Effective Gum Disease Treatment in Portland ME

Periodontal disease, often called gum disease or periodontitis, is a progressive inflammatory condition that affects the soft tissue and bone surrounding your teeth. This condition typically starts as gingivitis, a mild infection caused by bacteria within dental plaque. As plaque builds up along your gums, harmful toxins cause irritation and inflammation. Without proper care, gingivitis advances into periodontal disease, penetrating deeper into gum pockets and destroying connective tissue and the underlying jawbone. Ultimately, untreated gum disease can lead to loose teeth, shifting teeth, and eventual tooth loss, making periodontal gum disease treatment in Portland ME essential.

Gum disease is the leading cause of adult tooth loss worldwide. The damage caused by periodontitis can be severe and irreversible if left untreated. Thankfully, timely intervention by a skilled periodontist can halt progression, protect your teeth, and help you regain optimal oral health.

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Common Types of Periodontal Disease in Portland ME

Periodontal disease takes different forms based on its severity and underlying causes. Below are the most common types seen by periodontists:

• Chronic Periodontitis:
  The most common form, chronic periodontitis causes inflammation within the supporting tissues, deepening gum pockets, and noticeable gum recession. Teeth may appear longer as gums recede, indicating a significant loss of gum attachment and bone support.
• Aggressive Periodontitis:
  Rapidly progressing, aggressive periodontitis often affects otherwise healthy individuals, characterized by severe gum attachment loss, rapid bone deterioration, and often running in families.
• Necrotizing Periodontitis:
  This severe form involves rapid tissue death (necrosis) affecting gum tissues, periodontal ligaments, and bone. It’s most commonly seen in people suffering from compromised immune systems, malnutrition, or conditions like HIV.
• Periodontitis Caused by Systemic Disease:
  Gum disease may accompany systemic conditions such as diabetes, respiratory illnesses, and cardiovascular diseases. Symptoms typically appear early in life and require specialized treatment.

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Effective Treatments for Gum Disease

Our experienced team at Portland Center for Dentistry provides comprehensive periodontal care customized to your individual needs. Following a thorough periodontal examination, we recommend specific treatments to stop disease progression and restore your gums and teeth to good health. Common treatment options include:

• Scaling and Root Planing:
  A deep-cleaning procedure designed to remove harmful plaque and tartar deposits beneath the gum line. This non-surgical method significantly reduces inflammation, infection, and gum pocket depth, often supplemented with antibiotic treatments and prescription mouthwashes.
• Tissue Regeneration and Bone Grafting:
  If gum disease has severely damaged your gums or jawbone, specialized grafting procedures can help regenerate these lost tissues. Membranes or graft materials encourage new, healthy tissue growth, restoring stability and strength.
• Pocket Elimination (Flap) Surgery:
  When deep gum pockets remain despite nonsurgical treatments, pocket elimination surgery can be performed. This involves lifting the gum tissues to thoroughly remove infection, reshaping the bone if necessary, and repositioning the gums to reduce pocket depth, significantly improving oral hygiene.
• Dental Implants:
  If gum disease has already caused tooth loss, dental implants offer an excellent solution. Implants replace missing teeth, restoring your smile’s appearance and function. Prior tissue regeneration procedures may also be recommended to ensure implants have sufficient support.

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Maintaining Healthy Gums: Prevention Matters

The best way to fight periodontal disease is through prevention. Good oral hygiene—including regular brushing, flossing, and dental checkups—is essential to prevent gingivitis from progressing into advanced gum disease. Additionally, healthy lifestyle choices, proper nutrition, and avoiding tobacco use dramatically reduce your risk of developing periodontal disease in the first place.

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Concerned about your gum health or want more information about periodontal treatment and dental implants? Reach out to our team at Portland Center for Dentistry in Portland ME today. We’re here to help you protect your smile for life!