Dr. Zachary Sisler and our team of dental professionals in Shippensburg, PA, place great emphasis on the importance of gum health, taking time to understand your unique risk factors for gum disease. When you visit with us for routine dental care, Dr. Sisler performs a periodontal screening to look for the early warning signs of gum disease. This enables us to offer conservative treatment to prevent further damage that can effect the integrity of your teeth.
Gum disease is often called a “silent disease” because most patients do not realize they have it until they visit with us or begin to experience the symptoms of advanced disease, often requiring extensive restorative dental care. Visiting our Shippensburg dentist office regularly can play a significant role in maintaining healthy gums and avoiding advanced disease.
Signs of Gum Disease
There are a range of symptoms for gum disease and recognizing the common signs can help you seek the dental treatment you need:
- Bleeding gums
- Red, swollen gums
- Increased sensitivity
- Persistent bad breath, halitosis
- Changes in the bite
- Loose or shifting teeth
- Changes in the fit of dentures
If you notice any of these signs of deteriorating periodontal health, come in for a visit with Dr. Sisler. We will evaluate your dental health and make personalized recommendations for addressing disease or infection.
Treating Gum Disease in Shippensburg
The treatment recommended will depend on the stage and severity of your gum disease. Dr. Sisler will focus treatment on both restoring your oral health and addressing any underlying issues that could cause recurring disease down the road. A lasting result and long term health is always the goal of any dentistry provided in our Shippensburg dental practice.
Treatment can include:
- Antibacterial rinses: often prescribed for at home use, antibacterial rinses are a conservative measure for gingivitis, early stage gum disease.
- Scaling and root planing: this procedure removes plaque and tartar causing infection from the deep pockets of the gums and all tooth surfaces to enable healing and halt the progression of disease.
- Laser dentistry: for more advanced disease, or periodontitis, laser dentistry can remove damaged tissue while promoting the body’s healing response to restore gum health.
- Oral surgery: for severe disease and damage, Dr. Sisler can coordinate your treatment with a local oral surgeon.
Schedule An Appointment
If you have concerns about the health of your gums, or have been away from the dentist and would like to get back a healthy smile, schedule a visit with Dr. Sisler. Keeping your gums healthy is an important part of enjoying lifelong dental health. Contact us at (717) 532-8740 or request an appointment online.