Gum Disease Treatment in Fort Smith, AR

Gum tissue is the foundation of the smile. Keeping it healthy is crucial to maintaining lifelong oral health. At Ward W. Clemmons DDS Implant and General Dentistry, our dentist offers dedicated care to improve the health of the gums. Dr. Clemmons and his dental team support comprehensive oral health through periodontal treatments in Fort Smith. If your gums are experiencing sensitivity or discomfort, or if you notice they are pulling away from teeth, contact us today. Dr. Clemmons will diagnose and carefully treat any issues you are having.

Why Gum Disease Treatment?

Periodontal disease is a common affliction and requires comprehensive treatment to prevent permanent damage to teeth, gums, and bone tissue. When patients do not visit their dentist often enough it is easy for harmful bacteria to spread. They produce a sticky substance called plaque, which later hardens and enables bacteria to develop exponentially. At this stage, patients will begin to experience the more severe symptoms of gum disease. Pockets develop around teeth, exposing root structure. Anyone who notices the following symptoms should visit Dr. Clemmons:

● Gums Bleed when Brushing and Flossing
● Swollen Gums
● Loose Permanent Teeth 
● Misaligned Teeth 
● Chronic Bad Breath 

Quality Gum Care in Fort Smith 

We deliver personalized periodontal care that addresses the unique problems each patient faces. Dr. Clemmons performs a thorough exam to diagnose any gum infection patients have. With digital x-rays and intraoral cameras, patients are given a clear look at their oral health and are then presented with a plan to re-establish oral health. Our experienced hygienists provide treatment using ultrasonic tools, which improves the efficiency and effectiveness of bacteria removal. With routine periodontal maintenance about every three months, patients have their gums consistently cared for. We will monitor how patients respond to treatment and adjust our care accordingly.

In the case patients require specialized attention for their gums, we will work with them to find the best solution. For advanced periodontal disease, Dr. Clemmons performs gum flap surgery to access the roots of teeth. He also performs gingivectomies to reshape gum tissue, allowing greater access to teeth structures and supporting healing after periodontal care. In preparation for dental implant treatment, our dentist will make sure the gums are situated properly for optimal placement and recovery. 

Contact Ward W. Clemmons for Healthy Gums

Dr. Clemmons and his team desire all patients to achieve good oral health. The first step to realizing this goal is by establishing the health of the gum tissue. To obtain a healthier smile, call our Fort Smith practice, today!

Types of Periodontal Disease

When left untreated, gingivitis (mild gum inflammation) can spread to below the gum line.  When the gums become irritated by the toxins contained in plaque, a chronic inflammatory response causes the body to break down and destroy its own bone and soft tissue.  There may be little or no symptoms as periodontal disease causes the teeth to separate from the infected gum tissue.  Deepening pockets between the gums and teeth are generally indicative that soft tissue and bone is being destroyed by periodontal disease.

Here are some of the most common types of periodontal disease:

• Chronic periodontitis – Inflammation within supporting tissues cause deep pockets and gum recession.  It may appear the teeth are lengthening, but in actuality, the gums (gingiva) are receding.  This is the most common form of periodontal disease and is characterized by progressive loss of attachment, interspersed with periods of rapid progression.
  
  
• Aggressive periodontitis – This form of gum disease occurs in an otherwise clinically healthy individual.  It is characterized by rapid loss of gum attachment, chronic bone destruction and familial aggregation.
  
  
• Necrotizing periodontitis – This form of periodontal disease most often occurs in individuals suffering from systemic conditions such as HIV, immunosuppression and malnutrition.  Necrosis (tissue death) occurs in the periodontal ligament, alveolar bone and gingival tissues.
  
  
• Periodontitis caused by systemic disease – This form of gum disease often begins at an early age.  Medical condition such as respiratory disease, diabetes and heart disease are common cofactors.

There are many common types of periodontal disease including aggressive, chronic, necrotizing periodontitis, and periodontitis associated with systemic diseases.  Each of these types of periodontal disease has its own distinct characteristics and symptoms, and all require prompt treatment by a dentist to halt subsequent bone and tissue loss.

Common Signs & Symptoms

It is extremely important to note that periodontal disease can progress without any signs or symptoms such as pain.  This is why regular dental checkups are exceptionally important. Described below are some of the most common signs and symptoms of periodontitis.

If you have any of these signs or symptoms, the advice of a general dentist or periodontist should be sought as soon as possible:

• Unexplained bleeding – Bleeding when brushing, flossing or eating food is one of the most common symptoms of a periodontal infection.  The toxins in plaque cause a bacterial infection which makes the tissues prone to bleeding.
  
  
• Pain, redness or swelling – A periodontal infection may be present if the gums are swollen, red or painful for no apparent reason.  It is essential to halt the progression of the infection before the gum tissue and jaw bone have been affected.  It is also critical to treat the infection before it is carried into the bloodstream to other areas of the body.
  
  
• Longer-looking teeth – Periodontal disease can lead to gum recession.  The toxins produced by bacteria can destroy the supporting tissue and bones, thus making the teeth look longer and the smile appear more “toothy.”
  
  
• Bad breath/halitosis – Although breath odor can originate from back of the tongue, the lungs and stomach, from the food we consume, or from tobacco use, bad breath may be caused by old food particles which sit between the teeth and underneath the gumline.  The deeper gum pockets are able to house more debris and bacteria, causing a foul odor.
  
  
• Loose teeth/change in bite pattern – A sign of rapidly progressing periodontitis is the loosening or shifting of the teeth in the affected area.  As the bone tissue gets destroyed, teeth that were once firmly attached to the jawbone become loose or may shift in position.
  
  
• Pus – Pus oozing from between the teeth is a definitive sign that a periodontal infection is in progress.  The pus is a result of the body trying to fight the bacterial infection.

If you have any further questions about the signs and symptoms of periodontal disease, please ask your dentist.

Treatment for Periodontal Disease

There are many surgical and nonsurgical treatments the periodontist may choose to perform, depending upon the exact condition of the teeth, gums and jawbone.  A complete periodontal exam of the mouth will be done before any treatment is performed or recommended.

Here are some of the more common treatments for periodontal disease:

• Scaling and root planing – In order to preserve the health of the gum tissue, the bacteria and calculus (tartar) which initially caused the infection, must be removed.  The gum pockets will be cleaned and treated with antibiotics as necessary to help alleviate the infection.  A prescription mouthwash may be incorporated into daily cleaning routines.
  
  
• Tissue regeneration – When the bone and gum tissues have been destroyed, regrowth can be actively encouraged using grafting procedures.  A membrane may be inserted into the affected areas to assist in the regeneration process.
  
  
• Pocket elimination surgery – Pocket elimination surgery (also known as flap surgery) is a surgical treatment which can be performed to reduce the pocket size between the teeth and gums.  Surgery on the jawbone is another option which serves to eliminate indentations in the bone which foster the colonization of bacteria.
  
  
• Dental implants – When teeth have been lost due to periodontal disease, the aesthetics and functionality of the mouth can be restored by implanting prosthetic teeth into the jawbone.  Tissue regeneration procedures may be required prior to the placement of a dental implant in order to strengthen the bone.

Ask your dentist if you have questions or concerns about periodontal disease, periodontal treatment, or dental implants.