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Comprehensive gum disease treatment in Chattanooga to restore your oral health.
Healthy gums are critical for a healthy, happy smile. Yet, gum disease is one of the most common dental problems and a leading cause of tooth loss. Good dental care at home can help, but even so, gum problems may happen.
Our dental team at Dr. Harry Suekert DDS is here to help you address periodontal concerns. Count on us for comprehensive periodontal treatment in Chattanooga. We’ll care for your gums and your smile, helping you enjoy a healthier smile for life.
Signs of Gum Disease
Symptoms of gum disease may not even be noticeable at first.
Oftentimes, people don’t notice anything until their gums begin to bleed when flossing or brushing.
But years of research have revealed the correlation between gum disease and your overall health.
Gum disease can lead to permanent tooth and bone loss.
Beyond that, periodontitis is also linked to several health issues incuding:
- Heart disease
- Diabetes issues
- Low birth weight
- Premature labor
- Stroke
Count on our knowledgeable dental team at Harry M Suekert DDS PLLC for efficient gum disease treatments in Chattanooga. We partner with multiple insurance companies to ensure your entire treatment process is easy and painless. Contact us as soon as you spot any abnormal gum symptoms.
Don’t wait for further complications to affect your life!
Stages of Gum Disease
Approximately 75% of Americans suffer from some form of gum disease. As a progressive disease, it only worsens without treatment. The stages of gum disease include:
- Gingivitis: This first stage of gum disease. Plaque buildup on the gumline is the main culprit. Over time, the plaque irritated the gums. The most common signs during this stage are: red/swollen gums, and bleeding gums during flossing
- Periodontitis: The second stage of gum disease damages the bones supporting your teeth and keeping them secure. You may experience “pockets” around your teeth. Food, bacteria, and plaque can get stuck in the pockets. You may also notice the gums beginning to pull away from the teeth, creating gaps. Without treatment, you are at risk of losing teeth.
- Advanced Periodontitis: Bacteria continues to spread, affecting the bones and connective tissues responsible for holding teeth. Pockets continue to expand as well. You may even experience loose or wiggly teeth, which can hurt your ability to bite and chew. Urgent, aggressive treatment is the only option during this stage. Tooth removal and replacement is a common result.
Tips to Prevent Periodontal Disease
Cleaning your smile daily is one of the most effective ways to prevent gum health issues. Brush twice a day and floss daily using good technique to remove plaque. Pay special attention to the gumline, removing any buildup each day.
Additionally, visit the dentist at least twice a year for professional teeth cleanings. Our dental hygienists will clean hard-to-reach areas, removing any excess plaque that your normal brushing and flossing leaves behind.
A few other helpful tips include:
- Avoid smoking and tobacco use, as smoking increases the risk of periodontal disease.
- Heart disease and diabetes are also connected with gum disease
- Dry mouth will increase your chances of gum disease, and therefore some medications that cause dry mouth will also
- Certain genetic factors may also increase gum disease
Gum Disease Treatments in Chattanooga, TN
If you suffer from gum disease, you have open wounds in your gums that allow the bacteria to enter directly into your bloodstream and circulate throughout your body. These bacteria can relocate to other parts of your body.
That’s why gingivitis and periodontitis treatment is so important. It can halt gum disease to improve oral health and overall health. We offer the following bleeding gums treatment in Chattanooga:
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LANAP
Using the patented, FDA-approved Laser-Assisted New Attachment Procedure our dentist treats patient gum disease with less pain, discomfort, recession and sensitivity, while providing predictable long-term results.
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Scaling & Root Planing
The non-surgical treatment scaling and root planing is often the first procedure in the fight against gum disease. Scaling removes the bacterial plaque from above and below the gumline, and root planing smooths the tooth surfaces to encourage healthy tissue reattachment and protection against future infection.
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Osseous Surgery
Osseous surgery is the most aggressive treatment for advanced gum disease. It involves removing the diseased gum tissue and repairing the damaged bone to restore support to the teeth. This surgery also removes the bacteria and calculus trapped in the deep pockets between the teeth.
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Periodontal Maintenance
Once gum disease has been comprehensively treated, periodontal maintenance is recommended to ensure it does not return. This procedure is completed every 3-4 months and involves a deep cleaning of the teeth at and below the gumline to remove bacteria and plaque accumulation. These deep cleanings will replace your regularly scheduled hygiene appointments.
Visit Dr. Suekert for Gum Disease Treatment In Chattanooga, TN
Stop gum disease in its tracks! The earlier we address it, the better. If you have any concerns about bleeding gums, swollen gums, persistent bad breath, or more, visit our dental clinic today. No matter what stage of gum disease you’re struggling with, it’s never too late to address the problem and restore your health. Dr. Suekert is here to help you with complete gum disease treatment services.
Schedule your appointment to address gum disease in Chattanooga today.
FAQ's About Family Dentist
Can I prevent gum disease?
There are several steps you can take to reduce the chances of gum disease including:
- Brush your teeth twice a day for at least two minutes
- Floss everyday
- Use fluoride-rich toothpaste
- smoking or chewing tobacco
- Eat a nutrient-rich diet full of fresh vegetables and fruits
- Rinse your mouth with antiseptic mouthwash to remove bacteria
- Treat health conditions that may impact your oral health
Our dentist in Chattanooga is happy to provide more details on how you can keep your smile safe.
What are gum disease treatments?
Root scaling and planing, or deep dental cleaning, is usually the first step in treating gingivitis. However, we offer laser dentistry and other solutions to treat your periodontal disease based on its stage. Our dentist will evaluate your oral health and determine the best treatment option. Visit us today for periodontal treatment in Chattanooga.
What are the signs of gum disease?
Swollen, red, tender or bleeding gums are common symptoms of gum disease. However, you may not experience clear symptoms until later in the progression of periodontal disease. That’s why regular dental visits are so important. Our dentist will carefully examine your teeth, gums, and dental structures for any signs of periodontal disease. That way, we can provide timely treatment before symptoms progress.
Can I reverse gum disease?
Yes, in some cases we can reverse gum disease, especially if we address it early enough. That’s why it’s so important to seek urgent gum disease treatment in Chattanooga. If the gum disease progresses severely, it will no longer be reversible. Even so, we can halt the progression of periodontal disease and get your dental health back on track.
Will I always have bleeding gums if I have periodontal disease?
No, you may not always experience bleeding gums. However, bleeding gums can be a symptom. You may notice them when you brush, floss, or eat. Whether or not your gums bleed, you should visit the dentist if you have concerns about your gums.
Can gum disease cause bad breath?
Yes, periodontal disease can cause persistent bad breath, known as halitosis. No matter how many times you brush your teeth or rinse your mouth, bad breath from gum disease will persist. The only way to address halitosis in this case is to treat your gum health issues.
How can I heal gum disease?
The first step is to remove the infection, including plaque under your gum line. You may need additional treatment if you experience loose teeth, tooth loss, or permanent bone damage. Addressing the infection early on will reverse periodontal disease and restore your oral health. In necessary cases, we offer laser gum therapy, gum grafting, tooth replacement, and more. Count on our dental team for complete gum disease treatment in Chattanooga.
