Gum disease is a serious issue—not just for your oral health, but also your overall health and well-being. In fact, gum disease has been linked to a variety of deadly conditions, including heart attacks, strokes, diabetes, and certain types of cancers, not to mention the devastation that it can cause for your smile. Dr. Claire Cho offers patients several gum disease treatment options to help reduce the inflammation, disease, and other issues associated with periodontitis.
What is gum disease and why treat it?
Gum disease is essentially an infection in the gums. If oral hygiene is insufficient to remove the plaque and tartar that build up on your teeth, then bacteria begin to multiply. As they infiltrate the area beneath the gum line, they excrete toxic byproducts that eat away at your healthy tissues, including the gums, teeth, and bone. Signs of gum disease include
- Red or inflamed gums
- Swelling in your gums
- Bad breath
- Bleeding when you brush or floss
- Buildup of pus around the teeth
In addition to these uncomfortable symptoms, untreated gum disease can result in gum recession, loose teeth, and even tooth loss.
Gum disease and treatments available at Dental Health and Aesthetics Center explained by Dr. Cho
How does gum disease affect the rest of the body?
Gum disease affects the rest of our body, and our mouth is our entryway to all the diseases. There is a strong link with heart attacks, strokes, diabetes, lung cancer, and a whole list of diseases that come from gum disease.
How do you treat gum disease in Dental Health and Aesthetics Center?
At Dr. Cho’s office, we stress the periodontal condition of the patient as being the foundation to not only their teeth but to their overall health. We treat it using different types of cleaning and control of patients’ gum disease through three different types of lasers that we use at the office.
We work with our hygienists who have had special training with the CO2 laser to treat gum disease and try to prevent all our patients from getting to any advanced stages. We also use Perio protect trays for the patient, to use on a daily basis. So that they can kill the bacteria instead of relying on the hygienist when they come in every three or six months.
Frequently Asked Questions About Gum Disease Treatment
What is periodontal disease?
Periodontal disease, or gum disease, is a bacterial infection that affects the gums and the bone supporting your teeth. The leading cause of gum disease is poor oral hygiene, which allows dental plaque (sticky bacterial film) to accumulate. Over time, plaque calcifies into tartar, which can lead to inflammation of your gums. Gum disease often starts as gingivitis, but later advances to periodontitis.
How do I know I have gum disease?
Common signs include bad breath, bleeding while brushing, receding gums, or loose teeth. You might also notice sensitivity or a change in your bite. The tricky part is that gum disease can be painless in its early stages, so regular dental checkups are the best way to catch it early.
What are the treatment options for periodontal disease?
Treatment depends on the severity of your condition. Mild cases are typically treatable with deep cleaning procedures, such as scaling and root planing (SRP). Deep teeth cleaning may be complemented with Perio Protect trays, which deliver medication directly into the gums.
Advanced cases may require regenerative treatments or laser therapy, such as LANAP (Laser-Assisted New Attachment Procedure). LANAP is a minimally invasive treatment that removes infection and promotes healing without the use of invasive tools.
Must gum disease treatment involve surgery?
Not necessarily. Mild to moderate cases are treatable with non-surgical deep teeth cleaning. Even when you have advanced gum disease, surgery isn’t always necessary thanks to technological advancements like LANAP. LANAP uses a precise dental laser to target and remove harmful bacteria and diseased tissues. The laser’s precision preserves healthy gum tissue, resulting in a faster recovery and reduced discomfort.
How much does it cost to treat gum disease?
The cost varies based on the severity of your gum disease and the recommended treatment. Early intervention typically costs less than advanced procedures. During your consultation, we’ll provide a personalized treatment plan and review your payment options in detail.
Does insurance cover gum disease treatment?
Most dental insurance plans offer partial coverage for periodontal treatments. Our office can help verify your benefits and guide you through your financial options so there are no surprises.
Why Choose Claire Cho, DDS for Periodontal Treatment?
When you want gum disease treatment, you want the best care possible. At Claire Cho, DDS, we take pride in providing high-quality periodontal care, rooted in a commitment to excellence.
Here’s why we stand out:
- Expert team: Our doctors possess the expertise and experience necessary to treat gum disease with precision and care.
- Advanced technology: We use a technology-led approach to gum disease treatment.
- Personalized care: We offer dental care tailored to your individual needs and preferences.
- Comfort: We understand advanced treatments for gum disease can invoke anxiety. We create a warm and relaxing environment where everyone feels at ease and comfortable.
Who offers gum disease treatment in the Aliso Viejo area?
Gum disease affects almost 50% adults, but it doesn't have to be a fact of life. If you need gum disease treatment, call (949) 541-2529 and book your consultation with Dr. Cho. Join us on a journey to a healthier, more confident you.
