Periodontal Therapy and Gingivl Grafts in Wausu WI
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recently published a report indicating that nearly half of all American adults have some form of gum disease. Are you one of them?
Symptoms of Gum Disease
Gum disease is a chronic infectious condition in which the gum tissue becomes inflamed and often infected. In the beginning, the symptoms are often so mild that you may not even realize you have it; however, as it progresses, it can become painful and cause serious problems.
Some of the symptoms associated with gum disease include:
- Puffy, reddened, or bleeding gums
- A bad taste in the mouth
- Bad breath
- Pain or sensitivity when you chew
- Gum recession that exposes the root of your tooth
- Loose teeth
- Changes in your bite
Treating Gum Disease
Periodontal disease is a progressive disease. If it is left untreated, it will only continue to get worse. We have a number of treatment options available to help, regardless of how far your gum disease has progressed.
If your gum disease is still mild, you may be able to stop the progression by simply improving your brushing and flossing routine. Good oral hygiene habits and regular professional cleanings are the most important tools you have when it comes to preventing periodontal disease. We are happy to help you create a routine that works for you, and we can even provide demonstrations of good brushing and flossing technique to make sure you are getting the most benefit out of this important routine.
If you need a little extra help controlling your gum disease, other treatments we often use include prescription mouth rinses or oral and local antibiotics. We may also perform a deep cleaning to treat the infection and remove bacteria, called root scaling and planing. This may be performed manually or with a laser, depending on your individual needs.
Surgery may be necessary to protect your teeth and reverse the damage if your periodontal disease has progressed to the point where a large amount of your tooth root is exposed. Without repair, you may experience painful sensitivity of the teeth, and you may eventually lose them. Dr. Kim is skilled in the use of gingival grafts to repair your gums.
What Are Gingival Grafts?
Gingival grafts are an advanced technique in which a small amount of tissue is reattached to your gums to bring back your original, healthy gumline. This tissue may be collected from a donor site within your mouth or obtained from a tissue bank. Because this surgery can be performed in a variety of ways, Dr. Kim will discuss your options with you and recommend the best one for you based on your unique situation.
Contact Our Wausau, WI Office Today
Dr. Kim’s skill in this procedure makes it possible for you to have surgery in a comfortable and convenient location, performed by the dentist you know and trust. To find out more about periodontal disease and schedule your examination and cleaning, please contact our office today.
