Stop gum disease before it costs you teeth.

The main source of lost teeth

Many people believe tooth loss comes from decay. Usually it does not. It comes from gum disease, which can go unnoticed until a tooth is lost. Symptoms include bleeding gums when you brush or floss, and loose or shifting teeth.

Gum disease and your overall health

The American Academy of Periodontology states that periodontal infection may contribute to the development of heart disease and poses a serious threat to people whose health is already compromised by diabetes and respiratory disease. Bacteria in infected gums can enter the bloodstream.

If you are diabetic or pre-diabetic, gum health matters even more. Gum disease makes blood sugar harder to control, and diabetes makes gum disease worse. Our team has received special training in dental care for diabetic patients.

Treatment options

Scaling and root planing

A deep cleaning removes tartar and bacteria from below the gumline so the gums can heal. Learn more about periodontal cleanings.

ARESTIN

ARESTIN is a powder of microspheres that release an antibiotic over time directly into infected gum pockets, killing the bacteria that cause gum disease. The process is painless.

Laser gum treatment

Our practice uses an FDA-cleared dental laser for non-surgical treatment of gum disease. The procedure is minimal and generally painless, and many patients avoid gum surgery altogether.

Gum surgery

Advanced periodontal disease may require surgery. It is generally successful at controlling the condition and is usually covered by dental insurance.

Why losing teeth matters

Losing even one tooth lets the remaining teeth shift, which affects chewing and nutrition. Over time the face can take on a sunken look, and speech can change. If teeth have already been lost, dental implants can replace them with teeth that look and function like natural ones.