Periodontics and Gum Therapy in Chestnut Hill, MA
Periodontal disease can be devastating to your teeth and eventually lead to losing them if not properly treated. Fortunately, in Chestnut Hill, MA, you have access to some of the best dentists in the country at Hammond Pond Dental Group. Our dentists have the skills and knowledge to examine your teeth and recommend the best periodontics and gum therapy to save them.
Symptoms of Gum Disease
Gum disease is the result of bacteria from plaque and tartar eating away at the gum line. It is usually painless, so you may not know that you have gum disease, unless you notice these symptoms:
- Tender, swollen gums
- Bright red or bleeding gums
- Bad breath
- Gums receding from teeth
- Loosening teeth
Types of Gum Disease
There are two types of gum disease, gingivitis and periodontitis. Gingivitis is a milder form of gum or periodontal disease. It causes your gums to swell, become bright red, and they may feel irritated. Periodontitis is a more serious form of gum disease that a periodontist in Chestnut Hill, MA, will diagnose for you.
With periodontitis, the gums will start pulling away from the teeth and forming pockets. The pockets become breeding grounds for tooth decay, which can further damage your teeth to your gums and jawbone if left untreated.
Periodontal Treatments
Fortunately, with periodontics and gum therapy, our dentists can treat your gums, get them to stop receding, and keep your teeth tight in your mouth. Typically, the first treatment for gum disease is scaling, and root planing, which is a form of teeth cleaning that is known as deep cleaning.
Our dentists use fine instruments to remove plaque and tartar from around the gums, including the pockets. While you can brush plaque away when it’s in a liquid state, after it dries and becomes tartar, only your dentist can remove it.
Periodontal maintenance cleanings may also be necessary if you have a bad case of periodontitis. If treatments start in the early stages of the disease, then our dentists at Hammond Pond Dental Group can save your teeth and gums. If you have concerns about gum disease, contact our office in Chestnut Hill, MA, and schedule a consultation to learn more about periodontics and gum therapy.