Gum Disease Treatment in Wesley Chapel

Dr. Luz provides treatment for gum disease in Wesley Chapel, FL. Call (813) 238-7725 to schedule an appointment.

Oral health is not only about the condition of your teeth. Your gums are just as important. When you have gum disease, it may start out as a minor irritation, but if left untreated, it can lead to tooth loss, bone loss, and even cardiovascular issues. This is why it’s important to get prompt treatment. Dr. Luz offers gum disease treatment in Wesley Chapel, a short drive from Tampa.

Before patients have gum disease, they have gingivitis. One of the reasons why regular dental check-ups are so important is because we can identify gingivitis and stop it from progressing into gum disease. Once gum disease sets in, your gums will be red, inflamed, and bleed easily. Patients usually have bad breath or a foul taste in their mouth, which is from the bacterial infection in the gums.

Eventually, the gum tissue begins to pull away from the roots of the teeth. This forms pockets where plaque and tartar can accumulate. These plaque deposits harbor bacteria that attack the roots of the teeth and the bone that holds them in place. Without treatment, teeth will begin to loosen and even fall out. Infection can spread to other parts of the body via the bloodstream. Recent research has linked gum disease to cardiovascular issues—it’s believed that the inflammation in the gums can cause systemic inflammation throughout the body, leading to heart problems. While we’re still learning what the exact connection is between the two conditions, keeping your gums healthy is an important step you can take to protect your overall health.

Gum disease treatment involves a procedure called scaling and root planing. During this treatment, plaque and tartar are removed from below the gum line, then the roots of your teeth are smoothed using a planer to encourage the gums to reattach. If infection is severe, we may apply a time-released topical antibiotic inside the pockets to encourage healing. Scaling and root planing can reverse gum disease and prevent permanent damage if it’s performed in the earliest stages of the disease.