What gum disease is
Gum disease is an infection of the soft tissue that holds your teeth in place. It starts when plaque, a sticky film of germs, stays on your teeth and along the gum line. The gums turn red and swollen, and they may bleed when you brush. This first stage is called gingivitis. It is very common, and many people have it without knowing.
If it carries on, it can become periodontitis. The gum pulls away from the tooth and leaves small gaps called pockets. The bone under the tooth then wears away bit by bit. Since it often does not hurt, it is easy to miss. It does not mean you did something wrong. Gum disease and diabetes also affect each other, so please tell us if you have diabetes. It helps to tell your physician about your gums too.
Signs worth having checked
Seeing blood in the sink can be worrying, and you are right to notice it. Bleeding is often the earliest sign. Many people brush that spot more gently or skip flossing there, which can let the problem grow. Other signs may be:
- Gums that are red, puffy or tender
- Teeth that look longer because the gums have shrunk back
- Breath that stays unpleasant even after you brush
- Teeth that feel loose or seem to have moved
- Teeth that no longer meet the way they used to
How we assess your gums
We measure the space between each tooth and the gum, all the way round every tooth. We note where the gums bleed, check for gum that has shrunk back and see whether any teeth move. X-rays show how much bone is left. This is usually done together with an examination. You will leave knowing which areas are affected and how far it has gone, and we will answer any question you have.
Those first numbers become your starting point. At later visits we measure again, so you and your dentist can see whether things are improving.
Treatment without surgery
If the gums are only inflamed, a professional cleaning and a few changes in how you clean at home are usually enough. We are glad to show you how.
When disease has reached below the gum line, the usual next step is scaling and root planing, a cleaning below the gum line. We freeze the area first. Then we clear away the hard buildup from the root surfaces and smooth them, which helps the gum settle back against the tooth. Some people need more than one visit. We check your gums again after a few weeks to see how they have responded.
Periodontal surgery
The word surgery can feel like a big step, so we will take it slowly and explain each part. If a pocket is still deep after scaling, you cannot keep it clean at home, and the bone loss may carry on. In that case surgery may be the next step. It lets us clean the root in full view and reshape the gum so it is easier to keep healthy.
Some procedures repair the harm that gum disease has done. A gum graft can cover a root that has been left bare by shrinking gums, and gum grafts are done here at our office. Reshaping the gum can also uncover more of a damaged tooth, so it can be rebuilt. Other gum surgery may be done by a periodontist, a dentist who specializes in gums. We will talk through your options and what healing involves.
After treatment
Treatment can stop the disease, but it does not make you immune to it coming back. Cleanings every three to four months, and cleaning between your teeth each day, are what help keep the gain. If you smoke, stopping may make the biggest difference to whether it returns, and we are glad to support you.
What to Expect
How long does it take to recover from gum surgery?
It depends on what is done. Many people feel sore for a few days and choose soft foods for about a week. Your dentist will go over the steps for your own mouth and give you written instructions to take home. You are welcome to call us if anything worries you.