Healthy gums are essential to your oral health. At the office of Walter Guillot, DMD, we provide periodontal services that cater to the health of your gums, jawbone and other structures that support and surround your teeth.
Gum disease, or periodontitis, is a very common oral health condition. It is marked by inflamed and swollen gum tissue, and if left untreated, it can lead to very serious issues. Periodontitis can occur when the gums become irritated due to exposure to bacteria and plaque. The first sign of gum disease is swollen irritated gum tissue. Patients may notice bleeding during brushing or flossing at this point. Patients are strongly encouraged to seek out treatment during this time, as the condition will progress.
Eventually, the gums start to pull away from the teeth creating spaces known as periodontal pockets. These pockets can fill with bacteria and plaque allowing the condition to spread throughout the rest of the mouth. These accumulations can even make their way to the jawbone and the connective tissues of teeth potentially leading to tooth loss.
Scaling and Root Planing: Scaling and root planing is one of the most proven treatments for periodontitis. This involves removing tartar and plaque from at and below the gum line. Then, we smooth out root surfaces to help prevent future buildups.
Dental Crown Lengthening: When gum tissue becomes inflamed, it can cause a “gummy” smile. To correct this, we can provide a procedure known as dental crown lengthening. This involves cutting away and reshaping excess gum tissue to restore the appearance of the gums.
Laser Treatment: This procedure involves using a specialized dental laser to remove swollen gum tissue from around the tooth’s root. The laser can also be used to eliminate buildups and smooth out rough spots. Laser treatment reduces recovery time and patient discomfort.
Bone Grafting: Bone grafting is used to promote new bone growth. By applying artificial bone material and special proteins to the jawbone, we can restore the health of deteriorated bone and prepare it for dental implants.
The earliest symptom is bleeding when you floss and brush. If you think you might have gum disease, early treatment is essential. Call us to make an appointment.
Using lasers minimizes healing time and reduces bleeding. It also helps to protect the teeth and gums that are not showing disease.
Just like getting a cavity filled, we will give you a local anesthetic to numb any pain. After treatment, your gums may feel tender while they heal.
Keep your gums healthy. For gum disease treatment in Gulfport, call Walter Guillot, DMD at (228) 896-0011 before it turns into gingivitis.
