Periodontal Disease

Comprehensive Gum Disease Treatment in Ahwatukee & Tempe, Phoenix

Gum disease is among the leading causes of tooth loss, and is unfortunately common among adults. Fortunately, early diagnosis and treatment can reverse gum disease and protect your oral health. At Ironwood Dental Care, Dr. Karale and his team are ready to restore your oral health through our Phoenix gum disease treatments. We'll evaluate your situation and personalize your treatment to help you enjoy a healthy smile once more.

No matter the reason for your gum disease, you can trust our team to provide care with diligence and compassion. We'll work with you to treat your symptoms, alleviate gum infections, and address the issues contributing to your gum disease. If you're looking for experienced gum disease treatment in Phoenix, schedule your visit with our friendly dental team today.

CALL US: (480) 704-0701 REQUEST APPOINTMENT

What Is Gum Disease?

Gum disease, also known as periodontal disease, is an infection that affects the gums and soft tissues around teeth due to plaque and bacteria. It damages the gums and jawbone if left untreated, eventually leading to tooth loss.

Poor oral hygiene is the primary cause of gum disease. However, other factors like obesity, smoking tobacco, age, genetics, nutritional deficiency, and illnesses like diabetes can increase your risk of the condition. Hormone fluctuations can also increase the risk of gum disease, particularly during pregnancy. If you are at an increased risk for gum disease, it's important for you to maintain your biannual dental checkups so that our dentist can catch any symptoms early and provide effective treatment.

Stages of Gum Disease

Gum disease occurs in three main stages: gingivitis, periodontitis, and advanced periodontitis. While early symptoms can be subtle, it is important to be alert for any signs, as the disease becomes more difficult to treat the more it has advanced.

Gingivitis: This is the earliest form of gum disease and the easiest to treat and reverse. Plaque along the gum line inflames the gums, causing redness, tenderness, and swelling. You may also notice bleeding when brushing and flossing. In most cases, you can reverse gingivitis with diligent home care and regular dental cleanings.
Periodontitis: Periodontitis happens when plaque and bacteria proceed below the gum line, spreading the infection past the gums and soft tissues. Pockets begin to form at this stage as gums pull away from teeth. Patients may also experience gum recession. Unlike gingivitis, periodontitis requires more professional treatment to eliminate bacteria pockets, along with maintenance cleanings to ensure the gum disease doesn't progress further.
Advanced Periodontitis: At this stage, the pockets deepen, increasing bacterial activities and inflammation. Tissues and fibers holding the teeth become significantly damaged, causing teeth to loosen and even fall out. Bone loss, bleeding, sensitivity, and swelling are expected at this stage. Patients are also at risk of systemic illnesses caused by secondary infections. Advanced periodontitis is impossible to reverse and requires professional or specialized dental care, which may include surgery.

How Do I Know if I Have Gum Disease?

Watching for symptoms is the best way to know whether you have gum disease. This way, you can get the help you need before it spreads and becomes more complicated to treat. Common signs of gum disease you should watch out for include:

Red, swollen or bleeding gums
Gum tenderness
Tooth sensitivity to hot or cold food and beverages
Halitosis (bad breath)
Spitting out blood when brushing
Gum abscess
Receding gums
Shifting or loose teeth
Pockets between your teeth and gums
A sudden shift in dental alignment

If you notice any of these signs, it is time to seek professional help. Our team will evaluate your situation and recommend the best treatment for you. Gum disease may show fewer signs at the onset, making it difficult to detect. By going for regular dental checkups, you can catch it early and begin treatment.

Gum Disease Treatment Options

Your recommended treatment options will depend on the severity of the condition. Our dentist can perform the following periodontal disease treatments:

Scaling and Root Planing: Scaling and root planing refer to a two-step professional deep cleaning process. Scaling involves cleaning above and below the gum line to eliminate accumulated plaque and bacteria. Planing then smooths the roots to facilitate reattachment of gum tissue, which closes the pockets and promotes healing.

Maintenance Cleanings: Relapse is common after gum disease treatment. We provide maintenance cleanings to uphold your oral health and prevent future recurrence of gum disease. These will be slightly more involved than a standard cleaning and are usually scheduled every three to four months, depending on your health condition.

Our team will refer you to a trusted specialist if you have advanced periodontitis. We also offer perio charting to measure gum pocket depth for all new patients and once a year for regular patients.

Helping You Fight Gum Disease

The best way to deal with gum disease is by taking preventive measures. Our team includes hygienists who provide education about proper oral health, causes, risk factors, and symptoms of gum disease.

We also offer at-home tips to prevent gum disease and maintain good oral health. You can expect professional advice on how to brush and floss, maintain a healthy balanced diet, and the importance of regular dental checkups. We're also happy to answer any of your questions and will work as your partners to promote your oral health.

Quality Gum Disease Treatment in Phoenix

At Ironwood Dental Center, your oral health and comfort come first. Our compassionate and skilled team is committed to ensuring you get personalized gum disease treatment in Phoenix and enjoy a positive experience at our practice. If you suspect you may have gum disease, we are happy to help. Please schedule an appointment with us today to discuss your needs.