Gum Disease Treatment Lincoln

Periodontal (gum) disease is one of the most common conditions we treat at Antelope Creek Family Dentistry. Practicing good oral hygiene can help prevent periodontal disease, but it can still occur for various other reasons. Our dental team believes that the earlier we identify periodontal disease, the easier it will be to treat. Additionally, your Lincoln dentist can often eradicate the condition in the early gingivitis stage. 

Gum disease does not have to mean severe complications or tooth loss. With a compassionate dental team on your side, you can enjoy a healthier smile and fewer oral health complications. 

Periodontal Disease in Stages

Periodontal disease starts as gingivitis. In this early stage, your Lincoln dentist can reverse the condition and restore oral health. As gum disease progresses into full periodontitis, you're at risk for severe complications, and your condition is treatable but no longer curable. However, treatment is vital to lessen inflammation and prevent oral and physical health complications. 

Periodontal disease in Lincoln, NE, can occur due to plaque buildup on the teeth and beneath the gumline. Plaque is a sticky substance that attracts bacteria and eventually transforms into tartar or dental calculus. If left untreated, tartar and bacteria buildup can irritate the gums, erode tooth enamel, and cause an infection that can risk your oral and physical health, such as bone loss, tooth loss, and heart and lung conditions. 

Periodontal disease has also been linked to Alzheimer's pregnancy complications, rheumatoid arthritis, and more!

Periodontal disease is preventable and can be treated with the help of a general dentist in Lincoln, NE. Good dental hygiene, such as daily brushing and flossing, can help keep teeth clean and strong. However, you must visit your dentist for regular exams and professional teeth cleanings to ensure your teeth and gums are free from plaque and tartar. 

Even if you are diligent and thorough in brushing and flossing, you cannot reach all the places where plaque and tartar can accumulate. The American Dental Association recommends seeing your dentist regularly to get professional dental cleanings to prevent gum disease, decay, and disease. 

Ultimately, a dental hygienist uses special equipment to meticulously clean teeth below the gumline, lowering the chance of developing gum disease.

In other words, implement the following best practices to lower your gum disease risks: 

• Visit your Lincoln dentist every six months for dental examinations and professional teeth cleanings. 
• Brush your teeth at least twice daily or after every meal
• Floss your teeth at least once daily or after every meal
• Always talk to your dentist if you notice oral health changes

Other risk factors for periodontal disease include: 

• Smoking or tobacco use
• Hormonal changes
• Uncontrolled diabetes
• Hormonal changes

There are several warning signs of periodontal disease, including:

• Red, swollen, or tender gums 
• Bleeding gums, especially when brushing or flossing 
• Chronic bad breath (halitosis) 
• Sores or bumps on the gums 
• Loose teeth or change in teeth alignment

It's essential to remember that you don't have to notice all these warning signs to have periodontal disease. Some signs don't present until the disease is well advanced. You may not have any symptoms initially in the gingivitis stage, so regular dental care is crucial.

If you notice any of these warning signs, please contact us to book your appointment with one of our Lincoln dentists. 

Sometimes, even when you regularly clean your teeth and go to the dentist, you can still have periodontal disease. The following risk factors can cause or exacerbate the development of gum disease: 

• Smoking and tobacco products - Smoking and using tobacco products (i.e., chewing tobacco or vaping) can increase your odds of developing periodontal disease. Your dentist can provide you with support and resources if you would like to stop smoking or using tobacco. 
• Diabetes - Diabetes has been directly linked to periodontal disease. High glucose levels increase the amount of plaque that can develop in the mouth, leading to plaque formation and irritation of the gums. 
• Heart disease - Studies have also shown that there is a connection between heart disease and periodontal disease. The inflammation caused by periodontal disease can negatively affect heart health. 
• Prescription medication - Certain prescription medications can cause dry mouth (xerostomia), which can be partially responsible for gum disease. 
• Medical conditions - Autoimmune diseases and cancer treatments can increase your risk of having gum disease. 
• Genetics - Gum disease can also be influenced by heredity. Some people may be more prone to gum disease because of genetics.

Our goal is that our patients maintain healthy, disease-free smiles for the rest of their lives, which is why we offer periodontal disease prevention and treatment. When treating gum disease, we first consider how advanced it is and how much damage it has caused to your smile and bodily health. 

We care for mild to moderate gum disease with non-surgical treatments such as scaling and root planing, customized at-home care plans, and prescribing antibiotics or antimicrobials. 

#1 Scaling and Root Planing

Scaling and root planing are deep cleaning treatments dentists or hygienists use to remove plaque and tartar from root surfaces and periodontal pockets. Once the pockets and roots are thoroughly cleaned, the dentist or hygienist smooths the tooth root to eliminate any bacterial toxins that may be present.

#2 Customized At-Home Care Plan 

We work with each patient to develop an oral habit plan to improve their oral health and reduce their risk of gum disease. These plans often include suggestions for oral hygiene, diet, and lifestyle changes, such as quitting smoking. 

#3 Antibiotics and Antimicrobials

Your dentist may prescribe antibiotics or antimicrobial mouthwashes for mild gum disease to reduce gum inflammation and irritation. 

#4 Laser Dental Therapy in Lincoln, NE 

Our team can use laser therapy to help treat gum disease, remove diseased gum tissue, and eliminate plaque and bacteria below the gumline. Laser dentistry allows our patients to heal faster and more comfortably than if they had traditional oral surgery. 

#5 Dental Surgery

For more extreme cases of periodontal disease, dental surgery may be required. We refer patients to a local specialist for treatment, using only colleagues who share our patient-centered focus. 

If you suspect periodontal disease, don't hesitate to contact Antelope Creek Family Dentistry for treatment. We can help alleviate painful and uncomfortable symptoms and protect your gums. If you haven't visited the dental office in a while, be sure to schedule your next checkup and dental cleaning in Lincoln, NE, to keep your smile healthy and prevent gum disease. 

For our uninsured patients, we offer the exclusive perio loyalty program. This plan offers periodontal treatment throughout the year for a low monthly fee and discounts on other select treatments and services. We never want our patients to endure the harmful consequences of untreated gum disease because of their lack of insurance! Your Lincoln dentist is also happy to accept CareCredit financing. CareCredit allows you to budget your dental care over time. Some programs even offer interest-free financing!