According to the CDC, 50% of Americans have some variation of gum disease, which develops when bacteria attaches to your teeth and multiplies to form plaque. Inflammation and irritation of surrounding tissues caused by plaque that stays on the teeth for too long eventually leads to gingivitis, which is the first stage of gum disease. At this initial stage, which is the mildest, periodontal disease often presents itself as gum inflammation.

Progression to the next stage of gum disease (periodontitis) is likely if the issue is not diagnosed in the early stages. Typical symptoms of periodontitis include increasingly inflamed gums that bleed more easily, the development of deeper pockets between the teeth and gum tissues, and recessed gums. The deeper the pocket, the more bacteria that accumulates, which then degrades both soft and hard tissues. Infection can then more easily take place in the roots of the surrounding teeth, causing teeth to become loose, cause pain, or even fall out. When the gums have receded to this point, a gum graft may be necessary to restore the health of your gums and teeth.

During your dental examination, we will measure your pockets to determine the health of your gums. If your gums are more than 5mm deep, we will encourage you to schedule an appointment for a scaling and root planing procedure in order to halt gingivitis and periodontitis and restore the health of your gums and teeth. To learn more about the scaling and root planing procedure, please refer to the following, or schedule an appointment today. We proudly serve patients throughout Richmond and the surrounding area, including neighborhoods like Southampton, Stratford Hills, Westover Hills, Bon Air, Libbie and Grove, Church Hill, The Fan, Westham, Museum District, and Mooreland Farms.

At Capital Dental Design, we are committed to providing you with effective, considerate care and helping you get the bright, beautiful smile you have always wanted!