If you’re experiencing pain in your gums, don’t wait to get the care you need! Reach out to us at Concord Smiles by calling (603) 225-2042, and we’ll help you schedule an appointment.
Your gum health is vital, and we’re here to make sure gum disease doesn’t compromise your smile or your overall well-being. Our friendly and compassionate team at Concord Smiles has the expertise and advanced tools to provide you with exceptional periodontal treatment right here in Concord, NH, and the surrounding areas.
What Is Periodontal Disease?
Periodontal disease begins with plaque, a sticky film of bacteria that forms on your teeth. When you eat or drink, these bacteria produce acids that can harm your gums. Regular brushing and keeping sugary foods to a minimum are key to keeping plaque at bay.
However, even patients undergoing orthodontic care, such as Invisalign aligners, must be extra diligent with oral hygiene. Plaque can harden into tartar, especially around and below the gum line or near aligner attachments. This buildup can lead to periodontal disease, which weakens and damages gums and teeth. Addressing it early ensures both a healthy bite and successful Invisalign results.
Signs You Might Have Periodontal Disease
The best way to prevent periodontal disease is through regular oral hygiene. Healthy gums should be a nice, pale pink and fit snugly around your teeth. Here are some signs that might indicate your gums need a little extra care:
- Swollen or tender gums
- Discomfort while biting or chewing
- Gums that appear red or purplish
- Bleeding gums or traces of blood on your toothbrush
- A pink tinge on your toothbrush after brushing
- Persistent bad breath (halitosis)
- Pus along the gum line or between teeth
- Loose teeth
- Gum recession
If you notice any of these symptoms, don’t hesitate to contact our skilled team at Concord Smiles for a thorough periodontal evaluation.
Current Treatments for Periodontal Disease
Our dedicated team of board-certified dentists and endodontists is here to help! We offer both surgical and non-surgical methods tailored to your unique situation.
Non-Surgical Treatments
For less severe cases of periodontal disease, we often start with deep cleanings. Non-surgical options include:
- Scaling: A thorough cleaning that removes bacteria and tartar buildup from your teeth and below the gum line.
- Root Planing: This procedure cleans below the gums and smooths the rough surfaces of the tooth roots to help your gums reattach.
- Antibiotics: We might prescribe oral or topical antibiotics to help eliminate any bacterial infection. These could come in the form of rinses or gels.
We’ll make sure to explain the treatment process thoroughly and provide a personalized post-treatment care plan to help you maintain healthy gums moving forward.
Surgical Treatments
In more advanced cases, we may recommend surgery to preserve your oral health and prevent further bone loss. Some surgical options include:
- Flap Surgery: This reconstructive surgery involves healthy tissue from a donor site to help repair your gums.
- Soft Tissue Grafting: This procedure helps fix gum recession.
- Guided Tissue Regeneration: Designed to encourage the regrowth of damaged gum and bone tissue.
- Tissue-Stimulating Proteins: These proteins assist in rebuilding damaged periodontal attachments.
- Bone Grafting: This helps regenerate new bone to replace what’s been lost to periodontal disease.
We want you to feel completely comfortable and informed about your treatment plan, so please don’t hesitate to ask us any questions you might have!
How to Prevent Periodontal Disease
The best defense against gum disease is maintaining solid oral hygiene routines. Regular brushing, flossing, and using your Invisalign aligners as directed can help prevent bacteria buildup and plaque.
Keep up with your dental exams and professional cleanings—ideally twice a year—to ensure both gum health and straight teeth. Patients using Invisalign in Concord, NH, often benefit from additional hygiene visits to keep gums healthy throughout treatment.
We’re Here to Help!
At Concord Smiles, we’re committed to providing high-quality dental care and effective periodontal treatments tailored to your needs. If you’re experiencing symptoms of gum disease, don’t wait—call us today at (603) 225-2042 to schedule your appointment. Your health and smile are our top priorities!
