Periodontal Treatment - Gum Disease in North Dallas, TX
Gum disease—also called periodontal disease—is an infection of the gums and supporting tissues around your teeth, typically caused by a buildup of plaque and tartar. At our practice, our dentist and hygienist carefully monitor for early signs of gum disease during your visits, ensuring timely detection and effective treatment to protect your oral health.
Periodontal disease is a gum infection that affects the tissues supporting your teeth and is one of the leading causes of tooth loss in adults. Because it often develops without pain, many patients are unaware they have it. During every routine checkup, your dentist carefully assesses your gum health by measuring the spaces between your teeth and gums to detect early signs of periodontal disease.
What Causes Gum Disease?
Gum disease begins with the buildup of plaque—a sticky film of bacteria that forms on your teeth. If plaque isn’t regularly removed through brushing, flossing, and professional cleanings, it can harden and release toxins that irritate and damage your gums. This leads to the development of periodontal disease beneath the gum line, where small pockets form and cause the gums to pull away from the teeth. Periodontal disease progresses through two main stages: gingivitis and periodontitis.
- Gingivitis: This is the earliest stage of gum disease, where the gums become red, swollen, and may bleed easily. The good news is that gingivitis is usually reversible with consistent and thorough daily brushing and flossing.
- Periodontitis: If gingivitis is left untreated, it can progress to periodontitis—a more advanced and serious stage of gum disease. At this point, the gums and the bone supporting your teeth suffer significant and often irreversible damage. This can cause teeth to become loose, fall out, or require extraction by your dentist.
Several factors can increase a patient’s risk of developing periodontal disease, including:
- Smoking or using chewing tobacco
- Diabetes
- Certain medications, such as steroids, anti-epilepsy drugs, cancer treatments, calcium channel blockers, and oral contraceptives
- Ill-fitting dental bridges
- Misaligned teeth
- Worn or outdated dental fillings
- Pregnancy
While periodontal disease often shows no obvious symptoms, watch for these potential signs:
- Gums that bleed easily
- Red, swollen, or tender gums
- Gums that have pulled away from the teeth (gum recession)
- Persistent bad breath or a bad taste in the mouth
- Pus between the teeth and gums
- Loose or shifting permanent teeth
- Changes in how your teeth fit together when biting
- Changes in the fit of partial dentures
Treating Gum Disease
Treatment for gum disease depends on the severity of the condition. Common approaches include:
- Non-Surgical Treatments: These include at-home periodontal care with specialized trays and professional deep cleanings called scaling and root planing, which remove plaque and tartar from below the gum line.
- Periodontal Surgery and Laser Gum Surgery: For more severe cases, surgical options—sometimes using advanced laser technology—may be recommended to restore gum health and repair damaged tissues.
- Dental Implants: If tooth loss occurs due to advanced gum disease, dental implants can offer a durable and natural-looking solution to replace missing teeth.
Preventing Gum Disease
Routine dental checkups and periodontal exams are essential for protecting both your overall health and the long-term vitality of your smile. Tooth loss from gum disease is preventable—by maintaining excellent oral hygiene habits at home, you can greatly reduce your risk of developing periodontal issues. Be sure to brush thoroughly, floss daily, eat a balanced diet, and keep up with regular dental visits to ensure your smile stays healthy and strong for years to come.
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Dr Jennings and staff were amazing. Had to be the best and most thorough dental exam I’ve ever had. My hygienist, Theresa, was very professional, knowledgeable and detailed in every aspect of the exam & cleaning. It was truly amazing to see the technology used to show what was going on in my dental care. It was an AWESOME experience.
I missed the old hygienist and there services. Anyone know where they moved? I thought only Dr Jennings going to retire. Other employees will stay same. My last visit, all hygienist and front desk lady gone. Please help me to find. I miss there services.
My experience was excellent from walking in the door to the calming office to Diana’s wonderful care of me as the hygienist and finally to meeting with the Doctor who explained the results of the testing that had been done.
I have been a patient at Preston One Dental for several years, and I find them to be exceptionally professional and knowledgeable. They consistently prioritize the best interests of their patients.
Great service. Hygienist is super friendly and gentle on teeth. Desk ladies are awesome. We love Dr. Jennings!