Gum Disease
If you have gingivitis, it can be reversed with good oral hygiene and regular checkups with your dentist.
Untreated gingivitis will eventually become worse, resulting in chronic gum disease and serious oral health issues.
Dr. Gregory Bauer in Lakewood, CO, can provide you with timely treatment to reverse or control gum disease and maintain your oral health.
What Is Gum Disease?
Gum disease, also known as periodontal disease, is a serious infection triggered by bacterial growth that damages your gums. If left untreated, it can lead to tooth loss and jawbone deterioration. It can also increase your risk of developing heart and lung diseases.
The condition starts as gingivitis, appearing as swollen and red gums that can bleed and bad breath. If your gingivitis isn't treated, it progresses to periodontitis or advanced periodontitis. Periodontal disease requires treatment from a professional, and an improved oral hygiene routine at home for long-term prevention.
Certain factors can increase your risk of developing gum disease:
- Hormonal changes
- Poor oral hygiene
- Crooked teeth
- Certain medications
- Certain illnesses
- Family history of gum disease
- Nicotine use
The Dangers of Gum Disease
If you have periodontitis, the inner layer of your gums has pulled away from your teeth, creating pockets that collect debris and become infected. Plaque then develops below the gumline as the bone and connective tissue that hold your teeth in place start to wear down.
Over time, teeth can become loose and could fall out.
We Can Treat Your Periodontal Disease
Periodontal disease should be taken seriously because, if ignored, it can lead to serious oral health problems that can be costly to fix. If your gingivitis has progressed to periodontitis, you'll need a professional to control the inflammation and avoid tooth loss or the need for root canal therapy and tooth extraction.
Dr. Bauer of Bear Creek Family Dental can provide the gentle and effective care you need to either reverse gum disease or keep it from damaging your smile.
Request an appointment at our Lakewood, CO, office by filling out our online contact form or calling:
(303) 988-6767
See Why the Lakewood Community Loves Us!
Vicki Groninga
2020
Dr. Bauer and his staff are amazing!! Dr. Bauer is caring, compassionate and a wonderful dentist. He takes the time to explain everything he is doing and is really gentle...I have never really been fond of dentists but my experience with this practice has changed my outlook, The staff here is the best! I highly recommend this practice to anyone searching for a dentist
View on GoogleCharity Witherell
2019
Dr. Bauer is friendly and is personable. He takes time out of his busy schedule to ask how you are and always explains any procedures very thoroughly. The staff are welcoming and friendly as well. If you are looking for a new dentist, try it out. You will be glad you did.
View on GooglePeriodontal disease is the most common cause of tooth loss among adults. -National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research
Treating Gum Disease
Treating early stages of gum disease is often as simple as undergoing a cleaning and improving your at-home care routine. More advanced gum disease requires reattaching healthy gums to teeth, removing bacteria, and reducing the depths of the pockets between gums and teeth. If you have a severe form of periodontal disease, our Lakewood dentistry practice has treatment options that can restore your oral health.
Antibiotics
Our periodontist may first try to treat your gingivitis or periodontitis with antibiotics. Some antibiotics can be taken orally to reduce the growth of bacteria, while other antibiotics can be placed directly on the gums and in your periodontal pockets.
Antibiotics are often combined with other treatment options for periodontal disease.
Scaling and Root Planing
During this nonsurgical deep cleaning procedure, a dentist or dental hygienist will scrape away plaque and tartar (scaling) from above and below the gumline. They will then smooth out any rough spots on the tooth roots (planing). This process removes bacteria and makes it harder for bacteria to accumulate in the future.
Scaling and root planing ultimately creates a clean surface for your gums to reattach to your teeth.
Gingivectomy
When antibiotics or root planing and scaling aren't enough to treat your periodontitis, you may require surgery. A gingivectomy is a procedure in which a gum specialist removes and reshapes loose and diseased gum tissue to get rid of the pockets between your teeth and gums.
This procedure is typically done before periodontal disease has progressed to a point that it is damaging the bone that supports your teeth.
Gum Contouring
Gum contouring can be performed by our dentist to reduce your periodontal pockets. This protects the health of your teeth and gums, but the procedure also has cosmetic benefits.
If the gum recession from your periodontitis has made a noticeable difference in the appearance of your smile, gum contouring can be used to restore your gumline.
Modern Gum Disease Treatment with Lasers
Laser treatments typically result in less bleeding, pain, and swelling than surgical treatments. Lasers also sterilize the treatment area, so the risk of infection is minimal. Laser treatment and the recovery period after treatment are both quick, and insurance often covers the cost of laser therapy when used as a treatment for gum disease.
Our Lakewood, CO, office has two diode lasers to perform periodontal therapy: the BIOLASE Epic Pro™ and Epic Hygiene™. These lasers are precise enough to remove inflamed gum tissue, tartar, and plaque to allow your gums to heal around your tooth.
Epic Pro
The Epic Pro laser gently manages soft tissue four times faster than a classic diode laser. The temperature of the laser tip can be easily monitored for predictable and consistent results. The laser moves quickly across tissue with little to no resistance, easily removing affected gum tissue.
Epic Hygiene
The Epic Hygiene laser is the sole hygiene-only laser cleared by the FDA to remove bacteria. This laser reduces inflammation and the presence of oral bacteria. It's minimally invasive and can remove debris from pockets for preventive care. Epic Hygiene is a good solution for early periodontal care needs.
Regular Checkups Protect Your Oral Health
Scheduling regular cleanings and checkups at our Lakewood, CO, office can keep your plaque and tartar buildup to a minimum. When plaque and tartar accumulate, they can only be removed by a professional.
Our team of dental professionals can remove plaque and tartar both above and below the gumline. This helps patients avoid gingivitis and periodontitis, and keeps smiles fresh and clean.
If the team at Bear Creek Family Dental notices that you are showing signs of gingivitis or periodontitis, Dr. Bauer may recommend scheduling more than two professional cleanings each year. These precautionary measures are a key part of preventative dental care, and can keep your mouth healthy.
"I've Been a Client of Theirs for Decades"
Mike Stapp
2019
Bear Creek Family Dentists exemplifies how a dental center should operate. It starts with the front office that are the friendliest, most professional and accomadating you will find. Then the gentile care, knowledge and outstanding results of the hygienists and Dr. Bauer continue to impress me. I've been a client of theirs for decades and highly recommend them. Mike
View on GoogleDebbie Nelson
2019
Friendly people, interested in me as a person. :-) Dr B is knowledgeable-I really like how he tells me what’s happening in my mouth, what he’s watching and how soon a filling might need to be replaced or that a crown might be needed in the future. No surprises!
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