If your dentist has diagnosed you with periodontal disease, also known as gum disease, and referred you to Dr. Fred Alger, we welcome you to our practice. Our office has numerous treatment methods to address your unique situation.
Our specialized periodontal team at our Gahanna, Ohio dental office cares about the oral health of all our patients. Dr. Fred Alger is a specialist in periodontal disease and is highly trained and will gently walk you through your diagnosis.
Do I Have It?
Periodontal disease in its early stages can often be overlooked. Most patients only learn about their condition when informed by their dentist. This means you may have it now without realizing it.
As the disease progresses, however, you may experience the following symptoms from damage to the gum and bone:
Tooth Mobility
Teeth may feel loose when chewing or speaking. They may even start to shift.
Bad Breath
Infections of the gums can cause bad breath, which may be a sign of more complex problems.
Bleeding Gums
Gums may be red, swollen, tender, receding or even detached. It is not normal for healthy gums to bleed during brushing and flossing.
Bone Loss
In advanced stages, bone mass around the teeth may be lost, and the disease may spread to surrounding teeth.
Risk Factors of Periodontal Disease
The primary cause of periodontal disease is the buildup of bacterial plaque and tartar that accumulates around the teeth and gum line. This buildup generally occurs from improper oral hygiene practices and/or missing annual visits to the dentist for regular professional deep cleaning appointments.
Once plaque and tartar have built up, starting a good oral health practice does not combat it completely. The need for a professional deep cleaning is required. Depending on the progression of the gum disease, Dr.Alger may also recommend other treatments.
However, other factors may contribute to the development or progression of gum disease, including:
- Smoking
- Family history
- Harmful biting forces
- Decayed teeth
- Medications
- Diabetes
- Overall physical health
What if I Have Been Diagnosed With Gum Disease?
If you have been diagnosed with gum disease, please do not delay seeking treatment with us. Early treatment could mean all the difference in saving your teeth. Dr. Alger will perform an intraoral examination and evaluate your dental X-rays to better understand the type of gum disease you have and the extent of the damage.
Afterward, he will discuss his findings with you and present treatment options. Our office provides patients with both non-surgical and surgical periodontal treatment. Scaling and root planing, which are non-surgical options, may be enough to solve the problem. If not, we have three surgical options that can help restore oral health and your smile.
Find Out Your Periodontal Treatment Options
Through treatment, Dr. Alger can stop and remove infection, save teeth, and solve pockets created by the gums receding from each tooth root. He can bring back the confidence you may have lost in your smile and help your overall health and wellness.
No matter how advanced your gum disease may be, Dr. Alger can help you experience optimal oral health! Contact us today to schedule an appointment for a personalized treatment plan.