PERIODONTAL (GUM) DISEASE
OUR SERVICES
Healthy teeth need healthy gums
Did you know that periodontal disease is one of the leading causes of tooth loss in adults? Keeping your oral health in tip-top shape can help avoid gum disease and keep your smile clean and healthy. Our team at Lake Oak Dental is here to give you facts about gum disease and help you maintain your beautiful smile for a lifetime!
What is periodontal disease?
Also known as periodontal disease, gum disease is an infection of the tissues surrounding and supporting your teeth. Periodontitis is an advanced state of periodontal disease. With this condition, the gum tissue pulls away from the teeth, creating pockets where bacteria can build up and cause an infection, ultimately leading to tooth loss.
Common Types of Gum Disease:
Chronic periodontitis is the most prevalent type of gum disease. It is usually caused by plaque buildup and involves slow deterioration over time. When not treated, this condition can cause many gum problems and bone and teeth loss.
Aggressive periodontitis affects only a small number of people and usually starts in childhood or early adulthood. If left untreated, it can cause rapid progression of bone and tooth loss.
Necrotizing periodontal disease typically occurs in people with a suppressed immune system due to health conditions such as cancer or HIV. Severe gum infection causes a lack of blood supply, a condition known as necrosis, which ultimately leads to gum tissue, tooth ligaments, and supporting bone dying.
What are the symptoms?
The first signs of bacterial infection are sore, swollen, or bleeding gums. You may notice persistent bad breath, sores on the inside of your mouth, changes in your bite, or loose or sensitive teeth. You may also experience receding gums and pockets forming between the gums and teeth. If not treated, the infection can spread below the gum line and destroy the structures in your jawbone. Eventually, your teeth may become so loose that they will require extraction.
Schedule Your Routine Checkup and Cleaning Today
We, at Lake Oak Dental in Cedar Park, TX, encourage you to maintain your regular checkups and professional cleanings to maintain your oral health. If we identify any condition, we will discuss treatment options to avoid any long-term damage to your teeth and overall health. Our highly trained and professional staff strives to provide you with the best treatments available at our state-of-the-art facility. We are here to help you maintain your healthy smile for a lifetime!