Periodontal Disease in Frisco, TX

Periodontal (gum) disease is a degenerative condition and inflammation in the gums, which can cause severe damage to your mouth. There are three stages of gum disease ranging from mild to severe. The first stage is gingivitis, which is caused by a buildup of plaque in the gum pockets. If not treated, gingivitis can turn into the second stage, known as periodontitis, which affects the bone and fibers that hold your teeth. Advanced periodontitis is the final stage of gum disease, which can cause teeth to become loose or fall out.

To treat periodontal disease, Luminous Dental Studio offers both nonsurgical and surgical treatment options, depending on the severity of the disease, including scaling and root planing, antibiotics, gum surgery, gum tissue grafting, and tooth extraction. If you continue to ignore the red flags of periodontal disease, you could have bone loss, tooth loss, and gum tissue recession. Our main goal is to get your periodontal condition under control and halt the progress of the disease. At Luminous Dental Studio, we look forward to caring for your smile. Please contact our office in Frisco, TX to schedule an exam and consultation with one of our general dentists, Dr. Minho Chang or Dr. Nam Kim.

You are a candidate for periodontics treatment if you have been diagnosed with the disease by your dentist. The earliest stage of gum disease, gingivitis, is difficult to detect on your own, which is why it's important to schedule bi-annual dental exams at Luminous Dental Studio. This gives our team an opportunity to perform periodontal probing, which measures the depth of each pocket in your gums. Candidates may show one or more of the signs of the periodontal disease, such as:

• Red or swollen gums
• Bleeding gums from routine brushing and flossing
• Gums that look like they are pulling away from your teeth
• Painful chewing
• Loose or shifting teeth
• Chronic bad breath

In the later stages of gum disease, you may also experience discomfort while chewing or sensitivity to hot and cold temperatures. It is important to schedule a dental appointment if you are experiencing any of these symptoms. Get the infection treated before it spreads.

Treatment for gum disease will be determined by the depth of the pockets and severity of the infection. If you are diagnosed with gum disease, Dr. Kim or Dr. Chang will go over the recommendations for your treatment plan. For mild cases, extra dental cleanings throughout the year may be advised. Scaling and root planing (SRP) treatments can also be performed to deep clean the pockets of the gums. In more advanced cases, an antibiotic may be prescribed in addition to multiple scaling and root planing treatments. Severe cases of periodontal disease will require a surgical procedure, such as regenerative (grafting) or pocket reduction, to help save your teeth and gums.

Depending on your condition and treatment plan, your recovery time will vary. You may need to schedule multiple appointments at Luminous Dental Studio to fully treat your gum disease. Once your oral health has been restored, you should continue scheduling routine dental examinations and cleanings at our practice. You should also maintain a good at-home oral hygiene routine, which includes brushing and flossing. We may recommend an antibacterial toothpaste or mouthwash to decrease your risk of gum disease.

What are the stages of periodontal disease?

1. Gingivitis
2. Early periodontitis
3. Mild to moderate periodontitis
4. Progressive or advanced periodontitis

Is periodontal disease curable?

The early stages of periodontal disease, or gingivitis, can be reversed and cured with treatment. It is only when gingivitis progresses to periodontal disease that it cannot be reversed and only slowed with management. This is why Dr. Chang and Dr. Nam stress the importance of good oral hygiene and regular dental exams.

What happens if periodontal disease is left untreated?

If left untreated, periodontal disease can lead to infection and inflammation of the gums, soft tissue damage, loose teeth, and tooth loss.

Is there really a link between gum disease and heart disease?

There have been several recent studies linking heart disease to gum disease. While research is still ongoing, many researchers believe this link may be a result of the inflammation caused by gum disease.

Gum disease will continue to progress without the proper treatment so it is important to seek professional help as soon as any symptoms occur. At Luminous Dental Studio, we work with you to improve your gum health and prevent future instances of infection. To learn more or to schedule a consultation with Dr. Kim or Dr. Chang, contact our office in Frisco, TX.