Periodontal Disease in Colorado Springs, CO

If you have gum disease, our dental team would love to help you. At Springs Family Dental, we offer non-surgical options for the treatment of periodontal disease.

Dr. Terveen and our Colorado Springs dental team know that you only have one smile, and it needs to shine. Our periodontal treatment not only improves your mouth’s overall health and function, but it also increases your chances of keeping your natural teeth.

What Is Gum Disease?

Commonly referred to as gum disease, periodontal disease is a bacterial infection that leads to inflammation of the tissue that surrounds your teeth. If treatment is not sought, periodontal disease can lead to serious dental and medical issues, including heart disease.

Plaque is a sticky film of bacteria that constantly builds up on your teeth. When it's not removed, plaque calcifies into a hard substance called tartar or calculus. Tartar clings to your teeth and cannot be removed by brushing and flossing, which is why you need periodic teeth cleanings. Left untreated, tartar buildup can lead to periodontal disease and cause serious damage to both the gums and bone that support your teeth.

Signs of Periodontal Disease

Your dentist in Colorado Springs wants you to be aware of the signs of periodontal disease including:

• Regular bleeding, swelling, or redness of the gums
• Constant bad breath
• Receding gum line
• Loose or mobile teeth
• A noticeable difference in bite pattern
• Changes in the way that dentures fit and feel

As with any dental issue, if you are concerned that you may be affected by periodontal disease, please give our dental office a call. We are here to answer any questions and address any concerns that you might have about our procedures or your treatment.

Don’t let the fear of the unknown keep you from seeking the treatment that is best for you.

There are lots of things that cause gum disease. Poor dental hygiene, genetics, and lifestyle choices are the leading causes.

Smoking is one of the leading causes of gum disease, and it can also inhibit the treatment, lengthening the amount of time it takes your gums to heal.

Other common causes of gum disease are:

• Poor or inadequate dental hygiene or care
• Hormonal changes in women and girls
• Diabetes and other diseases
• Medications that reduce the amount of saliva in your mouth
• Genetics

How Is Gum Disease Treated?

In its early stages, gum disease can be treated (and even reversed) with improved home hygiene and regular professional cleanings. If your gum disease is further along, however, you’ll need more targeted care.

Our Colorado Springs dental team can treat moderate gum disease with a deep-cleaning procedure known as scaling and root planing. During your deep cleaning, we remove the built-up plaque and tartar from both above and below your gum line and smooth out the surface of your roots, where bacteria like to cling.

Once the tartar is removed, the deep pockets that often become infected can begin to heal. Depending on the severity of your periodontal disease, the process may take multiple appointments.

We begin with an initial deep cleaning to remove the plaque from your gum line, followed by a check-up to assess how your gums are healing and if there are any problem areas that need to be re-treated. Regular twice-yearly cleanings keep the build-up from occurring again.

Gum disease doesn’t have to prevent you from living a long and healthy life. Let our dental team take care of you and your gums!

Call to Schedule Your Appointment at our Colorado Springs Dental Office

To make an appointment or ask questions about gum disease and its treatment, give our office a call today. Even if it’s been a while, it’s never too late to improve the health of your teeth and gums.