresses.

---

What Happens If I Don't Get Treatment?

Untreated gum disease can have a severe impact on your oral health and general well-being. It can lead to:

• Loose teeth and tooth loss
• Increased risk of infection
• Bone loss in the jaw
• Difficulty chewing
• Bad breath

---

Gum disease has also been linked to other health problems like heart disease, stroke, and diabetes. Pregnant women with untreated gum disease are six times more likely to go into pre-term labor and give birth to underweight babies.

---

How Our Team Can Help

The damage caused by gum disease can vary significantly depending on whether it’s in its early stages or has progressed. We’ll approach your case individually to offer an effective treatment plan depending on the damage that’s been done. We might recommend restorative procedures like crowns and bridges if there is tooth loss or damage. Here is what may be included in your treatment plan:

---

Scaling and Root Planing

This non-surgical deep cleaning procedure is our first line of defense in treating gum disease. Dr. Klein or our hygienist will use specialized instruments to remove plaque and tartar buildup from above and below the gum line. This helps us clean those hard-to-reach areas that regular brushing and flossing can’t get to. Root planing smooths rough surfaces on the tooth roots to prevent plaque from reattaching. It also encourages the gum tissue to reattach to healthy tooth surfaces.

---

Antibiotics

Sometimes, root planing and scaling are not enough to combat the infection, and further intervention is required. Dr. Klein may prescribe antibiotics to target specific bacteria causing your gum inflammation. You will generally take these antibiotics orally for a couple of days or weeks.

---

What to Expect During Your Visit

During your first appointment with our team in Norwalk, we will carefully assess your gum health with an oral exam. We’ll take some X-rays to get a closer look at how healthy your teeth and gums are. Periodontal therapy is not a one-and-done kind of service for most patients. You will generally need to come in for follow-up appointments for a few weeks so we can ensure your gum health has been restored. Once your gum disease has resolved, we might need to replace missing or damaged teeth with dental crowns or bridges. We can also repair cracks or damage with dental bonding.

---