Dr. Hauser Helps Develops Stunning Smiles with Cosmetic Dentistry

Gum disease is an infection that occurs in the bones and tissues that support and surround the teeth. Also called periodontal disease, gum disease may be classified as one of two conditions: gingivitis or periodontitis.

Gingivitis is a milder form of gum disease that only affects the gums and the teeth’s surrounding tissue. Periodontitis, though, is a more severe form. At this stage, bacteria spread below the gums and damage the bone and tissues that support the teeth.

Riverside County’s leading cosmetic and family dentist, Dr. Derek B. Hauser, DDS, consults patients needing help for gum disease-related problems on a daily basis. If you’re in need of advice or a new family dentist, Contact Lakefront Family Dentistry at (951) 244-9495 or Request an Appointment Online Today!

Gingivitis

Gingivitis causes swollen, red gums that easily bleed when brushing. Because gingivitis generally does not cause pain, many patients do not receive the proper treatment that they need.

Periodontitis

Periodontitis causes the gums to retract from the teeth, which leaves deep pockets where bacteria can grow and wreak havoc on the bone that supports the teeth. Gums can also recede or shrink back from the teeth, making them look longer. Teeth may also fall out, become loose or need to be extracted.

Causes of Gum Disease

Your body constantly produces plaque: the sticky, clear substances in your mouth. Plaque contains bacteria, and bacteria create toxins, which irritate the gums and cause the breakdown of tissues. If plaque is not properly removed from the teeth, it can spread to the gums below and damage the supporting bone.

Over time, plaque becomes hard and forms a substance called tartar. Tartar must be removed by a dental hygienist or a dentist.

Patients are more likely to contract gum disease if:

• The teeth are not properly cleaned.
• The patient often smokes or chews tobacco.
• Someone in the patient’s family already has or has had gum disease.
• There is a preexisting medical condition that limits the patient’s immune system, such as diabetes.
• The stress level of the patient is high.
• The patient has a poor diet that is low in nutrients.

The Symptoms

Sometimes, it is hard to tell whether or not you have a mild case of gum disease. When gums are healthy, they appear firm and pink, and they fit snugly and tightly around the teeth. Healthy gums also do not bleed easily.

Mild cases or gingivitis cause:

• Swollen, red or tender gums
• Easy bleeding while flossing or brushing
• Receding gums
• Persistent bad breath
• Loose teeth
• Pus secretion

Diagnosis

A Canyon Lake cosmetic dentist can perform an exam to find out if you have gum disease. Your cosmetic dentistry office professional will look for:

• Bleeding
• Plaque buildups and tartar below the gums
• A receding gum line
• Pockets between the gums and teeth

Gum Disease Treatment and Cosmetic Dentistry

There is a variety of treatments for gum disease. The stage of the disease the results of previous treatments, paired with your overall health, will determine the ideal procedure.

Non-surgical treatments include root planning, scaling and professional dental cleanings. Some surgical treatments include bone grafts, flap surgery, soft-tissue grafts, guided tissue regeneration and bone surgery.

Most patients do not need a surgical procedure to treat gum disease. Surgery is usually only necessary when the tissue around the teeth is damaged and cannot be fixed with a non-surgical option.

Generally, a professional dental cleaning will cure a mild case gum disease.

Call Dr. Hauser for Treatment Today

At Lakefront Family Dentistry, we’ve built a reputation on superior care and stunning results. Dr. Hauser has been fulfilling the dental needs of his patients for more than 20 years. We prioritize patient comfort and satisfaction above all else, and with three registered dental hygienists on staff and premium, A-dec dental chairs, there’s no need to worry about an uncomfortable cleaning.

Visit an advanced dentist office that has access to the latest dental technology, and find out how a Canyon Lake cosmetic dentist can improve your smile today.  For more information, Contact Lakefront Family Dentistry at (951) 244-9495 or Request an Appointment Online Today!

Dr. Derek B. Hauser, DDS, and his Amazing Dental Assistants