Gum Disease Treatments

Gum disease, also called gingivitis, is an infection that attacks the tissues and bones that surround and support your teeth. Gingivitis is caused by the growth of bacteria on your teeth above and below the gumline. If left untreated, gum disease can cause the loss of permanent teeth, so Dr. Clayton M. Hansen is happy to treat gingivitis in American Fork, Utah, and help keep your smile safe and healthy.

Gum disease is usually painless, so you may not know you have it. However, if you experience any of the following symptoms, contact us right away:

• Red, swollen, and sore gums
• Gums that bleed easily when you brush and floss
• Receding gums
• The formation of pockets between your gums and teeth
• Persistent bad breath
• Pus coming from the gums
• A change in your bite
• Loose permanent teeth

If you have gingivitis, our dentist may recommend extra teeth cleaning appointments. Our hygienist will clean your teeth of all plaque and tartar. If this is not sufficient, our dentist may suggest a deep cleaning procedure called scaling and root planing. Our dentist will clean all of the plaque and tartar from your teeth, above and below the gumline. Then, rough spots on your tooth roots will be smoothed, making it difficult for plaque to adhere to them.

Timely treatment of gingivitis is essential to your current and future oral health. If left untreated, this mild form of gum disease can advance to later stages, becoming periodontitis, an advanced form of gum disease that is more difficult to treat and can have permanent effects on your oral health. If you are suffering from periodontitis, our dentist and team will work closely with you to provide treatments that can help relieve you of any pain or discomfort, working towards a treatment regimen that can help you restore and preserve your gum health for life.

We invite you to contact our dental office today to learn more and to schedule your next appointment.