Gum Disease

Aurora and Denver, Colorado

Contrary to popular belief, gum disease is not a condition that only affects smokers or people who have not been to the dentist in years. Gum disease in its many different stages affects a majority of the population. It can even happen to young people or people who do everything right when it comes to brushing and flossing and regular dental visits. At Aspenwood Dental Associates and Colorado Dental Implant Center, our expertly trained Colorado general dentists aim for an early diagnosis, so we can effectively control the damage before it has a great impact on your smile.

How Gum Disease Happens

All of the things you do at home, as well as your professional dental cleanings, are designed to get rid of bacteria and prevent plaque build-up. Plaque that collects on teeth can create tartar, a hard substance that is difficult to remove without a dental professional. The harmful bacteria that comprise plaque and tartar can eat away at enamel and harm gum tissue. Smoking, hormonal changes, diabetes, medication, genetics, and stress are all risk factors that can make you more prone to developing gum disease.

Effects of Gum Disease

Gum disease, also called “periodontal disease,” is a progressive condition that can lead to tooth loss.  Not all cases of gum disease are severe, but they can quickly develop into a serious condition without treatment. Gum disease in its early stages can present with simple gum inflammation (known as gingivitis). If left undiagnosed, gingivitis can develop into periodontitis and do major damage to enamel, tooth roots, and the underlying jaw bone.

Treating Gum Disease

Timely treatment of periodontal disease can slow or stop its negative health effects and prevent tooth-threatening infections. That is why it is so important that you visit an experienced dentist who is knowledgeable about today’s advanced gum disease treatments and procedures. At our Aurora dental center, our periodontics team treats gum disease with a wide variety of options including scaling and root planing, advanced dental hygiene, and gum grafting. In some cases, we may refer treatment to the highly specialized periodontics practice that neighbors our office.

Do not let gum disease harm your smile. Let our skilled dental experts catch periodontal problems early and treat your issues with advanced dental procedures. Please contact our team right away to set up your free consultation. We look forward to earning your trust and improving your dental health.