What is Gum Disease and Gingivitis?

Gum disease, or periodontitis, is a serious condition affecting the gums and bone that supports your teeth. Gingivitis is an early stage of gum disease, where bacterial plaque irritates the gums. If untreated, gum disease can lead to tooth loss. Here are some reasons why dental intervention may be necessary:

• Preventing Other Health Issues: The bacteria causing gum infections can enter your bloodstream and affect other parts of your body, such as your heart and lungs. Studies have linked periodontal bacteria to conditions like lung infections and heart disease. Scaling and root planing clean away these harmful bacteria, stopping gum disease from progressing and preventing the bacteria from spreading to other areas.
• Protecting Your Teeth: When the pockets around your gums become deeper than 3mm, they can trap harmful bacteria that contribute to gum disease. Over time, this can damage both your gums and the bone supporting your teeth, which may lead to tooth loss. Gum disease is the leading cause of tooth loss in adults.
• Improving the Look of Your Smile: Scaling and root planing removes tartar and plaque buildup from both the surface of your teeth and below the gumline. It can also help remove surface stains, giving your smile a cleaner, brighter appearance.
• Getting Fresher Breath: Bad breath (halitosis) is a common sign of gum disease, caused by bacteria and food particles in your mouth. Scaling and root planing helps eliminate the bacteria responsible for the odor, leaving your breath feeling fresher.

How is Gum Disease Treated?

Dr. Rore offers both surgical and non-surgical treatments to manage gum disease.

Scaling and root planing is an effective way to remove plaque and tartar from gum pockets. This will reduce the inflammation in the gum tissue and surrounding bone structures. The treatment plan can also include antibiotics to help fight off the infection.

Why Choose Dr. Rore for Periodontal Care?

Dr Rore completed advance periodontal training in 1990. Dr. Rore’s experience allows him to manage most periodontal concerns directly, ensuring the best outcomes. Dr. Rore does refers some periodontal cases to local specialists. Even in these cases, his knowledge and experience allow him to be actively involved in the treatment and follow-up care.

If you’re concerned about gum disease, call Dr. Rore’s office for a consultation or request an appointment online today!