Periodontal Disease near Las Vegas, NV

Periodontal (gum) disease is a bacterial infection of the gums, which may result in significant damage to your teeth, soft tissues, and jaw if left untreated. There are several stages of periodontal disease that range from mild to severe. The very first stage is gingivitis, which is caused by plaque buildup in the gum pockets. If not treated, gingivitis can develop into the second stage, called periodontitis, which impacts the fibers and bone that support your teeth. Advanced periodontitis is the final stage of gum disease, which can lead to severe dental decay and tooth loss. To treat gum disease, Michaela Tozzi, DMD provides a variety of treatment options, depending on the stage, such as scaling and root planing, antibiotics, laser gum surgery, and tooth extractions. If you live in Henderson or near Las Vegas, NV and have been experiencing tooth pain or tenderness in your gums, we invite you to call our office to schedule an appointment with seasoned dentist Dr. Michaela Tozzi.

Periodontal treatment can be effective to:

• Alleviate pain associated with periodontal/gum disease
• Reduce bleeding in the gums
• Provide fresher breath and a healthier smile
• Enhance cardiovascular health
• Prevent future instances of gum disease
• Strengthen teeth and gums

Gum disease in its earliest stage, gingivitis, is difficult to discover on your own, which is the reason why it's very important to schedule yearly dental exams at Michaela Tozzi, DMD in Henderson, NV. This gives Dr. Tozzi an opportunity to measure your gum pockets so she can recognize and address the problem to prevent the infection from spreading or getting worse. As gum disease advances, symptoms will include swollen or red gums, bleeding caused by regular brushing and flossing, a separated or receded gums, and chronic bad breath. Patients may also experience pain while chewing and sensitivity to hot and cold temperatures. It is necessary to schedule an appointment if you're experiencing any of these signs to catch and treat the infection as early as possible. 

Your gum disease treatment will be determined by the intensity of the infection. If Dr. Tozzi determines you have periodontal disease, she will discuss her recommendations for your treatment plan. The initial stage of gum disease, gingivitis, is generally treated with a thorough dental cleaning and improved oral hygiene efforts at home. In the secondary stage, periodontitis, scaling and root planing (SRP) is typically performed to clean out the pockets of the gums. Locally placed antibiotics may also be incorporated to help eliminate bacteria. In more advanced cases, laser gum surgery is usually performed to treat the disease. Lastly, Dr. Tozzi may recommend bad breath therapy as halitosis is a common symptom of periodontal disease. However, as the underlying cause of your infection is treated, this will help eliminate halitosis as well.

Recovery time will look different for everyone as it is dependent on the stage and severity of the disease. Typically, multiple appointments are needed to effectively treat your periodontal infection. In many cases, we recommend that patients return to our office every 3 – 4 months for comprehensive dental cleanings to help eradicate the disease. After a few visits, we will reassess your treatment plan and may adjust your cleaning schedule to twice a year. During this time, it's essential to maintain routine brushing and flossing at home. Dr. Tozzi may also suggest an antibacterial mouthwash or toothpaste to decrease your risk of developing another periodontal infection.

The cost of gum disease treatment will differ, depending on the severity of the illness, as well as the procedures required. If you have dental insurance, then our office will contact your insurance company to determine what they cover and if there will be any extra costs. For patients without insurance, Michaela Tozzi, DMD accepts many payments and we will be able to help you find low-interest medical financing. Avoiding the dentist because of financial concerns may lead to bigger problems and more costly treatments. Our office will do all we can to help make your treatment affordable.

What are the warning signs of gum disease (or periodontal disease)?

• Bad breath
• Bright red, dark red, or purple-looking gums
• Gums are swollen or puffy
• Gums are tender to the touch
• Gums easily bleed
• Bleeding when brushing or flossing
• Visible pus between gums and teeth

What are the stages of periodontal disease?

1. Gingivitis
2. Early periodontitis
3. Mild to moderate periodontitis
4. Progressive or advanced periodontitis

Is periodontal disease reversible or curable?

Gingivitis, which is the early stage of periodontal disease, can be cured or reversed. When gingivitis progresses to periodontal disease, it can’t be reversed and only slowed. This is why Dr. Tozzi stresses the importance of good daily oral hygiene practices and regular dental checkups.

Gum disease will cause more damage without the appropriate treatment so it is important to seek expert help when any signs occur. At Michaela Tozzi, DMD in Henderson, NV, we work with you to restore your gums and prevent future instances of infection. For more information or to schedule a consultation with seasoned Las Vegas dentist Dr. Tozzi, call our office today. We look forward to serving you.