Tooth decay is one of the most common reasons why people see the dentist. When it’s detected early, decay can be treated with minor restorations. Your dentist can also detect early gum disease, making it possible to treat your gums right away for successful results without invasive surgery.
Tooth Decay and Gum Disease
The most common problems people have with their teeth are tooth decay and gum disease. Both are difficult to diagnose without the assistance of a dentist, as the symptoms are often minor or completely absent until the condition becomes serious. This is one of the reasons why it’s so important to see your dentist regularly. Without regular dental visits, it’s much more likely that tooth decay and gum disease will become serious.
Some symptoms to look out for include:
- Discomfort in the tooth
- Swollen gums
- Unusual sensitivity to temperature or pressure
- A bad taste in the mouth that won’t go away
- Bleeding when you brush
If you experience any of these issues, you should discuss them with your dentist as soon as possible. Your dentist will check your gums at your regular exam to see if there are any signs of inflammation or infection. X-rays, digital photos, and visual examination are used to detect early signs of decay.
Treating Gum Disease and Tooth Decay
If you do develop tooth decay or gum disease, you’ll probably need treatment to keep from losing your tooth or developing more serious problems with your gums. Most tooth decay is treated with restorations such as fillings or crowns. If decay is caught early, a very small filling might be sufficient. More extensive decay requires more extensive repairs, including larger fillings, dental crowns, or, in extreme cases, root canal treatment.
Gum treatment also varies depending upon the severity of the infection. Minor inflammation can be treated with toothpaste designed to treat minor gingivitis. As gum disease progresses, more intensive treatment is required. A deep cleaning gum treatment is often used for more advanced inflammation, but as infection becomes more serious, gum surgery, gum grafting, and other more invasive work is necessary.
If you have further questions, call us at BC Perio today to talk to our knowledgable staff!
