Don't let gum disease destroy your oral health! Our periodontal treatments will get you back on track with a healthier smile.

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Missoula, MT Periodontal Treatment

Are your gums swollen or tender? Do they bleed when you brush?

These are just a few signs that you may have gum disease.

At Cornerstone Dental, we want to help you to avoid the numerous problems that can result from gum disease and poor oral health. We love visiting with our patients, but our ultimate goal is to help you maintain your healthy smile so your visits are limited to twice-yearly cleanings and exams!

How Periodontal Disease Affects You

Periodontal disease occurs when the gums are infected or inflamed, and bacteria attack your gums and the bone and supporting structures that hold your teeth in place. One problem with gum disease is that some people who have an infection do not notice any signs at all. The numbers may come as a surprise to you, but the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) reports that 47% of adults over age 30 have some degree of gum disease.

Chronic gum disease can lead to tooth loss if not treated but that is not the only threat that gum disease poses. Numerous studies now show that there is a connection between poor oral health and systemic diseases such as heart disease, stroke, diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, and pregnancy complications.

How We Treat Periodontal Disease

One of the reasons we recommend semi-annual cleanings at our Missoula dental office is to keep your smile healthy by staying a step ahead of conditions like gum disease. Even if you don’t currently have problems, these visits are essential if you want your healthy smile to stay that way.

During your exam, your hygienist will carefully check your gums for signs of infection. The mildest form of gum disease is called gingivitis, which we can usually treat with a thorough professional cleaning and improved oral hygiene.

If we don't treat gingivitis, it leads to periodontitis, the most severe form of gum disease. With periodontitis, pockets form between the teeth and become infected and damage the bones that support your teeth. The bone loss that occurs with periodontitis is not reversible.

If our hygienist finds that you have advanced gum disease, she will work out a treatment plan with you to get your oral health back on track. This usually involves antibiotics and more frequent cleanings.

We Offer Gentle Care in a Calming Setting

All our team members are dedicated to helping you enjoy the benefits of good oral health. We do everything possible to put you at ease and make you feel like part of our extended family.

Whether you think you see the signs of gum disease or it’s time for your routine cleaning, please call our office to arrange an appointment. We look forward to working with you to help you achieve your best smile.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why do my gums bleed when I brush?

If your gums bleed when you brush, there is a good chance it’s caused by periodontal disease. Inflamed or swollen gums and bad breath are two other symptoms you may notice.

Periodontal disease is a bacterial infection of the gums and affects about half of all Americans over age 30. It may present with symptoms, or it may not. A lack of symptoms is one reason why gum disease is so prevalent. It may seem like nothing is wrong, but the infection is already damaging your gums and other structures that support your teeth.

Gum disease destroys healthy bone and gum tissue and can ultimately lead to tooth loss if not treated. The good news is that treatment is easy if we get to the infection promptly. Gingivitis, the mildest form of gum disease, can usually be resolved with a professional dental cleaning and improved oral hygiene practices.

Without treatment, periodontitis, a severe form of infection, develops and can lead to bone loss and tooth loss. Periodontitis treatment requires a treatment plan that involves frequent professional cleanings and antibiotics.

If your gums bleed when you brush, please call our Missoula dental office. We will be happy to schedule a cleaning with one of our skilled hygienists.