Periodontal Disease

Treating Gum Disease in West Omaha for Greater Overall Health

middle aged couple outdoorsMost individuals do not realize how essential healthy gums are for their oral health and general well-being until concerns arise. At Shadow Ridge Dental, our entire team is committed to protecting your smile through accurate gum disease diagnosis and reliable treatment. With the support of our skilled hygienists, our dentists offer services that emphasize prevention and patient education for all ages.

While gum disease is most common in adults, the condition can impact anyone. We are committed to protecting the health, happiness, and comfort of individuals and families across the West Omaha and Elkhorn communities. Our team is here to help every step of the way. We provide comprehensive care that includes gum health evaluations, deep cleanings, and more. If you suspect you may have gum disease, contact Shadow Ridge Dental to schedule a visit today!

CALL US: (402) 933-0525 REQUEST APPOINTMENT

What is Gum Disease?

man with irritated gumsGum disease is often classified as gingivitis and periodontitis. The condition starts as a bacterial infection, resulting in severe concerns for your oral health and overall well-being if not correctly addressed. Recent data suggests that serious gum disease stages can affect general health and lead to complications involving heart disease, Alzheimer’s, arthritis, diabetes, and even pregnancy.

Gum disease first forms as gingivitis, when the infection causes gum tissue inflammation. This occurs when dental plaque builds up around your teeth and along the gums. Although not severe at this stage, gingivitis can develop into periodontitis if not treated promptly. Advanced periodontitis is the most harmful stage of gum disease. It can lead to tooth loss, gum tissue recession, and even bone damage and deterioration.

Gum Disease Signs & Symptoms

Gingivitis is barely noticeable in its earliest stages. You could have it for some time with little to no discomfort. Therefore, our team highly recommends that you visit us at least twice a year for a professional exam. Identifying early warning signs and treating mild symptoms can help protect your smile from advancing gum disease. Common signs and symptoms of gum disease can include:

  • Bright red, tender, and swollen gums
  • Gums that bleed at random or during regular brushing and flossing
  • Persistent bad breath
  • Bad taste in your mouth
  • Receding gums
  • Painful chewing
  • Sensitive, weak, or loose teeth

If you notice any of the above symptoms, schedule your visit at Shadow Ridge Dental immediately. The sooner our team can treat you, the greater your chances for stopping the impacts of periodontitis.

Taking a Preventive & Compassionate Approach

woman pointing at her teeth in dental officeAt Shadow Ridge Dental, we always take a preventive approach to treat gum disease. One of the most important aspects of care is patient education. There is a close link to your dental and general health, known as the oral-systemic connection. We take time to inform you about this connection and how it can impact you. Our team discusses the proper ways to care for your smile, reducing your chances of developing gum disease. We also show you how to brush and floss correctly using respectful language.

Visiting us every six months lets us detect concerns early and diagnose your situation with greater accuracy. Our skilled team provides gum disease prevention and education with compassion. Regardless of how long it has been since you have seen our dentists, we can help get you back to optimal oral health.

Our Available Gum Disease Treatments in West Omaha

Practicing diligent oral hygiene is one the most effective ways you can prevent gum disease. However, our team understands the condition cannot always be avoided, whether due to genetics, medication use, age, or other factors.

We begin with a detailed consultation, exam, and taking x-rays as needed. If you have gingivitis, our hygienists may treat it with regular dental cleaning. If your situation is more advanced, we provide several gum disease treatments in West Omaha to address the concern. These include:

Gum Health Evaluations

woman getting a dental checkupAs your gums become inflamed by advancing gum disease, they begin to separate from your teeth. These spaces are known as periodontal pockets, starting at 4mm deep, and are considered one of the most compelling signs of active gum disease.

At Shadow Ridge Dental, our hygienists perform thorough and gentle gum health evaluations. These assessments involve using special tools to measure gum pockets and detect your level of infection. We use gum health evaluations to diagnose your situation, allowing us to recommend and plan your treatment as precisely as possible.

Deep Cleanings

Deep cleanings for gum disease are also known as scaling and root planing. Unlike regular dental cleanings, these cleanings involve removing harmful plaque and tartar from above and below the gumline. Our hygienists perform tooth scaling to eliminate tartar and plaque from your teeth and beneath your gums.

Once finished, they perform root planing to smooth your tooth roots. Root planing is necessary for helping your gums reattach to your teeth and heal successfully. We may also recommend more frequent visits depending on the severity of your case.

Your Home for Trusted Gum Health Care

Our entire team at Shadow Ridge Dental is committed to resolving discomfort, pain, and other issues involving gum disease. We take time to listen to your needs and address concerns with compassion. Our skilled dentists take care to provide you with an accurate diagnosis and effective treatment.

We are happy to customize our solutions to meet unique needs, regardless of age or current oral health situation. If you need expert care for gum disease in West Omaha or Elkhorn, we can help! Contact Shadow Ridge Dental to get started today!

CALL US: (402) 933-0525 REQUEST APPOINTMENT