Gum Disease Treatment in Collinsville, CT
Gum Disease Can Mean Tooth Loss
The major cause of tooth loss is gum disease. Common signs are bleeding gums from brushing or flossing and shifting or loose teeth. There may not be either of these symptoms until the problem is advanced, but the sooner treatment begins the better. If you wait too long, surgery may be necessary; otherwise, there are nonsurgical methods that work quite well to reverse this infection.
Gum Disease Can Lead to Other Serious Health Problems
It is a shocking statistic, but the American Dental Association has
identified that approximately 80% of the American population has gum
disease at some stage. What's even worse is the information revealed by
medical researchers. Infected gums play a role in the development or
worsening of diabetes, stroke, and cardiovascular problems. Dentists now
regard gum infection as a national epidemic and a serious health
problem.
As the bacteria infecting the gums travels throughout
the bloodstream, it invades vital organs. The American Academy of
Periodontology reports that "Studies found periodontal infection may
contribute to the development of heart disease, increase the risk of
premature, underweight births, and pose a serious threat to people whose
health is already compromised due to diabetes and respiratory diseases."
Periodontal disease is characterized by bacterial infection of the gums.
Returning Gums to a Healthy State
We emphasize the importance of seeking our professional treatment at the first signs of gum disease. If you wait until the infection is severe, surgery may be necessary. Although surgery will reverse the condition, there are nonsurgical methods that combat the problem, but only in the more moderate stages of the disease. With improved daily hygiene, the gums will stay clean and healthy. Both treatments are covered under most dental insurance plans.
Problems that Can Result from Missing Teeth
Most people seem to think that having a missing tooth is no big deal,
other than detracting from the appearance of your smile. But even one
absent tooth in your dental arch can cause other problems. A full set of
teeth provides proper chewing and helps obtain the most nutrients from
your food. If chewing natural foods becomes difficult, softer,
higher-calorie foods may be eaten more often, which may lead to weight
gain. Your smile becomes less attractive with missing teeth, and with
many or certain missing teeth and the resultant loss of bone, your face
will start to sag and make you look older than you really are. Speech
can be affected, which can cause embarrassing moments when speaking.
We can take care of and prevent these problems with dental implants.
They can be permanently inserted in the back or front of your mouth.
They look natural and function like real teeth to let you eat whatever
foods you enjoy most.
ARESTIN™ Returns Gums to Good Health
Dr. Bielawski is very pleased to help patients suffering from gum disease with an easy method that is very effective. This medicine, ARESTIN, has invisible microspheres of an antibiotic that is time-released at the site of the infection. It is applied directly to the inflamed pockets between the gums and teeth. It does its work painlessly, and you will be very pleased with the results, with your smile healthy once again.
We can help arrest your gum disease and bring your smile back to health. Give us a call today at (860) 693-8314.