Gum Disease Specialist
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Juan M. Carrillo, DMD
General Dentist & Cosmetic Dentist located in Richmond, VA
Gum disease is one of the most common health issues that American adults experience, but with treatment and better oral health habits, it can be managed and reversed. However, left unchecked, gum disease can cause dangerous complications, among them damaging your oral tissues, teeth, and jawbone. No matter how advanced your gum disease, Juan M. Carrillo, DMD, can offer treatment, with options ranging from a deep cleaning to education on better oral health habits. Call the Richmond, Virginia, office today or make an appointment online.
Gum Disease Q & A
What is gum disease?
While many people focus mostly on the health of their teeth, the health of your gums and oral tissues is just as important. Small-scale and mild gum disease is called gingivitis, a common but preventable disease that causes swelling and pain in the gums near your teeth.
Over time, untreated gingivitis can progress into periodontitis, a serious gum infection that can attack the bone that supports your teeth. These gum diseases are mostly caused by poor oral hygiene practices and can be treated and prevented by regular, thorough brushing and flossing.
What are the symptoms of gum disease?
If you have gingivitis or periodontitis, you may experience:
- Swollen or puffy gums
- Dark red gums
- Bleeding from your gums if you floss or brush too hard
- Bad breath
- Tender gums
- Painful chewing
It’s also common for gum disease to cause your gums to recede, making your teeth appear longer. This gum recession can cause both cosmetic and functional problems for your teeth.
How is gum disease treated?
Gum disease can’t be treated with one “magic bullet,” but there are a variety of ways you can begin treating inflammation or infection. Dr. Carrillo can provide a deep dental cleaning, or in some cases, scaling or root planing to make sure your gums are free of bacteria and food particles. To do this, Dr. Carrillo uses dental tools to clean the space between your teeth and gums, often going beneath the gum line to remove plaque, tartar, and other debris that can’t be removed through other means.
If you have a damaged or broken crown, bridge, or similar device, then restoration may help keep your mouth clean and healthy. If an infection is present, antibiotics may also be an option. However, the most important part of treatment is developing good oral hygiene skills and sticking with them every day.
In some cases, you may require a surgical restoration of your gums or jawbone. To do this, Dr. Carrillo may use soft-tissue or bone grafting to restore tissue that’s been lost to infection or decay.
If you have gum disease or if you have any questions, call the office today or make an appointment online.
