Gum Disease in Louisville, KY & New Albany, IN
Gum disease or periodontal disease is identified by three continuous escalating phases. The first stage of gum disease is called gingivitis, followed by the second stage, periodontitis. The final and most serious level of the condition is called advanced periodontitis. Diagnosing and treating any gum disease and recession early and promptly will both stymie and reverse the progression of the disease.
Gum Disease Information
Beginning with the damaging oral bacteria, gum disease is a major factor contributing to loosen or even missing teeth among patients that are over the age of thirty-five and it can also be associated with many other worrisome physical health conditions. The bacteria hide within the plaque and tartar deposits that build up on the enamel of each tooth. They generate toxins which immediately harm the teeth, bone, and the ligaments and infect the gums that collectively all keep each tooth in the proper location.
Would You Benefit from Periodontal Therapy?
You could require gum disease treatment if you have some minor inflammation and bleeding. If you have any loose teeth or significant deterioration of any gum tissue you would certainly require treatment. When PerioImplant Associates identify gum disease and we address it early, you will have a higher percentage opportunity to mitigate the harmful symptoms altogether. You may have bleeding gums or puffiness and consider it ordinary. Bleeding and other symptoms of gum disease are not normal and should be looked at immediately by our team.
Contact Our Practice Today
Our goal is to get you back to smiling and chewing with confidence. With our qualified staff and compassionate team, we will listen to your questions and desires to find the best solution for your dental health.
Periodontal Therapy Options for Gum Disease
There are several surgical or non-surgical periodontal therapy options available that PerioImplant Associates can effectively use to reverse the impact of gum disease reducing the possibility of tooth loss, preventing the need for tooth extractions, or reducing the need for any corrective dental bone grafts.
Common periodontal therapy procedures include the following:
- Scaling and Root Planing- A deliberate process of a deep cleaning of your teeth that removes the plaque and tartar that has developed below the gum line. Scaling is the removal of plaque and calculus from the surface of your teeth, with root planing going deeper to the smoothing out your teeth’s roots to remove persistent bacteria which will speed up the healing process for the gum tissue by removing the source of the infection.
- Periodontal Laser Treatment- This procedure removes damaged and diseased gum tissue. You might want to pursue this option with PerioImplant Associates because unlike traditional treatments, periodontal laser treatment causes less gum shrinkage and less discomfort.
- Periodontal Plastic Surgery- A gum reshaping procedure that can be performed to improve the aesthetic appearance of your gum tissue.
- Dental Implants- The dental implant process begins with the necessary extraction of a damaged tooth, followed by an x-ray to determine if there is adequate jawbone to successfully support a dental implant. If you are a feasible candidate, a small titanium post will be surgically inserted into your jawbone. After this has healed, the artificial tooth or bridge will be placed on this post, which now acts like a new root.
The Common Symptoms of Gum Disease
The symptoms of gum disease are often not obvious until it has already progressed. Schedule an appointment to see us at PerioImplant Associates if you notice any of the following symptoms:
- There is bleeding after brushing or flossing your teeth.
- Your gums are swollen, a darker red, or sensitive.
- You have discomfort or pain in your mouth.
- Your gums have receded or are pulling away from your teeth.
- You can see pus between your gums and teeth.
- Your friends and family complain about your terrible bad breath.
- You have sores in your mouth.
- You notice loose or separating teeth.
- Your teeth no longer seem to fit together when you bite.
Call PerioImplant Associates for an immediate evaluation if you notice one of these probable symptoms of gum disease.
Our Specialists Tell Our Story Best
Ramsey Burton, DMD
Dr. Ramsey Burton is originally from Nashville, TN. He received both his undergraduate and doctorate degrees from the University of Louisville. Following dental school, he completed periodontal specialty training at the University of Kentucky.
Courtney Shearer, DMD, MS
Dr. Courtney Shearer was born and raised in Louisville, KY. She attended Washington and Lee University for her undergraduate degree. She then attended the University of Louisville School of Dentistry where she received her Doctorate in Dentistry.
Jodie Lusby, DMD, MSD
Dr. Jodie Lusby is a Board Certified Periodontist and grew up in Florence, KY. He attended the University of Kentucky where he received his biology degree and graduated Magna Cum Laude. He then attended the Louisville School of Dentistry.
How PerioImplant Associates Treats Gum Disease
Discovering your gum disease as soon as possible can be critical to mitigating the condition. To determine the extent of your gum disease, we will use a precise tool to measure the gaps, or pockets, between your gum tissue and your tooth roots. If this pocket is more than three millimeters in depth, it is a matter of concern. X-rays will also help us in assessing the amount of bone tissue around each tooth to determine the stage of gum disease.
At PerioImplant Associates we exercise advanced screenings to identify the stage of your gum disease and will develop a personalized plan for the correct procedure for your treatment. The early stage of gum disease is usually addressed with a thorough cleaning and an improved program at-home. To treat the second stage of gum disease, we will introduce treatments every few months, and possibly in conjunction with antibiotics. The advanced stage of gum disease might be best managed through a surgical approach.
Follow Up Care
Exercising a deliberate dental care routine at home is crucial after we have addressed your gum disease. At your visit to PerioImplant Associates, we will provide you with an effective plan to improve your at-home toothbrushing and flossing habits and therefore safeguard your teeth and gums. We will also provide you with thorough post-treatment tips to recover from your procedure quickly. We strongly advise these in-depth maintenance and preventative cleanings at least twice a year.
Gum Disease Treatment Costs
The cost of your gum disease treatment will depend on the extent of your individual needs and your treatment plan. We will walk you through the cost of your treatment, any insurance coverage, and available payment options before we begin, so that you can make the best choice for your situation.
A Warm and Caring Welcome to Our Practice
Our entire team at PerioImplant Associates has one primary focal point, and that is superlative care for you. It can be natural and normal for you to be apprehensive or anxious about visiting a dentist, or a periodontist. Understanding that, we will always take our time in explaining the benefits of the procedure that is being proposed for your dental health. Both offices, Louisville, KY, and New Albany, IN, are trained to address all issues and concerns. We will share the details and benefits of periodontal treatment, introduce our staff, and explain any general office policies. Call us today about an evaluation for gum disease treatment for you. You will be greeting by smiles, and we will send you home with a healthy smile of your own that you will be eager to share.