Gum Disease Treatment

If you notice signs of gum disease like bleeding, swelling, or discomfort, you need to seek treatment. Gum disease can lead to severe dental problems, such as tooth loss, and it may even impact your overall health, increasing your risk for conditions like heart disease and diabetes. At Prevention Dental, Dr. Glen Stephenson and his dedicated team offer comprehensive gum disease treatment in Boise to help restore your gum health.

The Benefits of Gum Disease Treatment

Gum disease treatment in Boise offers many benefits beyond just improving your gums. With the right care, you can:

• Prevent Tooth Loss: By managing gum disease early, Dr. Stephenson can help prevent tooth loss and preserve natural teeth, ensuring your smile remains intact and functional for years. Early intervention is crucial to avoid advanced issues like tooth mobility or the need for costly replacements.
• Improve Your Oral Health: Gum disease treatment helps maintain healthier gums, improving oral hygiene and overall health. It reduces the risk of inflammation, infection, and bone loss, leading to a more stable and well-maintained oral environment. Regular care prevents further complications and enhances the long-term health of your gums and teeth.
• Enhance Your Smile: Treating gum disease restores the appearance of your gums and teeth, giving you a more confident smile. As your gums heal, their natural contour returns, which not only improves aesthetics but also strengthens your overall oral health. You’ll feel more comfortable showing off your smile to others.
• Boost Your Overall Health: Gum disease can increase your risk for serious health conditions like heart disease and diabetes. Treating your gums benefits your oral health and overall well-being by reducing inflammation and preventing harmful bacteria from affecting other parts of your body. Prioritizing gum care can lead to improved systemic health.

Stages of Gum Disease

Gum disease, or periodontal disease, progresses in stages, each requiring different levels of treatment. It’s important to understand these stages to address gum issues early:

1. Gingivitis: Gingivitis is the earliest stage of gum disease, which is usually reversible with proper oral hygiene. It causes gum inflammation, redness, and swelling. Gingivitis is often due to poor oral hygiene, which encourages plaque build-up. Early treatment, such as regular brushing, flossing, and professional cleanings, can combat gingivitis.
2. Periodontitis: If gingivitis is left untreated, it can progress to periodontitis, where the inflammation spreads deeper into the gums, affecting the ligaments and bones that support your teeth. This stage can lead to pockets forming between the teeth and gums, trapping food and bacteria and worsening the condition. It often requires professional treatment like scaling, root planing, and sometimes surgical intervention.
3. Advanced Periodontitis: This severe form of gum disease can result in tooth mobility, severe bone loss, and even tooth loss. More intensive treatment, including surgery or laser therapy, is required to remove infected tissue and regenerate healthy bone.

Risks of Untreated Gum Disease

Gum disease can cause much more than oral health problems if left untreated. The bacteria that infect the gums can enter the bloodstream and contribute to other health conditions. Studies have shown links between gum disease and systemic conditions such as:

• Heart disease: Gum disease may increase your risk of heart disease due to the inflammation and bacteria that can affect blood vessels and arteries, potentially leading to atherosclerosis and other cardiovascular issues. The ongoing bacterial infection in the gums can trigger systemic inflammation, further stressing the heart and increasing the likelihood of heart-related problems.
• Diabetes: There is a two-way relationship between diabetes and gum disease. Not only does gum disease make it harder to control blood sugar levels, but people with diabetes are more prone to severe gum disease due to compromised immune function. Uncontrolled gum disease can worsen blood sugar levels, making it even more difficult to manage diabetes and its associated complications.
• Respiratory problems: Bacteria from infected gums can enter the respiratory system, increasing the risk of pneumonia or other lung conditions, leading to respiratory infections that are more difficult to treat, particularly in individuals with weakened immune systems or pre-existing lung conditions, further complicating overall health management.
• Pregnancy complications: Gum disease during pregnancy can cause premature birth and low birth weight. The infection and inflammation caused by gum disease can disrupt the healthy development of the fetus, leading to complications like preterm labor, gestational diabetes, or preeclampsia, which can significantly impact both mother and baby’s health.

How Gum Disease Treatment in Boise Works

When you visit Prevention Dental for gum disease treatment in Boise, you can expect a thorough and effective process. Here’s a breakdown of the steps:

1. Initial Consultation and Assessment: During your first visit, Dr. Stephenson will carefully examine your gums and teeth. He will also take digital X-rays to detect signs of infection or bone loss, help him determine your condition’s severity, and develop a personalized treatment plan tailored to your needs. Additionally, we will discuss sedation options so you can undergo your treatments stress-free.
2. Review Financial Options: We know you don’t want your dental care to break the bank, so we offer flexible dental financing. This simple process allows you to get the care you need with manageable payment options tailored to your budget. You can consult our staff to learn more about your insurance coverage and payment options.
3. Scaling and Root Planing: For patients with early-stage gum disease, Dr. Stephenson may begin with scaling and root planing. This deep cleaning removes plaque and tartar from above and below the gum line. The dentist will also smooth the surfaces of tooth roots to help your gums reattach and prevent future bacterial build-up. This step is crucial in promoting healing and preventing further damage.
4. Advanced Periodontal Care: Dr. Stephenson may recommend additional treatments such as antibiotics or laser therapy in more advanced gum disease cases. These treatments target bacterial growth, reduce inflammation, and speed up healing. Laser therapy, for example, is minimally invasive and focuses on infected tissue while leaving healthy areas untouched, helping you recover quickly with minimal discomfort.
5. Ongoing Maintenance: Gum disease treatment doesn’t end with a single procedure. Dr. Stephenson will create a maintenance plan for you, including regular cleanings and check-ups. These visits help ensure that your gums stay healthy and prevent the return of gum disease. The dentist will also give you personalized tips on maintaining excellent oral hygiene at home so you can support your gum health between visits.
6. Follow-Up Care: Dr. Stephenson will schedule follow-up visits to monitor your recovery and make any necessary adjustments to your treatment plan after your initial treatment. These visits are essential for tracking your progress and ensuring your gums heal properly. Regular follow-up care is critical in keeping gum disease from returning and maintaining your gum health over time.
7. Learn About Additional Care: After successfully treating gum disease, patients can benefit from cosmetic dentistry to enhance the appearance of their smile.  At Prevention Dental, we combine periodontal care with cosmetic options, such as gum contouring, dental veneers, and teeth whitening, to restore a natural, beautiful look while boosting confidence.

Contact Prevention Dental Today for Gum Disease Treatment in Boise

Don’t wait for treatment if you’re experiencing gum pain, swelling, or bleeding. Gum disease treatment in Boise can restore your gum health and protect your smile. Contact us today and schedule an appointment with Dr. Glen Stephenson ​​at Prevention Dental in Boise, Idaho, and take the first step toward healthier gums and a brighter, more confident smile.