You may have been told by your dentist or other professional that you need to care for your smile every day to avoid the development of cavities and gum disease. But what exactly is gum disease? What can it do to the teeth and gums? How do you avoid the progression of the condition once it has been diagnosed? Georgetown, TX area patients who are interested in speaking to a professional about their needs are welcome to speak to the team at Aesthetic Dentistry of Georgetown to discuss prevention and treatment.
What is periodontal disease?
When plaque builds up along the gumline, it can accumulate and enter underneath the gum tissues. This is where deep pockets may form between the gums and teeth, harboring harmful bacteria where it can grow and spread. This results in an infection in the mouth, and causes the noticeable symptoms of periodontal disease. This infection can cause:
- Red, swollen gum tissue
- Persistent bad breath
- Loose or lost teeth
- Bleeding of the gums when brushing and flossing
- Gum recession
- Pocket development between gums and teeth
- Shifting teeth due to bone resorption
- Poorly fitted appliances such as dentures and bridges
What can be done about periodontal disease?
Drs. Mark Duncan and Mandy Holley of Georgetown, TX first evaluate a patient’s smile to give them a definitive diagnosis of their condition. Deep cleaning and antibiotics may be used initially to take control of the infection and keep it from worsening. These cleanings remove biofilm, tartar, plaque, and calculus that can contribute to the growth of bacteria. Patients who have more advanced stages of periodontal disease may require non-surgical gum care, soft-tissue laser treatments, and integration of antibacterial mouthwashes into their daily oral healthcare.
Your oral health is important to us
Whether you have received a diagnosis of periodontal disease or want to undergo preventative solutions to keep gum disease from impacting the smile, we welcome you to call our facility at 512-819-9100 to schedule an appointment. Drs. Mark Duncan and Mandy Holley of Aesthetic Dentistry of Georgetown provide the services required to keep the smile healthy! Our facility is located at 3622 Williams Drive in Building 2 and accepts new patients.