Gum Disease Treatment in North Tampa
Periodontal disease is known to be a leading cause of tooth loss, and many people may not even know they have it until they start experiencing tooth pain or sudden bleeding. Over time and without treatment, gum disease is known to cause constant bad breath, bleeding and swollen gums, infections, and tooth decay.
At North Tampa Dentistry, we try to impress upon our patients the importance of oral health and keeping your gums strong and healthy by providing a wide range of gum disease treatments.
What Causes Periodontal (Gum) Disease?
Gum disease is an infection that affects your teeth, gums, and soft tissue. Frequently, poor oral hygiene allows plaque to build-up on the teeth and gum line and eventually harden into tartar.
Tartar is a yellow looking substance that can’t be removed with brushing and flossing—only a dental professional can completely remove it. Tartar contains harmful bacteria that can be devastating once it spreads below the gum line.
While gum disease can be asymptomatic—meaning that symptoms can be mild—patients may start experiencing bleeding and swollen gums, difficulty chewing, and tooth loss.
Early Signs of Periodontal Disease
During your routine dental check-up, Dr. Roberto Bellegarrigue will examine your gums and track any changes or abnormalities. It is far easier to prevent gum disease from starting than it is to reverse any damage that occurs to your teeth and gums. This is why it’s important to maintain your professional dental cleaning at least twice a year, and possibly more frequently as recommended by your North Tampa dentist.
When gum disease first begins, it is known as gingivitis, Tell-tale signs of gingivitis include swollen or tender gums that bleed when you brush them, chronic bad breath, and receding gums (your teeth appear longer.) During your deep cleaning therapy, your dentist or dental hygienist will perform scaling and root planing to remove the built-up tartar both above and below the gum line.
Treatments for Gum Disease at North Tampa Dentistry
Over time, gingivitis will develop into periodontitis; at this stage, your gums will pull away from the teeth, creating deep pockets for bacteria to thrive in. Once bacteria reach your tooth root, the inflammation and infection can lead to tooth loss.
Our North Tampa dental office is well-versed in treating all stages of gum disease, and we have many dental treatments to aid patients. Dr. Bellegarrigue can clean plaque and tartar, perform gum surgery, and soft tissue grafts to restore and tighten loose gum “pockets” to prevent food particles from lodging and tooth infection.
If you are experiencing bleeding and swollen gums, bad breath, sudden sensitivity to hot or cold foods, or notice that your teeth appear longer, please call our North Tampa dental office immediately so we can prevent damage to your teeth and gums.
Contact North Tampa Dentistry to Book an Exam
Preventive dentistry is the best way to ensure that your teeth and gums are strong and healthy. Part of prevention involves regular dental check-ups and cleanings. If it’s been a while since your last dental cleaning, contact North Tampa Dentistry today to schedule a periodontal examination with your dentist.
North Tampa Dentistry serves patients near Carrollwood, Lake Magdalene, Northdale, Lutz, and surrounding Tampa, FL areas.
