Your Invisalign® ProviderPeriodontics & Gum Health
At York Lanes Dental Office, our Toronto dentists help patients prevent and manage periodontal (gum) disease.
What is Gum Disease?
Gum (periodontal) disease affects the structures in the mouth that support the teeth including gums, bone, ligament and other tissue. This disease is often chronic, but can be reversed or managed with a variety of treatment options depending on the severity.
Stages & Symptoms of Gum Disease
Gum disease is difficult to detect it the early stages, and many patients only notice symptoms once it has progressed.
If left untreated, gum disease typically progresses in following three stages:
- Mild Periodontitis (Gingivitis)
Gingivitis is the first stage of periodontal disease as plaque and its toxin by-products irritate the gums.
Common symptoms include:
Tender, sore gums
Inflamed, swollen gums
Bleeding gums
- Periodontitis
In its next stage, Periodontitis, plaque hardens into tartar and continues to build up in the mouth.
Common symptoms include:
Mild gum recession
Bacteria-filled pockets form between the gums and teeth
Slight to moderate bone loss in the jaw
- Advanced Periodontitis
In the most advanced stages of periodontitis, the teeth lose more support as the gums, bone, and periodontal ligament continue to deteriorate.
Common symptoms include:
Loose or falling out teeth
Severe gum recession
Moderate to severe bone loss in the jaw
Gum Disease Prevention
Risk factors for gum disease include poor oral hygiene habits, smoking and systemic diseases such as diabetes.
These factors allow plaque to build up on teeth and harden, eventually affecting the gums.
The best way to prevent gum disease from developing is to practice good oral health care routines at home by brushing twice a day and flossing once a day.
It's also important to attend regular hygiene cleanings and exams at your dentist, ideally every six months.
Soft Tissue Management
At York Lanes Dental Office we offer a Soft Tissues Management treatment program to resolve the effects of gum disease, prevent it from progressing, and maintain your oral health.
Scaling & Root Panning
For patients with mild gum disease, a deep cleaning performed by your dental hygienist may be enough to reverse it. The hygienist will remove the plaque and tartar around and below the gum line, and smooth out any rough areas left behind.
Laser Periodontal Therapy
Laser Periodontal Therapy (LPTTM) is a non-surgical alternative to gum surgery. It offers a less painful, less traumatic way to treat gum disease at any stage using dental lasers.
Bone & Gum Grafting
For patients with more advanced forms of gum disease, surgical gum grafting may be necessary to reverse the effects of a receding gum line. In some cases, surgical bone grafting may be also necessary to regenerate any bone loss that has occurred.
Pinhole Gum Therapy
The Pinhole Surgery technique is a scalpel-free, suture-free solution for repairing receding gums caused by gum disease. During the procedure, a needle is used to make a small hole in the gums. Through this pinhole, special instruments are used to gently loosen and slide the gum tissue to cover exposed tooth roots.
Hours
- Monday:08:00 am - 06:00 pm
- Tuesday:08:00 am - 08:00 pm
- Wednesday:08:00 am - 06:30 pm
- Thursday:08:00 am - 08:00 pm
- Friday:08:00 am - 06:00 pm
- Saturday:08:00 am - 04:00 pm
- Sunday:Closed