Gum disease, or periodontal disease, is a serious condition that can impact the overall health of a patient’s smile. With periodontal disease, patients may experience the loss of soft tissues, bone, and natural teeth. When patients are experiencing this infection, it is important that they get a proper diagnosis as soon as possible and discuss treatment with their dentist.
What is periodontal disease?
Dr. Lenny Slepchik, located in downtown Montreal , describes periodontal disease as an avoidable infection that can impact one’s oral health in many serious ways. The condition starts with mild redness and swelling of the gum tissues. While you are brushing or flossing, you may notice bleeding. When these symptoms arise, patients need to see their dentist to address the issue. If you attempt to ignore it, it will definitely get worse.
The stages of periodontal disease
During the early stage, referred to as gingivitis, your dental hygienist can perform a thorough cleaning of the gums and teeth to remove bacteria. Antibiotics may also be used to control the infection. If the condition is not diagnosed and treated early enough for successful intervention, patients may experience the worsening of the infection and more permanent damage to the smile. A procedure such as scaling and root planing is often recommended in the later stages of periodontal disease to clean all surfaces of the teeth, including the roots. Antibiotics are applied directly to the gums to treat the infection, while patients may also be prescribed oral antibiotics to fight the infection. Our patients have had great success treating their gum problems thru root planing and maintaining their oral hygiene visits to keep track of the situation.
What can happen with untreated periodontal disease?
Patients who avoid the signs and symptoms of periodontal disease may notice the continued worsening of their condition. The gum tissue and bone may shrink and natural teeth will lose their foundation. Patients will see their teeth becoming loose. Without intervention at this point, severe damage will occur to one’s smile that will require significant and costly dental work to repair. It will never be less expensive than it is today to treat your dental concerns.
Schedule a visit with Dr. Lenny Slepchik today
Patients in downtown Montreal concerned about the health of their gum tissue or other procedures are urged to contact Dr. Lenny Slepchik to schedule an appointment. The practice is located at 800 Boul. Rene-Levesque O, Suite 310 and can be reached by phone at (514) 875-7971 or email at reception@smilesbydrslepchik.com