Dentist near Coalinga, CA offers treatment options for gum infections

Patients who fail to take proper care of their smiles are putting themselves at risk for a variety of conditions that may negatively impact their oral health. Dr. Nikunj Raiyani encourages patients to brush and floss after every meal to reduce the chances of having these issues. Routine visits to the dentist every six months will also assist. However, when problems arise, it may include gum infection. Coalinga, CA area patients who have this infection will want to seek treatment and have many options to choose from, depending on the state their condition has reached.

Understanding gum infection

A gum infection is typically referred to as “gum disease” or “periodontal disease.” These conditions can greatly impact the health, function, and appearance of the smile. Periodontal disease can wreak havoc on the teeth, gums, and jawbone. At Hanford Family Dental Center, we want our patients to be proactive about their oral health to ensure the problem doesn’t occur in the first place. In fact, periodontal disease is generally avoidable with proper oral health habits.

The infection starts in the gum tissues. The early stage is known as “gingivitis” and is reversible if treated as soon as possible. The signs of gingivitis include:

• Swollen, red gum tissues
• Bleeding when flossing or brushing
• Chronic bad breath

When these signs are seen, patients should schedule a visit with us as soon as possible for diagnosis and to discuss treatment options. Because once this stage goes untreated and the infection continues, it will spread to other areas of the mouth and become a more aggressive stage known as periodontitis. Periodontitis is not reversible. It can cause the gum tissues to shrink, resulting in pockets between the tissues and the teeth that can harbor even more bacteria. The bone of the jaw will also get smaller, causing the teeth to become loose and even fall out. The results of later stage periodontitis are devastating and can be avoided with early diagnosis and treatment by Dr. Nikunj Raiyani.

Treatment of the later stages is often done with scaling and root planing. Scaling and root planing are specialized procedures during which our professionals at Hanford Family Dental Center remove the bacteria from all surfaces of the teeth and gums, including the tooth roots. While this can be a more invasive treatment, it is often necessary to bring the smile back to health and allow patients to start taking charge of their condition.

Oral systemic connection

Another concern for patients with periodontal disease is the oral systemic connection. Bacteria within the smile can travel through the bloodstream into other areas of the body. An unhealthy smile can essentially cause an unhealthy body. The oral systemic connection is the understanding that bacteria can carry into the body and affect one’s health. In fact, patients who have periodontal disease are at a higher risk of diabetes, heart disease, and strokes. By treating the periodontal disease in the mouth, patients can reduce the bacteria elsewhere in the body.

How do I know what treatment option is right for me?

Determining the treatment starts with getting a proper diagnosis of the stage the condition has reached. Without knowing what stage, the dentist cannot make a knowledgeable decision on how to treat it. The team encourages patients to have an evaluation done when they visit, during which the dentist can take x-rays and examine the smile to decide how treatment should be addressed. Then, treatment options are discussed with patients to begin the process of bringing the smile back to its original health whenever possible.

Call Hanford Family Dental Center today to book your consultation visit

Dr. Nikunj Raiyani of Hanford Family Dental Center provide patients in and around the area of Coalinga, CA with solutions for improving the health, appearance, and function of the smile. If you are interested in seeking treatment for gum infections by a quality dental team, we encourage you to contact us. We can be reached at (559) 530-8080 and are located at 869 W Lacey Blvd Suite 101.