Gum Disease

Gum Disease

Gum Disease Columbus, OH

Gum disease is an easily overlooked but serious gum infection that damages the soft tissue and, without corrective treatment, can destroy the bone that supports your teeth. Periodontitis, gum disease, can then cause your teeth to loosen and lead to tooth loss. If left untreated you will also experience gum recession. Periodontitis is common but is quite preventable.

At East Columbus Periodontic and Implant Dentistry, our entire team loves helping you develop optimal oral health as well as a functional and healthy smile. Our team uses forward thinking treatments and state-of-the-art technology, to ensure the most comfortable treatment for you. Our practice focuses on delivering personal care and developing individual treatment plans based on your unique needs. We emphasize preventive care and patient education because we want you to understand why it is important to keep your mouth healthy and how to do it. We are located at 5180 E. Main St., Suite A, Columbus, OH, 43213. Please call us today at 614-864-2561 to establish an appointment for an evaluation of any indications of you having gum disease.

Gum disease has become quite common. Over half of Americans 30 years and older, and over 70% of adults over the age of 65, currently have some level of gum disease. Gum disease is usually painless and is not often felt by those that have it, but it can manifest itself in the form of infection, sensitivity, puffiness, or inflammation of the gums. If left untreated, gum disease will begin to deteriorate the jawbone, and can result in the loss of teeth or the need for extensive dental surgery. There are also significant health issues associated with gum disease, including diabetes, stroke, and heart disease.

For more information, or to schedule a consultation, please call our office conveniently located in Columbus, OH at (614) 864-2561 or request an appointment online.

The Warning Signs of Gum Disease

One of the best ways to avoid developing severe gum disease is to understand the different stages of gum diseases and what symptoms are associated with them.

  • Gingivitis is the most common periodontal disease. Gingivitis develops when plaque accumulates over time around the gums. Gingivitis presents itself in the gums, which will become swollen, irritated, or puffy. Ignoring this first stage will lead to periodontitis and other significant health issues. Fortunately, gingivitis is relatively easy to address and reverse through a deep cleaning.
  • Early Periodontitis occurs when the bacteria that has formed around the gum has developed in severity, which now presents itself in symptoms like bleeding gums and the progression of plaque below the gum line, and the mild or moderate loss of bone around the teeth. When you have reached this second level of periodontal disease, more advanced treatment is usually necessary. Laser therapy, deep cleaning, or a combination of both may be recommended to stop the advancement of the disease.
  • Advanced Periodontitis occurs when the plaque, toxins, and bacteria have built up so much that they have created pockets between the gums and teeth, which allows additional bacteria to develop. This now leads to more advanced deterioration of the jawbone. If you have reached this stage of gum disease even more extensive treatments must be performed.

Treating Gum Disease

The most important thing you can do to prevent gum disease from developing is to continue practicing good oral hygiene habits daily at-home. Maintaining these good oral hygiene habits is essential to preventing gum disease from developing. Brush twice daily and for at least two minutes each time you brush. Also maintain regular flossing habits and consider an antimicrobial mouth rinse.

Along with these important at home care practices, it is also important that you continue scheduling regular visits with East Columbus Periodontic and Implant Dentistry. Visiting us twice a year will allow our team to conduct consistent cleanings and monitor the overall state of your oral health, catching issues such as gum disease before they develop.

If East Columbus Periodontic and Implant Dentistry discovers gum disease, we can provide treatment for every stage of the condition, which may include:

  • Prophylaxis (teeth cleaning) – In its early stage, your gum disease can be reversed using a simple cleaning procedure with our dental hygienist.
  • Scaling and root plane – A more advanced version of a gum cleaning, a scale and root plane procedure concentrates on the deep cleaning under the gums and planing the surface of the root to remove toxic elements and bacteria and help the body eliminate the gum infection.
  • Gum surgery – In a more advanced case of gum disease, we may recommend gum surgery in conjunction with regenerative procedures to eliminate the disease and help restore your lost tissues.
  • Bone grafting – In the most advanced cases of gum disease, bone is lost around the teeth, leading to mobility and eventual tooth loss. We may recommend a bone grafting procedure in addition to one or more of the gum treatments above to regenerate the level of bone and stabilize health.

WHAT OUR PATIENTS SAY

The Cost of Your Treating You Gum Disease

The cost of your treatment to eliminate your gum disease will vary depending on your individual needs and your treatment plan. We will discuss with you the cost of your treatment and each of your available payment options before we begin, so that you can make the best choice for your situation.

Affordable Payment Plans

Your smile is an invaluable asset, and we want to make it as easy as possible for you to receive the best dental care when you need it. East Columbus Periodontic and Implant Dentistry accepts most major credit cards and insurance plans. Our office staff is always available to help you with insurance claims and paperwork. We will work with your insurance provider to make sure that your coverage meets your needs and your budget.

Please let us know if you have any questions about your insurance coverage.

A Mission Statement YOU can Trust for High Quality Periodontal Care

The entire team at East Columbus Periodontic and Implant Dentistry is focused on providing you with excellence in periodontal and implant care in a concerned, caring, gentle, friendly, and relaxed environment.

Our philosophy of care is multidisciplinary, to create partnerships with your general dentist as well as other dental specialists and provide you with the most comprehensive treatment planning and care that is available today.

Our team believes that communication is crucial for both you and us, both in written documentation and verbal communication. Value-based decisions are at the cornerstone of our personalized treatment for you. We are located at 5180 E. Main St., Suite A, Columbus, OH, 43213. Please call us today at 614-864-2561 to establish an appointment that works for your schedule.