Periodontal Disease Therapy in Bowling Green

The Facts on Periodontal Disease

If you have sensitive gums, regularly experience bleeding while brushing or flossing, or notice red or white “pimples” or blotches along the gum line, you may be suffering from periodontal (gum) disease, and you’re not alone. Depending on the research, anywhere between 50 and 85% of Americans are reportedly affected by gum disease. The bad news is that gum disease is often overlooked by patients until it reaches the advances stages, but the good news is that with proper preventive care, periodontal disease is treatable. At the Bowling Green, OH dental practice of Dr. Derik E. Utz, we have the tools and experience necessary to prevent or restore even advanced cases of gum disease. Call to schedule an appointment or find out more about periodontal disease prevention and treatment from Dr. Utz and his team.

Signs and Symptoms of Gum Disease

Periodontal disease starts small. Bacteria and sugar on teeth become acidic, and while saliva typically works to counteract this acid, when there is more acidic bacteria on the teeth than the saliva can effectively neutralize, a sticky film of bacteria and sugar called plaque forms. Over time, this plaque can build up below the gums irritating the soft tissue. This irritation or inflammation is referred to as gingivitis. Left untreated, gingivitis leads to more serious gum disease causing gum tissue infection, tooth decay and gum tissue and bone density deterioration. This more severe form of gum disease is called periodontists. With regular preventive care, most patients will never experience this level of periodontal disease. At Dr. Utz’s dental practice, each patient has gum tissue charting and screening for periodontal disease as part of every six month dental examination. Based on the results of your examination, Dr. Utz and his team may recommend a soft-tissue management program to regularly review and treat soft tissue preventing possible periodontal disease from developing into actual periodontal disease.

• Sensitive gums
• Pain while chewing
• Gums bleeding while brushing or flossing
• Gums bleeding with no obvious cause
• Receding gums
• Loose feeling teeth
• Red or white “pimples” along gum line

Treating Gum Disease

Regular brushing, flossing, and dental checkups can help you stop periodontal disease before it starts, but even the best oral care routine isn't impervious to plaque buildup or gingivitis. That’s why being aware of the way your teeth and gums look and feel is essential. Gingivitis can, for the most part, be treated with deep cleaning, and antibiotic treatment. Periodontitis typically requires more extensive treatments. Some therapies we offer to treat periodontitis include:

• Scaling (removal of bacteria, plaque, and tartar from affected areas)
• Root planing (smoothing of the root’s surface making it more difficult for plaque to buildup)
• Topical or oral antibiotics
• Laser soft tissue treatments (removing damaged tissue and jumpstarting healing of remaining, healthy tissue)
• Recommendation/referral to an oral surgeon or endodontist in the most severe cases

Call to Find Out More Today

Whether you are struggling with periodontal disease, or simply need a dental practitioner who can help you maintain a naturally beautiful smile, Dr. Utz and his caring Bowling Green, OH dental team are waiting for your call. Contact us to find out more about gum disease treatments, or to schedule an appointment today. Our Bowling Green, OH dental practice welcomes patients from Pemberville, Perrsyburg, Rudolph, Waterville, and beyond.