Gum Disease

What is gum disease?

Gum disease is a common oral health problem that occurs due to a combination of poor oral hygiene and harmful bacteria. Over time, gum disease damages the soft tissues that support your teeth and destroys your jaw bone. This increases your risk of tooth loss, chronic bad breath, and oral misalignments.

Are there different types of gum disease?

There are several types of gum disease, including:

Gingivitis

Gingivitis is a form of gum disease that causes inflammation and irritation. You’re more likely to experience gingivitis if you fail to brush and floss your teeth regularly. Gingivitis presents few obvious symptoms in its early stages. As the condition progresses, you might notice that your gums bleed whenever you brush or floss.

Periodontitis

Periodontitis is a more serious form of gum disease that occurs when gingivitis goes untreated. Periodontitis causes your gums to become red, irritated, and swollen. As it progresses, it causes your gums to recede, which loosens your teeth. 

How is gum disease diagnosed?

To diagnose gum disease, your Emery & Scuro DMD, PC provider conducts an oral exam, reviews your oral health history, and asks about your symptoms. They also take X-rays to observe your jaw bones and to see if you’ve lost any bone volume. 

Next, your provider probes your gums with a small ruler. This process pinpoints inflammation and measures the pockets around your teeth. Normal, healthy gums have pockets one to three millimeters deep. Higher numbers indicate the presence of gum disease.

How is gum disease treated?

If you have advanced gum disease, the team at Emery & Scuro DMD, PC treats this disease using an advanced laser gum therapy called LANAP® (Laser-Assisted New Attachment Procedure). LANAP is much more effective and comfortable than traditional cut-and-sew gum surgery. It uses targeted laser light to gently remove harmful bacteria and diseased tissue from the gum pocket.

This process allows your body to heal naturally so the pockets improve, and your teeth become more stable. Additionally, LANAP reduces root exposure and sensitivity, preserves your gum tissue instead of cutting it away, and lowers your risk of infection. 

Proper periodontal care and maintenance results in healthy gums and a better quality of life. It also enhances the overall appearance of your teeth and can help preserve them for your lifetime.

To learn more about gum disease and LANAP treatment, schedule an appointment at Emery & Scuro DMD, PC. Call the office or book online today.