Gum Disease Treatment & Relief

Gum disease is a big problem for adults in the United States; it’s one of the most common issues we see at our office. While gum disease starts out without too many symptoms, it can quickly worsen if left untreated.

If you notice early signs of gum disease, such as swollen, red gums, make an appointment at DeStefano Dentistry right away. Dr. DeStefano and the team are here to assist you with prevention and treatment help so you can keep a healthy, happy smile.

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Woman with gum disease

What Is Gum Disease?

Periodontal disease, also called gum disease, is the inflammation and infection of the gums and other soft tissues that hold up your teeth. Often, gum disease is caused by poor dental hygiene, but some people are more likely to develop gum disease than others. So, it’s usually a combination of factors. Some people with great oral health routines still develop gum disease.

Gum disease is the leading cause of tooth loss and has different stages. At the early stage, called gingivitis, gum disease is reversible. However, if left untreated, gum disease eventually progresses to periodontitis, which isn’t reversible. Without any intervention, you could lose your teeth due to infection and loss of bone density.

How Is Gum Disease Treated?

Because gum disease is a common and potentially severe dental health issue, treatment and prevention are key. 

Dr. DeStefano uses a combination of approaches, including improving dental hygiene habits and dental cleanings. One of the most common treatments for gum disease is scaling and root planing. This is a more intensive type of dental cleaning that reaches beneath the gums to remove plaque and bacteria.

Along with traditional methods, DeStefano Dentistry also provides the cutting-edge Perio Protect® treatment that’s non-invasive and effective.

Woman brushing teeth

Perio Protect Treatment

Do you suffer from periodontal disease? At DeStefano Dentistry, we use Perio Protect® in Pittsford, New York, to help keep your teeth and gums free of harmful bacteria.

Perio Protect is a comprehensive, noninvasive treatment for gum disease that is designed to improve your oral health and promote your comfort during your treatment. Perio Protect involves chemical plaque removal, which is used in combination with traditional procedures for removing plaque and bacteria, such as scaling and root planing.

During the chemical plaque removal portion of this treatment, our dentist will provide you with custom-made Perio Trays. These trays are uniquely designed to fit your mouth and deliver the prescribed medical solutions to the infected areas of your gingival crevices and periodontal pockets. We will provide you with detailed instructions on how to use your Perio Tray.

The prescribed medications delivered by your Perio Tray will help to manage the biofilm in your mouth, preventing these communities of bacteria from regenerating between your appointments at our office. After you have begun your Perio Protect treatment, our dentist may use other procedures or further chemical removal treatments to treat oral wounds caused by gum disease before continuing your treatment with scaling and root planing or another manual periodontal procedure.

We welcome you to contact us today for more information about Perio Protect and to make your appointment with our experienced dentist.

Tips for Preventing Gum Disease

Many people can prevent gum disease by following some essential dental hygiene tips. While some people are genetically predisposed to developing periodontal disease, these tips are still crucial to maintaining good oral health.

Here are the tips we recommend to deter gum disease:

  • Do not smoke or use tobacco products. Work with a medical professional for help to quit if you need.
  • Make sure to brush your teeth thoroughly twice each day.
  • Floss your teeth at least once a day.
  • Keep up on screenings and watch for symptoms if you have autoimmune diseases, diabetes, or heart disease.
  • Visit DeStefano Dentistry for cleanings and exams. You may need cleaning every three to four months if you have gum disease. 

These steps can prevent gum disease for many people and stop it from progressing. For more help with preventing periodontal disease, give our office a call or make an appointment.

Contact Us for Gum Disease Prevention & Treatment

Do you already have gum disease and need treatment to keep it from getting worse? Do you suspect you have gum disease and want to learn how to manage this concern? Dr. DeStefano is here with prevention and treatment options, including Perio Protect®.

Call our office today to book an appointment in Pittsford, NY!

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