Gum Disease Treatment in Denver, CO

Gum disease, a common yet frequently underestimated condition, impacts approximately 2 in 5 adults in the United States. Also known as periodontal disease, this condition is characterized by infection in the soft tissues around your teeth. At the Mini Dental Implant Center of America in Denver, we offer a range of gum disease treatment options designed to prevent, manage, and treat periodontal disease at all stages, from routine cleanings that prevent the disease from taking hold to advanced restorative procedures for those already affected. We provide the necessary care to maintain and preserve oral health for our patients.

Symptoms of Gum Disease

Each of these signs indicates the presence of gum disease and highlights the body’s attempts to combat the infection and inflammation. Recognizing these symptoms early and seeking dental care can halt the progression of gum disease and safeguard your oral health.

Bleeding gums: This sign is a direct response to plaque accumulation along the gumline. The body’s immune response to this bacterial invasion leads to inflammation and bleeding during brushing or flossing.
Swollen or tender gums: These symptoms occur because the body is fighting off the bacteria in the plaque. This causes the gums to become inflamed, swollen, and sensitive to touch.
Gum recession: As inflammation continues, it weakens the gum tissue over time, leading to the gums pulling away from the teeth and deteriorating.
Increased sensitivity: As gums recede and expose the roots of the teeth, these areas become more susceptible to temperature changes. This can cause discomfort when consuming hot or cold foods and beverages.
Loose teeth and changes in alignment: Prolonged inflammation can destroy gum tissue and the bone structure beneath it. This damage can make teeth unstable, causing them to shift and affect your bite.
Pus between teeth and gums: Bacteria can build up in the pockets between teeth and gums, causing infections. The body’s immune system produces pus as a defense mechanism to fight these bacteria.
Teeth that fall out: In the most advanced stages of gum disease, individuals experience tooth loss as a result of the destruction of the soft and hard tissues.

How Gum Disease Progresses

Advanced gum disease doesn’t happen overnight. When left untreated, a reversible issue can wreak permanent havoc on your oral health. Here’s how the condition develops:

Gingivitis

The first and mildest stage occurs when plaque, bacteria, and saliva buildup occurs on the teeth and along the gum line. The bacteria within the plaque generate toxins that irritate the gum tissue, leading to inflammation and bleeding. Routine dental cleanings and proper home care have the potential to reverse gingivitis by eliminating plaque and minimizing inflammation.

Periodontitis

If gingivitis goes untreated, it can progress to periodontitis. This development happens as persistent inflammation causes the gums to separate from the teeth. This can lead to the formation of “periodontal pockets.” As these pockets deepen, they trap increasing amounts of plaque, tartar, and bacteria. While the body’s immune system combats the bacteria, the plaque spreads and grows beneath the gum line, eventually reaching the bone.

Advanced Periodontitis

In this final and most severe phase, the destruction of supportive tissue and bone progresses. This leads to further deepening of the pockets. The teeth lose more and more support, becoming loose and shifting. This can affect your bite and oral function. If advanced periodontitis is not treated, it can result in tooth loss and may require complex treatments to restore the affected area.

Minimally Invasive Treatments

From minimally invasive techniques to more advanced surgical interventions, we’re committed to restoring your oral health using the most suitable approach for your needs.

Professional cleanings: As a first line of defense, Dr. Bashi performs thorough cleanings to remove plaque and tartar. These regular appointments are crucial for stopping gingivitis from advancing further.
Scaling and root planing: For patients with periodontitis, Dr. Bashi recommends scaling and root planing. This treatment entails thorough cleaning below the gum line to eliminate plaque and tartar. Additionally, it involves smoothing the tooth roots to prevent bacterial buildup and help the gums reattach to your teeth.
Antibiotics: To address infection and inflammation, Dr. Bashi may prescribe antibiotics to help eliminate the infection-causing bacteria. These could be in the form of mouth rinses or gels applied directly in the gum pockets or oral antibiotics.
Laser dentistry: Embracing the latest advancements in dental technology, we also use laser dentistry to treat gum disease. This method allows for the precise targeting and removal of infected tissue with minimal discomfort and faster healing times, making it an excellent option for patients seeking less invasive treatments.

Advanced Gum Disease Treatment Options

The advanced stages of periodontitis require more specialized treatments. In these cases, Dr. Bashi and his skilled team offer a range of options.

Flap surgery: Bashi performs gum flap surgery for those with deep periodontal pockets resulting from advanced periodontitis. By lifting the gums, he can access and clean away tartar from between the teeth and around the roots. He will then secure the gums back in place, significantly reducing the pocket depth.
Bone and tissue grafts: Bone or tissue grafts counteract tissue and bone loss caused by severe gum disease. This procedure helps regenerate the bone and gum tissues that support your teeth.
Mini dental implants: When a tooth cannot be saved due to extensive damage from gum disease, it may require an extraction. Dr. Bashi offers mini dental implants as a comprehensive tooth replacement solution. These implants are ideal for areas with limited bone density, providing a stable and durable option for tooth replacement.

Visit Dr. Bashi Today for Expert Gum Disease Treatment

At our practice, we are dedicated to offering personalized care that meets each patient’s unique needs. Whether you’re in the early stages of gum disease or facing more severe complications, we have the expertise and technology to help you achieve a healthier smile.

Contact us today for a free consultation. We will discuss your treatment options and take the first step toward restoring your oral health.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the first signs of gum disease?

The early stages of gum disease can start subtly. This includes signs like gums that bleed a bit when you brush or floss and gums that might look red or swollen. As the condition progresses, you might notice your gums beginning to recede, making your teeth look longer than normal. Persistent bad breath that doesn’t go away with brushing or using mouthwash and teeth that feel loose or shift slightly in your mouth are also signs that the gum disease is advancing.

Recognizing these symptoms and taking action at the condition’s onset improves treatment outcomes. Regular exams and cleanings with Dr. Bashi can help him diagnose and treat gum disease in its early stages. These visits enable timely treatment and help keep your teeth and gums healthy.

What does gum disease look like in kids?

Gum disease, including gingivitis, isn’t just an adult problem; kids can experience it, too. Although it’s less common in children, poor dental habits, specific health conditions, or genetics can lead to gum problems even at a young age.

In children, gum disease often presents itself through swollen, red gums that may bleed during brushing or flossing. Unlike adults, where the disease can progress more quietly, kids might more readily complain about soreness or discomfort in their gums. They might also show reluctance to brush or floss due to the discomfort it causes.

Recognizing these signs early and maintaining a good oral hygiene routine with consistent dental checkups is crucial to effectively addressing and managing gum disease in little ones.

How do you stop gum disease from progressing?

To halt the progression of gum disease, it’s critical to act swiftly and seek professional dental care. Neglecting gum disease can result in significant complications. This includes weakening the structures that support teeth, loss of teeth, and the potential for the infection to extend to other parts of the body. Early detection and treatment are critical to averting these serious outcomes and preserving overall oral health.