Detriment of Living with Untreated Gum Disease

February 14, 2013

If you have been diagnosed with gum disease, it’s an indication that there has been irreversible damage to your gum tissue, your jaw bone, and even the microscopic fibers that hold your teeth in place. The signs and symptoms of this chronic disease include tenderness and swelling, inflammation, and bleeding. The condition may or may not be painful, and there are sometimes issues with unpleasant breath and loose teeth.

Unfortunately, this disease is not self- limiting. In other words, the condition will not go away on its own. Without professional gum disease treatment, the damage will continue to advance, and the consequences can affect every aspect of your life. Once gum disease has occurred, the condition cannot be addressed with a routine cleaning such as polishing and flossing. Instead, the diseased tissue and the harmful bacteria may be treated with the help of laser therapy.

“Millions of patients are pleased to learn that their gum disease can be addressed with a procedure known as LANAP, or the Laser Assisted New Attachment Procedure. With this technique, the infection can be resolved in order to promote the growth of healthy tissue.

Untreated gum disease can impact your appearance, your ability to eat normal foods, and it can ultimately lead to tooth loss. The inflammation is the result of a chronic infection that can disrupt the normal function of your immune system, and studies have indicated a strong link between this disease and your risk for heart disease as well as other systemic health conditions.

Even the cosmetic impact of gum disease can eventually begin to affect your life. Most patients tend to become insecure in social settings due to the appearance of the teeth or the uncontrollable bad breath. You may be less likely to smile and laugh in public, and the suggestion of poor oral hygiene can undermine your credibility in your professional life.

You can depend on the expertise that your periodontist can offer to ensure that receive the care that is best for you. For example, your periodontal disease may be influenced by an underlying, uncontrolled, or undiagnosed health condition. Exploring the cause of the disease will be the first step in determining the gum disease treatment that will effectively resolve it.

Learn more by calling the office of Dr. Colin Richman to set up a complete examination today.