Gum disease treatment in Grande Prairie Alberta
Gum disease, also known as periodontal disease, is a common ailment that will affect nearly half of the adult population at some point in their lives. Despite its prevalence, gum disease is generally preventable through good oral hygiene and regular dental care. Quitting smoking and maintaining a balanced diet can also help prevent gum disease.
Gum disease often starts off as gingivitis, which is caused by plaque has built up around the teeth and below the gumline. Many people who have gum disease are unaware that they have it; this is due to the fact that, in its early stage, gum disease often does not cause significant pain or discomfort. Nonetheless, if left untreated gum disease will continue to progress, damaging the gums, teeth and even jaw bone. In fact, gum disease is the number one cause of tooth loss in adults. Worse yet, gum disease has been linked to other diseases, including heart disease, stroke, and diabetes. Research is still emerging to further investigate the correlation between gum disease and these other ailments, but it’s safe to say that it’s in everyone’s best interest to prevent gum disease.
If caught in its early stages, gum disease can often be treated by a deep cleaning, or a scaling and root planing. This will get rid of the plaque, bacteria and debris on the teeth and below the gum line, and will give the gums and tissues a chance to heal. If the disease has progressed to the point where the teeth and gums are already damaged, oral surgery may be needed. If the gums have receded due to untreated gum disease a gum graft may be necessary to restore the lost gum tissue and ensure that the roots of the teeth are covered by a protective layer of soft tissue.
During each cleaning and exam, Dr. Boisson will check your gums and bone around your teeth for any signs of gum disease. When caught in its early stages treatment is easier and less invasive. If you are in the Grande Prairie area, contact us to book an appointment. We have successfully treated many patients suffering from gum disease at our Grande Prairie dental clinic.