Gum Disease Treatment You Can Count On
While gum disease (or periodontal disease) is a common condition, left untreated it can cause serious oral health problems like tooth loss, bone loss, pain, and sensitivity. Luckily, there are many treatments available as well as comprehensive preventative measures that you can take at home.
At The Foleck Center in Hampton Coliseum, our expert dentists offer modern solutions to treat periodontitis and gingivitis. Also, we help our patients stay proactive about preventing gum disease through cleanings and exams, education, and compassionate support.
What is Periodontal (Gum) Disease?
Gum disease, or periodontal disease, is a term for conditions involving inflammation and infection of gum and bone tissue arround teeth. It is typically caused by bacterial buildup and plaque on the teeth, which can lead to inflammation, swelling, and infection. Gum disease is progressive that starts with gingivitis. Untreated, it will become more advanced periodontal disease with more severe symptoms.
Factors Related to Gum Disease Progression
- Poor oral hygiene
- Smoking
- Genetic predisposition
- Hormonal changes
- Certain medications
- Systemic diseases like diabetes
Symptoms of Gum Disease
Gum disease often presents itself with the following symptoms. It can be hard to notice some of these at home, so, visiting a dentist a few times a year for regular exams and cleanings is paramount to detecting gum disease in it’s early stages. Your dentist will look for:
- Bleeding gums
- Red, tender, swollen gums
- Gums that have pulled away from teeth, (gum recession)
- Persistent bad breath or a bad taste in the mouth
- Pus between your teeth and gums
- Separating or loose teeth
- Any change in the way your teeth fit together when you bite
- Any change in the fit of partial dentures
Stages of Gum Disease
Gingivitis and Periodontitis are the 2 primary types of gum disease. They can be further broken down into stages with varying symptom severity and long term impacts on your overall oral health.
Gingivitis
- Reversable
The earliest stage of gum disease is gingivitis, and the good news is that it’s reversible with the right care. This condition is most often caused by the buildup of plaque—a sticky film of bacteria that forms on your teeth and gums after eating or drinking.
Common signs include gums that are red, swollen, tender, or prone to bleeding, along with persistent bad breath, gum recession, and even loosening teeth.
You can reduce your risk of gingivitis by brushing at least twice a day and flossing daily to clear away plaque. Scheduling routine dental cleanings at The Foleck Center in Hampton Coliseum a few times a year also plays a key role in keeping your gums healthy. Without treatment, gingivitis can progress into early periodontitis, a more serious and irreversible form of gum disease.
Early Periodontitis
- Non-reversible
Early periodontitis develops when gingivitis is left untreated and plaque hardens into tartar.
Unlike gingivitis, this stage involves the formation of periodontal pockets—spaces between the teeth and gums where bacteria collect and begin to damage the bone that supports your teeth.
Because these changes can’t be reversed with brushing and flossing alone, early periodontitis requires professional treatment from a dentist to prevent further progression.
Advanced Periodontitis
- Non-reversible
Advanced periodontitis is the most serious stage of gum disease. At this point, the bone and tissues that hold your teeth in place have become severely infected and damaged due to long-term buildup of plaque and tartar.
Common symptoms include painful gum recession, persistent inflammation, deep periodontal pockets, chronic bad breath, abscesses, gum ulcerations, loose or lost teeth, and even changes in how your bite fits together.
In severe cases, advanced periodontitis may require surgical treatment to protect remaining healthy tissue and prevent further tooth loss.
Periodontal Disease Treatment Options
At The Foleck Center near Hampton Coliseum, we provide advanced, results-driven treatments for every stage of gum disease. Our experienced team takes the time to explain your options and create a personalized plan that fits your health goals, budget, and lifestyle.
- Professional Dental Cleanings remove plaque buildup and bacteria from the teeth and gums.
- Scaling and Root Planing is a deep cleaning procedure that removes plaque and bacteria from below the gum line.
- Laser Periodontal Therapy is a minimally invasive option that utilizes laser technology to remove infected tissue and promote healing.
- Bone and gum grafting involves taking grafts of bone or tissue from other areas of the mouth or a donor source and transplanting them to the affected area to promote new tissue growth.
- Antibiotics are used to kill bacteria that cause gum disease and reduce inflammation and infection.
- Surgery (gum grafting, bone grafting, or tooth extraction) may be needed to treat advanced gum disease
Costs of Treatments for Gum Disease
Many gum disease treatments—such as deep cleanings and ongoing periodontal maintenance—are often at least partially covered by dental insurance. The overall cost depends on the severity of your gum condition and the specific treatment required. At The Foleck Center near Hampton Coliseum, our team works closely with patients to maximize insurance benefits and provides flexible payment options to help make high-quality care affordable.
Preventing Gum Disease
Gum disease is highly preventable with proper oral hygiene and consistent professional care. Brushing and flossing daily, along with scheduling regular dental cleanings and checkups at The Foleck Center near Hampton Coliseum, can help keep your gums healthy and detect early warning signs before they develop into more serious issues. With consistent care, you can protect both your smile and your overall health.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can children or teens get gum disease?
Yes.
While gum disease is more common in adults, children and teens can also experience early gum problems such as gingivitis. Routine dental checkups at The Foleck Center near Hampton Coliseum make it possible to catch these issues early and provide effective treatment before they advance.
Is gum disease reversible?
In its earliest stage, gingivitis, gum disease can often be reversed with professional cleanings and consistent at-home care.
However, once the condition advances to periodontitis, it cannot be fully reversed—only managed through ongoing treatment to protect your oral health.
What other health problems can gum disease cause?
Research shows that gum disease is connected to serious health concerns beyond your mouth, including heart disease, diabetes, stroke, and pregnancy complications.
By maintaining healthy gums with regular care at The Foleck Center near Hampton Coliseum, you’re not only protecting your smile—you’re also supporting your overall health and well-being.
Is gum disease painful?
Not always—gum disease can develop silently without causing obvious pain. That’s why routine dental checkups are so important.
As the condition advances, symptoms such as tenderness, swelling, or bleeding gums may become more noticeable. Regular visits to The Foleck Center near Hampton Coliseum help ensure problems are detected and treated early.
Is gum disease contagious?
While gum disease itself isn’t contagious, the bacteria that cause it can be spread through saliva. Sharing utensils, drinks, or kissing may transfer these bacteria, increasing the risk of gum problems for anyone who doesn’t maintain proper oral hygiene.
Don’t Let Gum Disease Steal Your Smile!
At The Foleck Center in Hampton Coliseum, we combine expertise, advanced technology, and compassionate care to make your root canal experience as comfortable and effective as possible.
Our team takes the time to explain each step, address your concerns, and create a personalized treatment plan. Choose The Foleck Center to protect your natural teeth and maintain your oral health with care you can trust.
Call today or schedule an appointment online to take the first step toward a healthier smile and improved overall health.
- Friendly, Experienced Providers and Staff
- Cutting-edge Technology and Procedures
- No Referrals - We Do it All
- Comfortable, Modern Facilities
- Same-Day & Emergency Appointments
- Financing & Insurance Accepted