Are you suffering from gum disease?
Gum disease is an extremely common dental concern. As your trusted dentist in Alpharetta and Roswell, GA, Dr. Hedlund is here to help you take back control of your gum health. Infections in your gums can lead to damaging issues to your overall health. Additionally, infected gums eventually lead to tooth loss if left untreated.
Our restorative dentistry services offer comprehensive and compassionate periodontal disease treatment in Alpharetta, GA, for patients with any stage of gum disease.
Our goal with periodontal disease treatment is to evaluate the state of your gum disease, clear your mouth of the infection, and get you back on the path to long-term dental health. If you suspect you are showing symptoms of gum disease, please schedule an appointment online.
Periodontal Disease Treatment in Alpharetta, GA
Gum disease begins as a layer of sticky plaque that hardens into tartar around your gum line. Once this plaque becomes tartar, a trained dentist like Dr. Hedlund must professionally remove it. If the tartar is not removed, you may need more invasive treatment to help restore the health of your gums.
Periodontal Therapy FAQs
Here are our most frequently asked questions regarding gum disease treatment.
What is scaling and root planing?
Scaling and root planing is an in-depth cleaning of your gum line to clear it of bacteria and infection. Once Dr. Hedlund cleans the affected area and smooths out the tooth roots, the gums can reattach back to the teeth. This shortens the depths of the pockets around the teeth, and reduces the risk of future infection.
What are the common symptoms of gum disease?
Gum disease shows up as a variety of symptoms, including:
- Inflamed red or purplish gums
- Bleeding gums (gingivitis)
- Bad breath
- Receding gums
- Pockets around teeth
- Loose teeth
Can gum disease be cured?
No. Gum disease is not curable, but your dentist can manage the symptoms. Our office helps patients manage their gum disease through periodontal maintenance routines. Periodontal maintenance is a routine in-office deep cleaning scheduled every 3-4 months, after completion of gum disease therapy.
At these appointments, your dentist will clear the gum line of any buildup and scan for signs of returning inflammation. By keeping up with this routine, we can help you manage your gum disease and achieve the longevity of a healthy, happy smile.
Is gum disease common?
Periodontal disease affects about 47% of patients above 30. As you age these statistics increase. Patients over the age of 65 have a 72% chance of developing periodontal disease.
What happens if you leave periodontal disease untreated?
If you don’t get treatment for periodontitis, it could result in gaps in your teeth, receding gums, sensitive teeth, chronic foul breath, and tooth loss. Diabetes, heart disease, and stroke are other health conditions that have links to gum disease.
How long does it take to recover from periodontal disease?
As long as you follow your doctor’s instructions and brush and floss regularly, you should be able to heal and recover from gingivitis, within 14 days of your deep cleaning. As gum disease progresses into further stages, your dentist may extend the healing time up to a couple of months or longer.