Diagnosis and treatment of gum disease at Ocala Smiles
A healthy smile is a smile free from periodontal disease and tooth decay. However, when it does occur, it needs to be diagnosed and treated as soon as possible to avoid significant issues down the road. This is because gum infection can spread and wreak havoc on the adult teeth and gums. At Ocala Smiles, Drs. Robert Evelyn and Wayne Harper can assist you whether you need preventative care or treatment for gum infection.
What is periodontal disease?
Understanding the condition is the first step in knowing why it can be problematic for patients. Drs. Evelyn and Harper describe this condition as an infection of the gums that starts from bacteria. While the smile has lots of bacteria, there are harmful bacteria that, if not brushed or flossed, can remain and infect the smile. This infection often begins with early signs such as swollen or bleeding gums. This is the first stage, known as gingivitis. As the condition progresses, it can damage the gum tissues, the teeth, and even the bone.
How can periodontal disease be prevented?
Preventive dentistry is important because it reduces one’s risk of developing periodontal disease and tooth decay. This includes following a cleaning schedule that has been recommended by Drs. Robert Evelyn and Wayne Harper along with regular dental checkups. When issues within the smile arise, early intervention can help our team successfully treat the problem and avoid progression.
What treatment is recommended for gum disease?
Periodontal disease is an infection and can be resolved with antibiotics. Sometimes, we will have the patient take antibiotics orally, or we may manually apply this medication to the gums in the mouth. Patients are often advised to consider treatments such as scaling and root planing, which can further treat the issue. However, we recommend patients take preventative care seriously as this condition is entirely avoidable but, at the same time, uncurable. Maintenance over a lifetime is critical to ensuring the smile stays as healthy as possible.
Take charge of the health of your smile!
Whether you suspect you have a gum infection or need treatment for diagnosed stages of periodontal disease or gingivitis, our team at Ocala Smiles can help! Drs. Robert Evelyn and Wayne Harper are dedicated to helping patients in and around the communities of Dunnellon, Belleview, Summerfield, Citrus Springs, and Ocala, FL. Call 352-867-7181 to request an appointment at 1800 SE 17th Street, Suite #602.