Gum Disease
Are your gums dark, red, puffy, or sensitive? Do they bleed when you brush and floss? Chances are you’re suffering from gum disease.
Tampa Dental Wellness offers different treatments for periodontal disease that can restore the gumline and improve your overall health.
Learn about the advanced treatments we provide at our dental offices in Carrollwood and Westchase, FL.
What Is Gum Disease?
About Periodontal Disease
Periodontal disease refers to the infection and inflammation of the gums. It’s caused by the oral bacteria that naturally occurs in the mouth that also causes bad breath and tooth decay.
What Is Gingivitis?
Gingivitis is the earliest stage of gum disease. It’s usually the result of poor oral hygiene. If you neglect to brush and floss your teeth regularly, oral bacteria in the mouth will thrive.
What Is Periodontitis?
Periodontitis is a more advanced stage of gum disease that develops if gingivitis is not treated. Cases of severe gum disease affect all structures of the mouth and your general health.
Gum Disease Symptoms
Warning Signs That Your Periodontal Health May Be Compromised
Gingivitis Symptoms
Periodontitis Symptoms
The Dangers of Gum Disease
In addition to affecting the gums, untreated periodontal disease can lead to other serious oral health problems.
Tooth Misalignment
As periodontitis progresses, it can make your teeth loose and sore and also result in pronounced tooth gaps and changes in your dental alignment.
Root Canal Infection
Untreated periodontitis increases your risk of root canal infection. Further neglect can lead to a dental abscess, which can be potentially life-threatening.
Tooth Loss
It's not uncommon for people with advanced periodontitis to experience tooth loss. This is the result of teeth gradually loosening or shifting position.
Do You Think You Have Gum Disease?
Contact Our Dentists to Get the Treatment You Need
Gingivitis and periodontitis can adversely affect the health and appearance of your smile. If you notice any of the symptoms we’ve listed above, it’s crucial that you visit Drs. Amy Creech-Gionis, S. Nicole Mahdavieh, and Constanza L. Leal. Tampa Dental Wellness is deeply committed to the Hillsborough County community and has two state-of-the-art offices to serve the region.
During your visit, you’ll find our office is less like a traditional dental practice and more like a spa. This inviting atmosphere will help you relax and speak freely about the oral health issues that may be on your mind. We’re here to answer your questions about periodontal care and help you have the healthiest smile possible.
Contact our practice online if you live in the Westchase or Carrollwood areas and need to speak with a dentist about your oral health. You can also schedule an appointment by phone.
Call Tampa Dental Wellness
(813) 855-2273
New patient at Tampa Dental Wellness. First impression was that the office was very clean, smelled clean, very professional and inviting. The staff was very friendly, Daniella was amazing she made me feel as comfortable and at ease as possible. Not only did I feel I was getting a very thorough cleaning, I also felt that the doctor and hygienist worked well together to give me a solid plan moving forward to best take care of myself. I didn’t feel like they were rushed or burdened at all, and I even had my four year old with me which I know is not ideal but everyone was very very patient with us and very sweet. I feel confident I’ve found my forever dentist.
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I never take the time to write reviews but I just love this place. I needed a new dentist and a lot of work done and don’t have a lot of trust in the honesty of dentists. It is so evident that they truly care about their patients from the doctor to the office manager. Sabra is the sweetest. I work closer to the Westchase location but I almost don’t even care driving further because she’s just so caring and wonderful and I look forward to seeing her every time. Dr Leal does amazing work and I trust her completely with my dental care. She explains everything thoroughly and she’s very talented. This dentistry has top notch hospitality and make you feel comfortable from start to finish. I’m very happy they were recommended to me.
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Did You Know... /
According to the American Heart Association’s journal Hypertension, periodontal disease is linked to high blood pressure. People with gum disease were 20 percent less likely to achieve a healthy blood pressure range than people with healthy gums. In addition, Medical News Today notes that gum disease may increase a person’s risk for respiratory disease, Alzheimer’s disease, and certain types of cancers.
Addressing the Infection
When treating gingivitis or periodontitis, it’s important that we get the inflammation under control by treating bacteria in the mouth. There are different ways to control oral bacteria. Usually, we’ll discuss the use of antiseptic rinses to incorporate into your oral hygiene routine. If that’s ineffective, it may be necessary to use antibiotics to eliminate this harmful bacteria.
Scaling and Root Planing
What Is Deep Cleaning?
Deep cleaning involves the removal of plaque and tartar that’s built up along the gum line. This is extremely helpful when gingivitis causes the gums to pull away from the tooth, creating periodontal pockets where food and bacteria can accumulate. Scaling and root planing can also be performed preventatively, allowing patients to avoid gingivitis.
What Is Scaling?
Scaling refers to the scraping of tartar and plaque from a tooth. The dentist uses special instruments and works right along the gum line.
What Is Root Planing?
Root planing refers to the smoothing out of a tooth’s surface below the gum line. This encourages the gum tissue to reattach to the tooth and close the pocket that’s formed.
Additional Treatments
Restoring the Gum Line
If gingivitis or periodontitis has resulted in gum recession, the dentists at Tampa Dental Wellness can recommend different restorative options to replace the missing gum tissue.
These periodontal procedures will improve the appearance of your gums while protecting the tooth roots in the process.
Treating Tooth Loss
If advanced periodontal disease leads to tooth loss, we can go over various restorative procedures that fill the gaps caused by severe gum disease. In addition to bridges and dentures, we may discuss the use of dental implants.
Dental implants are artificial tooth roots that are surgically anchored into the jawbone. After healing, dental implants can support a crown for single-tooth replacement, a bridge for a few missing teeth, or even a full set of dentures.
There is a lot you can do to prevent gum disease and have a healthier and more beautiful smile…
Prevention and Long-Term Care
Good Oral Hygiene
Be sure to brush your teeth at least twice a day and floss at least once a day. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and avoid snapping your floss between your teeth. Being gentle yet thorough prevents harming your gum tissue.
Avoid Tobacco Products
Smoking and the use of chewing tobacco increase your risk of gum disease. It’s best to quit for the sake of your smile and to improve your general health. If you are trying to quit but have had limited success, we can help.
Regular Dental Visits
Seeing your dentist twice a year for regular checkups and cleanings is crucial for gum disease prevention as well as early detection and treatment. You can also contact us between visits for any questions and concerns.
Your Health Is Our Focus
Tampa Dental Wellness Is Dedicated to Patient Care
You will not find better dentists than Drs Creech-Gionis, Mahdavieh, and Leal. And the staffs at both their Carrollwood office and Westchase office are the nicest, and most professional people anywhere. If you are looking for a great dentist for you and your family, look no further. View on Google
Dental Wellness is the only dental practice I've ever been to that made me feel truly comfortable. I have tremendous anxiety around the dentist and they are so patient and kind about it. They work with me, make me feel listened to, and are just all around amazing. Asia was a phenomenal person to have in my fillings. View on Google
