Gum Disease

The Leading Cause of Tooth Loss

There are over 64 million American adults struggling with the effects of gum disease. As the leading cause of tooth loss, this progressive infection attacks the teeth, gum tissues, bone and other supporting structures of the mouth. Seeking treatment as soon as possible is critical to protect your smile; however, gum disease is often asymptomatic in the beginning stages, so many patients may not exhibit any symptoms until it progresses. If symptoms are present, you may experience the following that indicate it is time to schedule an appointment with one of our doctors:

• Persistent Bad Breath
• Red, Swollen or Bleeding Gums
• Gum Recession
• Teeth That Appear Longer
• Loose or Shifting Teeth

Dr. Joshua Van Horn Discusses the Importance of Treating Gum Disease

The Hidden Dangers of Gum Disease

Gum disease is a progressive disease caused by bacteria that attach to the teeth, forming a sticky plaque that can harden into tartar or calculus. Over time, these bacteria can reach beneath the gum line, leading to long-term damage that causes tooth and bone loss. It can also gain access to the bloodstream, which can affect other areas of the body, such as the heart. If gum disease is left untreated, you may be at higher risk for the following systemic dangers:

• Stroke
• Heart Disease
• Diabetes
• Certain Types of Cancer
• Pre-term Labor
• Low Birth Weight Babies

Periodontal Treatment Options

For quality, reliable gum disease treatments, you should seek assistance from professionally trained doctors. At Traverse Dental, our doctors are University of Michigan Dental School graduates and members of the Michigan Dental Association. For your periodontal treatment, they offer the following:

• Scaling and Root Planing – A non-surgical deep cleaning solution that reaches beneath the gum line.
• Gum Tissue Grafting– A procedure aimed at covering exposed root surfaces.
• Osseous/Flap Surgery– A surgical procedure aimed at eliminating harmful bacteria beneath the gumline and reducing periodontal pockets.
• Gingivectomy – For removing excess gum tissue to allow cleaning in dental pockets.