Gum Disease Treatment in Atlanta, GA

Gum disease, also known as periodontal disease, is a chronic infection of the tissues that hold your teeth in place. It begins when plaque, a sticky, colorless film of bacteria, accumulates on the teeth and gums. If left untreated, gum disease can destroy your teeth, gums, and jawbone.

Symptoms of Gum Disease

The listed symptoms are signs of gum disease:

- Red, swollen, or tender gums

- Bleeding gums while brushing or flossing

- Gums that pull away from your teeth

- Bad breath or halitosis

- Other oral health problems, like chronic dry mouth, receding gums, or loose teeth

Gingivitis

Gingivitis can be mild or severe. In its mild form, gingivitis affects only the gums. In its severe form, gingivitis can cause bleeding gums, bad breath, and gum sensitivity.

It is caused by plaque accumulation on the teeth and gum lines, which produce toxins that irritate the gums. 

Periodontitis

Periodontitis is a gum infection that damages the soft tissue and bone that support your teeth. This type of infection can lead to tooth pain, tooth loss, and changes to your bite.

If your gum disease is advanced, we may recommend gum surgery. We may recommend scaling and root planing to remove buildup from your teeth and roots for minor gum disease.

Treatments for Gum Disease

Gingivectomy

Gingivectomy is an oral surgery that removes diseased gum tissue from a pocket. After the gum tissue is removed, the pocket is cleaned, disinfected, and sealed. It helps prevent any bacteria from getting into the pocket and causing further infection.

Bone grafting

Bone grafting is used to fill in the area where the bone has been destroyed due to gum disease. Our dentist will take bone from another area of your mouth or another source and graft it onto the damaged area during the treatment. In some cases, a membrane may cover the new bone and further protect the area.

Laser gum surgery

When gum disease is severe, Dr. Michael Bixby may recommend laser treatment or another treatment that removes diseased tissue and bacteria. The dentist use technology to remove diseased gum tissue and plaque from the gum line. Laser gum surgery treatment is an excellent option for patients who have a history of gum disease or smoke regularly.

The dentist and the team are happy to explain the dental treatments offered at the practice in detail. If you would like to learn more, we invite you to give Denist Atlanta GA a call at (404) 255-4575 and schedule a consultation.

Location

5555 Peachtree Dunwoody Rd. NE Suite 240,
Atlanta, GA 30342

Office Hours

MON - THU7:30 am - 3:30 pm

FRI - SUNClosed