At Revival Dental, Dr. Rachel Neumeyer specializes in diagnosing and treating periodontal (gum) disease to help our patients maintain healthy smiles for life. Gum disease is a common but serious condition that can lead to tooth loss if left untreated. With proper care and early intervention, we can help you restore your gum health and protect your natural teeth.
Understanding Gum Disease: Gingivitis vs. Periodontitis
Gingivitis: The Early Stage
Gingivitis is the earliest stage of gum disease and is completely reversible with proper treatment. During this stage, bacteria in plaque build up along the gumline, causing inflammation.
Warning Signs of Gingivitis:
- Red, swollen gums
- Bleeding when brushing or flossing
- Bad breath that won’t go away
- Tender gums when touched
The good news is that gingivitis can usually be treated with professional cleaning and improved home care. Catching gum disease at this stage is crucial because once it progresses, treatment becomes more complex.
Periodontitis: The Advanced Stage
When gingivitis is left untreated, it can advance to periodontitis. This serious condition occurs when inflammation spreads below the gumline, causing the gums to pull away from the teeth and form “pockets” that become infected. As the disease progresses, it destroys the bone and connective tissues that support your teeth.
Warning Signs of Periodontitis:
- Receding gums (teeth appear longer)
- Loose or shifting teeth
- Painful chewing
- New spaces developing between teeth
- Persistent bad taste in mouth
- Pus between teeth and gums
- Changes in how your teeth fit together when biting
Why It’s Important To Treat and Prevent Gum Disease
Healthy gums are the foundation of a healthy mouth. Beyond preserving your smile, treating gum disease is essential for several reasons. Periodontitis is the leading cause of adult tooth loss in the United States. Research has linked gum disease to serious health conditions including heart disease, stroke, diabetes complications, and respiratory issues. Advanced gum disease can cause pain, difficulty eating, and self-consciousness about bad breath or the appearance of your smile. Treating gum disease early is far less expensive than the restorative treatments needed after tooth loss occurs. A healthy mouth contributes to better nutrition, clearer speech, and greater confidence in social situations.
Treatments for Gum Disease at Revival Dental
Dr. Neumeyer offers a range of treatments to address both early and advanced periodontal disease:
Non-Surgical Treatments
For mild gingivitis, a thorough professional dental cleaning may be enough to reverse the condition. Scaling and root planing (deep cleaning) is recommended when there is calculus (or tartar) buildup under the gums. In these cases, the calculus is located deeper under the gums and requires a special, deep cleaning to be able to remove it. By removing this bacteria, the gum tissues become healthier and further bone loss is prevented. We may also recommend antibiotic therapy with topical or oral antibiotics to control bacterial infection and promote healing after deep cleaning procedures.
Advanced Treatments for Periodontitis
When more advanced treatment is needed, pocket reduction surgery involves folding back the gum tissue to remove infectious bacteria and smooth damaged bone, allowing the gum tissue to reattach to healthy bone. Soft tissue grafts can be performed when gums recede significantly – we can take tissue from elsewhere in your mouth to cover exposed roots and restore a more natural gumline. Guided tissue regeneration is a specialized procedure that encourages the regrowth of bone that was destroyed by bacteria, using biocompatible materials to promote natural healing. In cases of significant bone loss, bone grafting materials can help regenerate lost bone and provide better support for teeth.
Maintenance and Prevention
After treating gum disease, Dr. Neumeyer will develop a personalized maintenance plan that may include more frequent professional cleanings (every 3-4 months instead of every 6), specialized home care techniques and product recommendations, regular monitoring of pocket depths and gum health, and addressing risk factors like smoking, diabetes, or certain medications. Consistent maintenance is essential for long-term success in managing periodontal health.
Request An Appointment
Don’t ignore the warning signs of gum disease. Early intervention is key to successful treatment and preventing serious complications. Contact Revival Dental today at (504) 264-6013 to schedule your periodontal evaluation with Dr. Rachel Neumeyer.
You can also request an appointment by filling out our online request appointment form on this website. Our friendly staff will follow up promptly to confirm your visit to our Metairie, LA office.
Restore your gum health and protect your smile for years to come with expert periodontal care from Revival Dental.