As the leading cause of tooth loss, gum disease is a serious oral condition that will not resolve without proper, experienced care. Gum disease is caused by toxins produced by harmful bacteria living under the gums. These toxins prompt the body to destroy bone and other supporting structures, often leading to tooth mobility and tooth loss. However, gum disease effects go well beyond the smile. Research indicates links between gum disease and serious systemic issues, including diabetes, heart disease and pregnancy complications, among others. The team at 8118 Dental Professionals is committed to promoting overall health and wellness among Austin, TX, and offer modern treatments effective at arresting the gum disease process and its symptoms.
With this non-surgical gum disease treatment for mild cases, our skilled hygienists gently remove plaque, tartar and bacterial deposits from tooth surfaces beneath the gum line. Result encourages reattachment of gum tissue to the teeth, reduces periodontal pocket depths and improves overall gum health.
We use our WaterLase BIOLASE® Epic 10™ soft tissue laser to perform minimally invasive gum disease treatment. Laser gum disease treatment targets and vaporizes diseased tissue and bacteria deep below the gums, without the need for incisions or sutures. With laser dentistry, healing begins almost immediately, and recovery time is reduced, among other benefits.
For more advanced cases of gum disease our doctors retract the gums to gain access to deeper areas of infection. Plaque, tartar and bacteria are eliminated from the roots and bone discrepancies are smoothed to halt disease progression. The gums are then sutured and allowed to heal.
Maintaining gum and bone health following gum disease treatment is accomplished through periodontal maintenance visits.These appointments take place every three to four months and replace regular bi-annual cleanings.
Healthy gums provide the foundation for a beautiful smile and healthy lifestyle. Dedicated to improving the periodontal health and lives of Austin, TX, patients, we recommend routine gum disease screenings to identify symptoms and treat this destructive disease as early as possible. We also offer oral DNA testing to screen for disease-causing bacteria, which provides greater accuracy in the diagnosis and management of gum disease.