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Gum Disease Philadelphia

Restore Healthy Gums

Most adults will experience some form of gum, or periodontal, disease during their lifetimes. Gum disease can progress from a mild case of gingivitis to a serious condition known as periodontitis, and it is important to stop the development of the condition in its earliest stages. Caused by an excess of plaque and bacteria that build up along the gum line, advanced cases of gum disease can lead to severe tooth decay and loss.

It is important to diagnose and treat periodontal disease early. To schedule your gum disease screening, contact the Philadelphia office of Dr. Richard S. Tobey, Jr. today.

Symptoms of Gum Disease

Because early-stage gum disease does not present many symptoms, visiting your dentist regularly is the best way to keep your mouth healthy. When gum disease has progressed to a more severe stage, however, several symptoms will become noticeable:

• If you have chronic bad breath that is not alleviated by brushing, flossing, and mouthwash, gum disease may be to blame.
• Gums affected by gingivitis or periodontitis may be red, swollen, tender, or prone to bleeding. They may also recede, making teeth appear longer.
• Teeth may become more sensitive, causing chewing to be painful.  In worst cases, teeth may become loose or fall out due to extensively damaged tissue, gums, and bones.

If you are experiencing symptoms of gum disease, catching its progression as soon as possible is essential. Learn more about gum disease by contacting the Philadelphia practice of Dr. Tobey today.

Gum Disease Treatments

Early stage gingivitis is often treatable during a routine dental cleaning, when plaque and tartar that have built up over time are removed by a dentist or hygienist.  Afterward, maintaining a vigilant oral health regimen will help stave off future disease. Dr. Tobey may recommend follow-up appointments every three to four months to keep periodontal disease at bay, and may prescribe antibiotics to control any infection.

When gum disease has progressed to the periodontitis stage, treatment necessarily becomes more rigorous.

Root Planing and Scaling

Root planing and scaling is the most conservative method of treating advanced gum disease. “Scaling” refers to scraping the tartar from above and below the gum line, reducing the amount of disease-causing bacteria in the mouth. “Root planing” smoothes the rugged surface of the tooth root, where bacteria and germs can gather. While these procedures are typically performed manually, a laser may also be used. Depending on the severity of your gum disease, this treatment may be accomplished in one office visit; however, root planing and scaling is most often performed on one quadrant of the mouth at a time.

Surgical Treatment Options

If patients do not respond to root planing and scaling, or if the gum disease is simply too severe, surgical options may be used.

• Because bacteria and plaque can build up in the pockets created between the gums and teeth as a result of gingivitis, your dentist may choose to surgically remove or reshape portions of the diseased gum by performing a surgery known as a “gingivectomy.”
• A “flap procedure” cleans the root of the tooth, and repairs the bone damaged caused by gum disease.  After administering a local anesthetic, the dentist will pull back a section of gum to accommodate the deep level of cleaning. Stitches are used to reposition the gums, which will heal to form a tight seal around the tooth.

Depending on the severity of the gum disease being treated, patients may also undergo tooth extractions, or bone and tissue grafting.

Learn More about Gum Disease

Treating periodontal disease early is essential to preventing severe damage to your teeth, gums, and bones. To schedule a gum disease consultation, contact Dr. Tobey in Philadelphia today.