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Identifying Gum Disease is Important for Patient Health

Jul 08, 2015

Gum disease is one of the most common of all oral health concerns. Countless dental patients are affected and many do not even know it. The symptoms of gum disease can be difficult to manage without the help of a dentist like Dr. Judd Shenk. Dr. Shenk helps his patients by identifying the early stages of gum disease and by providing LANAP to Roswell, GA area patients who need more advanced levels of treatment. Gum disease is most easily managed and treated at earlier stages, so proactive measures can make an enormous difference.

Do I Have Gum Disease?

There are three stages of gum disease:

  • Mild gum disease: Calcified plaque buildups near the gum line provide the ideal environment for the growth of harmful bacteria. As bacteria die, plaque intensifies; new bacteria continue to grow. In this stage, plaque buildup can be managed through professional dental cleaning and at home care.
  • Moderate gum disease: Bacteria creates pockets of space between tooth enamel and gum tissue. Gum tissue begins to shift and recede, exposing sensitive dentin. Patients are likely to experience some degree of tooth sensitivity as a result of dentin exposure. Gum tissue is likely to be red, tender, and swollen; it will bleed easily when scratched.
  • Severe gum disease: The infected pockets have become larger and the tissue damage has migrated to teeth and supporting bony structure. Teeth can become loose in their sockets and may require removal. Tooth sensitivity is pronounced and gums easily bleed when scratched.

Treating Gum Disease

Surgical treatments for gum disease have traditionally involved excising tissue with a scalpel, then clearing away the infection; the site would then be closed with sutures. Though effective, many patients desire an alternative treatment. The LANAP system is a laser gum surgery solution that kills the harmful bacteria while leaving healthy tissue intact. Bleeding during the procedure is minimal and no sutures are required.

LANAP is a convenient and powerful solution to gum disease. To learn more about this system or to make an appointment with Dr. Shenk, please call (678) 951-8109.

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