How Do I Know If I have Gum Disease?

Have you ever rushed through brushing or skipped it altogether because of convenience or time constraints? If the answer is yes, you’re putting yourself at risk for gum disease, a serious condition that can affect your oral health and overall wellbeing.

Gum disease is a “silent,” disease that usually develops as a result of poor oral hygiene. If you’re not brushing well, bacteria can build up near the gums, causing inflammation. Some patients with great hygiene habits can still contract gum disease depending on their overall systemic health, daily medications or women who are pregnant. Not everyone experiences the tell-tale signs of gingivitis, the first stage of gum disease.

The Signs of Gum Disease

Signs of gum disease include redness, receding gum line, bleeding when brushing or flossing, consistent bad breath, ulcers or signs of pus, and loosening teeth. If you start to notice any of these symptoms, it is important to see a dentist immediately. The progression of gum disease, or periodontitis, will continue to damage soft tissue, bone and may result in tooth loss. When the bacteria is left to get into your blood stream, it can lead to systemic diseases such as heart disease, stroke and Diabetes.

Because pain is not among one of the disease’s first signs, people who have noticed some of its symptoms may choose to ignore them, mistakenly assuming they aren’t serious. Nothing could be further from the truth as anything that lasts more than a few days, should be looked at by your dentist.

Prevention

Even though gum disease is dangerous, preventing it is simple. The first step is simply brushing and flossing more. Gum disease occurs when plaque builds up. Frequent, thorough brushing and flossing can remove bacteria before it has the chance to turn into gum disease. The second step is cutting down on risk factors, such as tobacco use, stress, and teeth grinding. The final and most important step is to visit your dentist frequently for biyearly professional cleanings. Your dentist and hygienist are experienced with identifying the early signs and can treat the condition in the early stages.

Brushing can help you keep gum disease and its complications at bay, and visiting a dentist regularly can help you stay on top of your oral health. Contact Bailey Dental Group to schedule an appointment today!

Signs You Need a Root Canal

Tooth pain can be caused by a number of factors, including gum disease, tooth decay and trauma. While easy to brush off, when tooth pain stems is caused by an infection of the tooth’s inner nerve or root system, a root canal is the most conservative way to treat the problem and protect the tooth from extraction.

A root canal is a minimally-invasive procedure during which infected tooth pulp and tissue are removed and root canals, or the passages that contain nerves and nourishing blood vessels are treated. As the pulp becomes infected and inflamed, it attacks the nerves and soft tissue, causing irreversible damage to the affected area.  

• This endodontic procedure may be needed if you experience any of the following:
• Tooth pain when eating, biting down or putting pressure on the tooth
• Significant sensitivity to heat and cold items
• Darkening of the tooth color
• Small bump, swelling and tenderness near the affected area

What to Expect

Thanks to advancements in dentistry, the procedure and recovery take little time. The first step of the treatment is to assess the extent of the infection which is completed using x-rays or digital imaging.

During the actual procedure, patients are given a local anesthetic to prevent any discomfort or pain. Once a small access hole has been made in the top or behind the affected tooth, infected tissue and pulp are removed. The inner chamber and root area are then thoroughly cleaned, filled and temporarily covered to protect the area until the tooth is ready for the permanent restoration.  

After four to seven days the patient returns to receive the final restoration. During this visit, the tooth is covered with a porcelain crown, reinforcing the tooth and preventing reinfection. Once the crown has been placed, patients are able to return to their normal routines with a fully functional smile.

Our Cypress dentist, Dr. Cory Bailey performs root canals to save as much original tooth possible. This form of conservative dentistry will preserve the natural tooth to support the integrity of a healthy bite. If you are suffering from tooth pain that does not subside, please contact Bailey Dental Group to schedule an appointment.