Gum disease is often hard to detect without the help of a well-qualified dentist. Red, swollen gums that bleed when you brush or floss are common signs of gum disease. However, some people may develop gum disease with no noticeable symptoms whatsoever; that’s why it’s often referred to as a silent disease. Dr. Abbey Lee in Atlanta, GA helps patients manage untreated gum disease (periodontitis) and gingivitis, the lesser form of the disease. For severe cases, she offers restorative dentistry options to regain the health and function of your smile.

Schedule your appointment with Atlanta, GA dentist Dr. Lee to learn about preventing and managing the symptoms of gum disease. Call 404-328-7177 today.

Signs of Gum Disease

A common sign of gum disease is easily agitated gum tissue that may become swollen or bleed when you brush or floss your teeth. Other signs include stubborn bad breath and receding gums. When gum disease worsens, it can cause your teeth to feel loose in your gums.

The reason this is often referred to as a silent disease is because many patients believe their gums to be healthy and never notice the warning signs. Some patients do not develop symptoms at all, but mouth bacteria may still be damaging gum tissue and destabilizing tooth roots. The best way to determine if you suffer from this disease is to schedule regular dental checkups with Dr. Lee. During your dental examinations, she will be able to recognize subtle symptoms and measure the periodontal pockets, where the gum tissue meets the teeth, to determine whether gum disease is present.

Forms of Gum Disease

There are two forms of gum disease: gingivitis and periodontitis. Gingivitis is the lesser form of periodontal disease. In this stage, you may not experience any pain, but rather some gum tenderness and possible bleeding. Although it is non-curable, gingivitis can be managed with regular cleanings and checkups with Dr. Lee. When treated properly, gingivitis can be controlled to the point that it does not develop into periodontitis.

Periodontitis is the more severe form of the disease. Harmful bacteria infest the gum tissue and cause decay in the tooth roots, as well as the gum tissue that holds the teeth in place. Proper oral hygiene is the only way to ward off this unwanted disease; brush your teeth twice a day and floss each day. Many people believe the purpose of flossing is to remove food from between the teeth, but it is also the best way to remove bacteria from under the gum line. Failure to floss every day allows bacteria to proliferate and slowly destroy gum, tooth, and bone tissue. Untreated, gum disease will advance until the point that tooth loss is inevitable.

Dr. Lee manages your gum disease by thoroughly cleaning the teeth of the plaque and calculus that mouth bacteria thrive on. Deep cleanings of periodontal pockets and tooth roots, scaling and planing treatments, can also reduce the presence of mouth bacteria. Medications and prescription rinses may also be used to combat bacterial growth. For patients who have already lost teeth to gum disease, Dr. Lee offers restorative treatments to regain the appearance and function of your teeth.

Restorative Options

For patients who have already lost teeth, Dr. Lee offers dentures, dental bridges, and dental implant solutions. Partial and full dentures can replace multiple teeth or full arches of missing teeth. If you choose to have dentures, Dr. Lee offers traditional and implant-supported dentures, giving you the freedom to choose the option that best suits your unique needs.

Dental implants are the only restorative option that replaces missing tooth roots. Implants are surgically imbedded into your healthy jawbone and offer a permanent, life-like replacement for your missing teeth. Unlike traditional dentures, implant-supported dentures ensure your lower jaw does not diminish with the passing of time.

Dental bridges are an excellent solution for one to three missing teeth. A custom-made prosthetic device is created and placed over the gap created from your missing teeth. Each side of the bridge is bonded to implants or the healthy teeth adjacent to the gap.

If you’re experiencing any of the warning signs of gum disease or would like to have your teeth checked by Dr. Lee, schedule an appointment today in our Atlanta, GA office. Call 404-328-7177.