Gum Disease

Houston, TX

Gum disease, otherwise known as Periodontitis or periodontal disease, is a common condition many people will have to deal with in their lives. If left untreated, periodontitis can lead to tooth loss and damage to the jawbone, as well as your overall health and immune system. Our team here at University Periodontal Associates wants you to be informed about everything you need to know about gum disease, prevention, care, and solutions.

Causes And Symptoms Of Gum Disease

Gum disease is oftentimes the result of poor hygiene. Bacteria from food causes plaque, a sticky layer that begins to build on your teeth. If you do not remove it regularly with brushing and flossing, the plaque can build up. In turn, the gums will get irritated, allowing for bacteria to collect and grow.

While early gum disease can be quite painless and go undetected for a long time, more advanced stages of periodontal disease can present its own symptoms. These include swollen or tender gums, gums that bleed after brushing, gums that are dark or overly bright, pain when chewing, receding gums, bad breath, pus in your mouth, or new spaces developing between your teeth.

Our Approach Periodontal Therapy

While early gum disease can be quite painless and go undetected for a long time, more advanced stages of periodontal disease can present its own symptoms. These include swollen or tender gums, gums that bleed after brushing, gums that are dark or overly bright, pain when chewing, receding gums, bad breath, pus in your mouth, or new spaces developing between your teeth.

If we encounter advanced gum disease in a patient, we may recommend periodontal maintenance. This is a special type of cleaning that we may perform in patients with more severe gum disease. This includes a deep cleaning that includes a scaling and root planing, which can help minimize the gum pockets that may form after the disease advances.

For many patients, periodontal maintenance can help preserve the patient’s natural teeth and help them avoid extraction. However, if we do advise tooth extraction, there are several solutions that we may employ to help restore your smile.

What Is Gum Disease

For many patients, periodontal maintenance can help preserve the patient’s natural teeth and help them avoid extraction. However, if we do advise tooth extraction, there are several solutions that we may employ to help restore your smile.

Dental Implants

Dental implants are considered a more permanent restoration option for patients who have lost teeth due to disease or tooth decay. Rather than simply sitting on the gums, a dental implant is surgically put into the jawline, and acts as replacement tooth roots. A dental crown is then placed over it and acts as the restoration. It looks and feels natural and can be the ideal option for many patients.

The All-On-4 Treatment Concept

Some patients may not be candidates for dental implants, and for them, the All-on-4 treatment concept may be a consideration. For instance, it eliminates away the need for a bone graft to get the implant. All-on-4 implants can be brushed and eaten with just the same as natural teeth. If you are missing teeth or using dentures, but do not want to replace your teeth with several single implants, you may want to consider the All-on-4 method.

Dental Bridges

If you have only lost one or two teeth, you may be a candidate for dental bridges. A dental bridge is a type of restoration that can help restore your smile. It typically consists of two crowns attached to the teeth on either side of the gap, which act as an abutment for the restoration. The restoration itself is called a “pontic,” and can be made from a number of materials, including gold, porcelain, and other alloys.

If you have sustained tooth loss due to gum disease, then we at University Periodontal Associates can help you improve the appearance and function of your smile. To learn more about gum disease and treatment for it, please do not hesitate to call us today at 713-523-9040.