Learn to Identify the Symptoms of Gum Disease

Early treatment can save your smile.

Brushing and flossing are so much a part of our daily routine that we often forget their purpose is to prevent gum disease and tooth decay. When you forget to brush or neglect to floss, you may find that it does not take long to see the signs of gum disease. Gum disease is an oral infection caused by the bacteria that live in plaque. When plaque is not cleared away, the bacteria multiply and infect your gums. If you are experiencing any symptoms of infection, schedule a visit to Dr. Paul Fotek, our periodontist in Palm Beach Gardens, FL, for diagnosis and treatment. Gum disease symptoms include:

• Tender, swollen gums
  
• Gums bleeding when you floss
  
• Chronic bad breath
  
• Tooth sensitivity
  
• Changes in bite
  
• Gum recession
  
• Loose teeth
  
• Tooth loss
  
• Bone loss
  

The Progression of Periodontal Disease

One day your gums are inflamed and tender, and the next, it seems, they are bleeding when you brush or floss. Though slowly progressive, gum disease can advance from these early signs of gingivitis to the loose teeth and receding gums of periodontitis. The longer you wait to seek treatment, the more extensive dental and periodontal treatment you will likely need in the long run to reconstruct your smile. In many cases, repairing the damage requires:

• Gum disease treatment, like osseous surgery
  
• Gum grafting
  
• Bone grafting
  
• Dental implants
  

These procedures treat the infection, restore lost gum tissue as well as bone, and replace teeth lost to gum disease. Our periodontist in Palm Beach Gardens, FL wants to help you avoid complex treatment plans and stop the infection early, before permanent damage occurs.

Periodontal Disease Treatments to Have You Smiling Again

Dr. Fotek offers several gum disease treatment options to protect your teeth, gums, and bone, including:

• Scaling and root planing – a deep cleaning that removes plaque and tartar from beneath the gum line, where you cannot reach
  
• Osseous surgery – a periodontal procedure that trims away excess or infected tissue, removes tartar deposits from root surfaces, smoothes bone, and repositions your gum tissue for improved appearance, health, and function
  

For exceptional service and quality care, call our office in Palm Beach Gardens, FL to schedule your consultation today. Dr. Fotek and our team of skilled professionals are committed to helping you achieve a beautiful, healthy smile with gentle periodontal treatment, implant dentistry, and preventative care.