Periodontal (Gum) Treatments

Healthy teeth and gums mean better overall health.

In addition to ensuring that you can eat a nutritious diet full of fruits, vegetables, and other foods your body requires for optimum function, research has linked gum disease with many serious systemic conditions:

• Diabetes
• Heart disease
• Alzheimer’s disease
• Rheumatoid arthritis
• Respiratory illnesses
• Premature and low birth weight babies 
• Cancer 

At Oak Tree Dentistry, we love seeing active patients get the most out of life and enjoy healthy bodies and smiles. We provide a periodontal evaluation for every patient to identify gum disease and determine the best course of treatment.

Healthy gums are light pink and hug the teeth tightly. Swelling, bleeding, and pain all indicate the presence of gum disease. We take measurements of the pockets between the teeth and gums and check bone health with x-rays during the periodontal evaluation.

Gingivitis – early gum disease, which is reversible
Periodontitis – advanced gum disease, which we manage with specialized dental cleanings

Common periodontal disease symptoms include:

• Bleeding when brushing or flossing
• Inflammation and redness
• Pain or sensitivity
• Gum recession
• Bad breath
• Pus near the gumline
• Mobile teeth
• Bone loss

We will discuss any signs of gum disease with you and devise a hygiene program that will help you regain good oral health, fresh breath, and a comfortable smile.

We see our patients as individuals with unique needs. Dr. Gill will sit down with you and discuss your options to regain your oral health. He also enjoys sharing knowledge and will review ways to improve your gum health at home.

Periodontal disease is best treated when the dentist and patient work together.

Often, we can improve gum health with a series of dental cleanings designed to eliminate tartar and bacteria from beneath the gumline. To ensure comfort, Dr. Gill can numb the area or offer nitrous oxide to reduce anxiety. When combined with improved home care, you will feel healthier and happier!

Patients at Greater Risk for Gum Disease

While gum disease most often develops out of neglect or improper brushing and flossing habits, some conditions can lead to a higher risk of infection.

Pregnancy or hormone changes – Expecting mothers and women going through menopause have hormone fluctuations that can contribute to gum disease. Rather than avoiding the dentist, more frequent dental cleanings can protect your health and that of your child.

Medications and medical treatment – Certain medications and cancer treatments cause dry mouth, which makes gum disease more likely to develop. Specially designed products and additional dental prevention can protect your health when you need it most.

Reduced dexterity – Patients with painful hands or joints may find it difficult to brush and floss effectively. Electric toothbrushes and gentle dental cleanings here in our Elk Grove dental office will help you maintain a healthy smile.

Bleeding Gums? Give Us a Call!

We will never judge you for missing too many dental cleanings. Elk Grove dentist Dr. Pritpal Gill is kind and compassionate, helping many of our patients regain their oral health and confidence in their smiles.