Gum disease is a chronic bacterial infection that affects the gums and bone supporting your teeth. It develops when dental plaque accumulates along your gumline, causing your gums to become inflamed. This early stage of gum disease is called gingivitis. Left untreated, gingivitis can progress to inflammation deeper in the gums and destruction of the bone surrounding the teeth. This more advanced gum infection is called periodontitis.
What Causes Gum Disease?
Plaque buildup is the primary cause of gum disease. Dental plaque is white and sticky and is made up of bacteria, proteins, and saliva. If dental plaque isn’t removed each day by brushing and flossing, it hardens, creating tartar or calculus, which causes more severe inflammation in the gum tissue. Left untreated, this inflammation can cause your immune system to initiate a process that resorbs, or melts away, the bone surrounding the teeth. This can lead to severe infection, pain, swelling, and even tooth loss.
Can Gum Disease Affect My Overall Health?
Yes. People with gum disease may be more likely to develop heart disease or have difficulty controlling their blood sugar, and pregnant women with gum disease are more likely to deliver preterm, low birth-weight babies.
Make An Appointment
We strive to see patients experiencing a dental emergency the same day they call.
We offer a 24/7 call service so you can call anytime: 402-796-6865.
How Is Gum Disease Treated?
To treat gum disease, the hygienist will remove tartar under the gumline. This is accomplished through a specialized deep cleaning procedure, called Scaling and Root Planing. Scaling and Root Planing will be completed while the area is numb, so you will be totally comfortable throughout the visit. Once numb, the hygienist will carefully remove tartar using specialized instruments and may disinfect the gum pockets using a laser. She will also give you individualized home care instructions to ensure the areas remain clean and can heal optimally. After 4-6 weeks, the hygienist will reassess your gum tissue to make sure satisfactory improvements to gum health have occurred. In more advanced cases of periodontal disease, further surgical therapy may be recommended.
Recognizing The Warning Signs
Gum disease is often called a silent condition because it can progress significantly before patients notice anything feels wrong. Knowing what to look for gives you the best opportunity to address it early, when treatment is most straightforward. Common signs that warrant a prompt evaluation include:
- Gums that bleed during brushing or flossing
- Gums that appear red, swollen, or tender
- Persistent bad breath that does not resolve with regular brushing
- Gums that are pulling away or receding from the teeth
- Teeth that feel loose or have shifted in position
- Changes in the way your bite feels when you close your mouth
If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, do not wait. Early intervention makes a meaningful difference in both the complexity of treatment and the long-term health of your teeth and bone.
Gum Disease & Your Long-Term Oral Health
One of the most important things to understand about gum disease is that once bone loss has occurred, it cannot be fully reversed. This is why the conservative, prevention-first philosophy at Legacy Dental places such a strong emphasis on early detection and consistent maintenance. Our hygiene team monitors the health of your gum tissue at every visit, measuring pocket depths and tracking changes over time so that any signs of progression are caught and addressed before they become more serious.
For patients who have completed Scaling and Root Planing treatment, ongoing periodontal maintenance appointments are a critical part of keeping the condition stable. These visits are scheduled more frequently than standard cleanings and are specifically designed to maintain the improvements achieved through treatment, support healthy gum tissue, and prevent the recurrence of active infection.
We Are Here When You Need Us
At Legacy Dental, healthy gums are the foundation of a healthy smile. Whether you are coming in for a routine evaluation or are concerned about symptoms you have already noticed, Dr. Semerad, Dr. Larsen, Dr. Snyder, and our hygiene team are here to provide the thorough, compassionate care your gum health deserves. Patients throughout Omaha, NE, trust Legacy Dental to keep their smiles healthy for the long term. Call our office or book your appointment online today and let us help you protect the foundation of your smile.
