Gum Disease Treatment Houston
Stop the Primary Cause of Lost Teeth
Many people assume that decay is the cause of most tooth loss, but gum disease is the main culprit, and it can go completely unrecognized right up until you lose your teeth. Symptoms include loose or shifting teeth or bleeding gums when you brush or floss. If you’ve been told you need gum surgery, you will be glad to know it’s possible to control gum disease with a variety of non-surgical methods. Just call our office to learn more about how you can take back control of your gum health.
Why Choose Smiles of Memorial for Gum Disease Treatment?
- Laser Gum Disease Treatment Available
- Patient Comfort is a Always a Big Priority
- Dentist You Can Trust to Put Your Needs First
Gum Disease Can Contribute to Serious Health Conditions
Recent medical research has found a startling connection between periodontal (gum) disease, stroke, and heart disease. Since heart disease can be fatal, gum disease is a more serious matter than previously understood. The American Dental Association estimates that as many as 8 out of 10 Americans have periodontal disease. If this were any other affliction, such as AIDS or tuberculosis, it would be considered an epidemic! Many dentists treat it as just that. They used to believe that gum disease would never be considered that way because “no one ever dies from it.” The worst is that you lose your teeth. Not pleasant – but certainly not life-threatening. But that’s all changed.
The American Academy of Periodontology reports that “Studies found periodontal infection may contribute to the development of heart disease, increase the risk of premature, underweight births, and pose a serious threat to people whose health is already compromised due to diabetes and respiratory diseases.” Periodontal disease is characterized by bacterial infection of the gums. These bacteria can travel into the bloodstream – straight to the heart.
There Is Good News
Surgical treatment may be necessary for advanced gum disease. Gum surgery is never fun, but it is almost always successful in controlling the condition, and common insurance plans usually cover a portion of it. With mild periodontal disease, there are very effective non-surgical procedures that, coupled with improved dental hygiene, can virtually halt the spread of the disease. This, too, is usually partially covered under most dental insurance plans.
Scaling & Root Planing
Scaling and root planing is a two-part process that involves clearing away plaque and tartar that has hardened on teeth and along the gumline. After scaling is complete, root planing begins with our team going deep within the gum pockets to smooth out the tooth root so that bacteria are less likely to form again. This also encourages gum reattachment and proper healing.
Laser Gum Disease Treatment
Does the painless treatment of gum disease seem improbable? It’s not. You no longer need to dread gum surgery. Dr. Viet Tran uses an advanced FDA-approved laser for the effective, non-surgical treatment of gum disease. The procedure is both minimally invasive and patient-friendly. By targeting diseased tissues and pockets of bacteria, we can avoid harming any healthy teeth and soft oral tissues and instead, produce a greater environment for your gums to heal.
Defeat Gum Disease Painlessly
Gum disease, also known as periodontal disease, generates more tooth loss than decay. Dr. Viet Tran is pleased to offer his patients a powerful weapon in the fight against gum disease. Available in powder form, ARESTIN™ contains tiny microspheres, which deliver a time-released antibiotic directly to the site of the infection. If you have gum disease, it can now be treated painlessly – and that’s truly good news.