Arden, NC dentist offers treatment options for gum disease

Dr. Christopher Port and the team at Family Dental Health of South Asheville in Arden, NC are here to help patients in achieving the smile of their dreams. When problems such as gum disease arise and cause a concern for the health of the smile, treatment for the teeth and gums should begin. Dr. Christopher Port is a dentist who offers treatment for gum disease and much more.

Understanding gum disease

Gum disease is an infection that can be avoided. Also known as periodontal disease, this condition results in an infection that can cause damage to the entire smile. It starts out as a gum infection. It can cause the gum tissues to become red and swollen. Patients will notice they are bleeding when they brush and floss their teeth. This is the beginning stage of gum disease known as gingivitis. Gingivitis can be reversed with early intervention. Without treatment, gingivitis will advance to periodontitis. This stage of gum disease is not curable. It is more severe, and can result in the loss of gum tissue, bone, and teeth. Treatment of gum disease is necessary as soon as the condition is spotted to ensure optimal results.

How is gum disease treated?

Because gum disease begins due to bacteria causing an infection, the infection must be treated at the same time as the rest of the smile. This means that the dentist may prescribe oral antibiotics for the patient to take, or apply antibiotics directly to the gum tissues. A thorough cleaning is done to remove bacteria, plaque, and tartar from the surfaces of the teeth. When the condition reaches the later stages, treatments such as scaling and root planing may be performed, which is a more aggressive cleaning that targets all areas to ensure successful intervention. The earlier the condition is treated, the better the results and the chances of saving the tissues, bone, and teeth.

What happens if gum disease isn’t treated?

When patients fail to get a proper diagnosis and treatment for their condition, it can wreak havoc on the entire smile. Patients may get to the point where they lose their natural adult teeth because the bone underneath shrinks and can no longer support the tooth. Restoring teeth at this point is often done with dentures, but the dentist still needs to address the problem at hand. Treating gum disease can be costly, especially if teeth need to be replaced, which is why treatment should be done as soon as possible.

How can I avoid the development of gum disease?

Gum disease can be avoided by maintaining proper oral health habits. This includes:

• Brushing after every meal
• Flossing at least once a day
• Visiting the dentist every six months for a cleaning and examination

Patients who take great care of their smile will often avoid the development of problems such as gum disease and cavities, and enjoy beautiful, healthy lifelong smiles!

What treatment is right for me?

Because there are various ways of addressing gum disease, it is important that patients talk with a dentist to determine which stage their condition has reached to decide which treatment to pursue. Dr. Christopher Port and the team of the Family Dental Health of South Asheville encourage patients to book a consultation appointment at the office to have their smiles examined to decide if gum disease is present. Once patients have a proper diagnosis of the condition and understand which stage their infection has reached, they can then work with our team to determine the best treatment option to address it.

Ready to address your condition?

If you have been diagnosed with gum disease and are ready for treatment, we welcome you to book an appointment with our staff at the Family Dental Health of South Asheville. Dr. Christopher Port and his professionals are ready and willing to assist with a variety of general, cosmetic, and restorative dentistry solutions for patients in the Arden, NC. area Call  today to book your appointment at the office, conveniently located in Suite 610 at 600 Julian Lane.