Gum disease is a bacterial infection in the gums that also affects the bone surrounding your teeth and leads to inflammation and swelling underneath the gums. If not treated promptly, it can lead to tooth loss.
At Saddler Family Dentistry, we offer the most advanced and effective gum disease treatments and procedures in Berkeley, California.
book onlineWhat Is Gum Disease?
Gum disease is primarily caused by plaque accumulation. Plaque is formed when the bacteria in your mouth combine with saliva and create a sticky substance that adheres to your teeth.
Brushing and flossing regularly help prevent the buildup of harmful plaque. When plaque is not properly removed, it hardens and turns into tartar and can only be eliminated by undergoing a professional dental cleaning.
Over time, plaque goes under the gum line and causes inflammation. Swollen gums will ultimately detach from the tooth, creating a pocket. This can result in tooth and bone loss.
Symptoms of Gum Disease
- Loose teeth
- Sensitive teeth
- Receding gums
- Pain, irritation, or swelling of the gums
- Foul breath
Gum Disease Diagnosis
The early stages of gum disease can be diagnosed during your regular dental exams. This is one of the reasons you should keep up with your twice-yearly dental visits.
The two stages of gum disease are:
- Gingivitis
It causes red, swollen, or inflamed gums. Bleeding gums also tend to be a symptom of gingivitis. This stage of gum disease can be reversed with efficient oral care and gum disease treatments.
- Periodontitis
Advanced gingivitis leads to periodontitis, which causes the inflamed gums to detach from the tooth. Bacteria combined with our body’s infection-fighting enzymes begin to break down tissue and bone. Tooth loss is common in periodontitis. If diagnosed early, the condition can be reversed.
Non-Surgical Treatments for Gum Disease at Saddler Family Dentistry
- Scaling and Root Planing
For the scaling procedure, Dr. Saddler uses specialized tools to remove tartar from the gum line. Root planing then smooths out uneven spots on the roots that accumulate bacteria to allow the gums to reattach to the tooth surface.
- Professional Dental Cleaning
During your regular dental exam, Dr. Saddler can offer you a professional dental cleaning to remove plaque and tartar buildup from the tooth surfaces.
Surgical Treatments
If gum disease advances, Dr. Saddler may recommend surgical treatments such as:
- Guided tissue regeneration
- Flap or pocket surgery
- Bone surgery
- Bone & tissue grafts
For gum disease treatments in Berkeley, California, contact Dentist in Berkeley, CA. You can find us at 1504 Alcatraz Ave, Berkeley, CA 94703, or call us at (510) 653-6424.