Q: What are the symptoms of gum disease in otherwise healthy nonsmokers?

A: The symptoms can include bleeding, recession, sensitivity, loose teeth, drifting of teeth, bite changes, grinding habits, bad taste, and bad breathe. It is also possible to be asymptomatic, that is no symptoms at all. Gum disease can be silent like blood pressure. A qualified, experienced dentist or periodontist can diagnose you.

Q: How should I decide which expert to see for gum disease?

A: Go right to the expert in treating gum disease – a Periodontist (preferably a periodontist trained in LANAP – an innovative and less invasive treatment utilizing the laser).

You will then be referred to a restorative dentist as needed.

Q: What are some treatments for swollen gums?

A: Utilizing an FDA-cleared procedure called LANAP is a very innovative and less invasive way to treat swollen gums. (We are assuming you have some form of gum disease that requires professional attention by a Laser trained Periodontist.)

Q: Do only people who don’t brush and floss get the symptoms of gum disease?

A: Gum disease can be present in many different clinical situations. There are genetic factors in addition to local factors such as the bite and iatrogenic dentistry that can also contribute to the disease. Seeing a LANAP trained Periodontist is a good preventative measure.

Q: I am 25 years young and my mouth is showing signs of gum disease. Aren’t I too young?

A: You should be examined by a qualified LANAP periodontist. The doctor will determine if a laser approach would be beneficial for your health. However, you might be able to control the disease if it’s early enough without any major intervention.

Q: Is it safe to take periostat for gum disease?

A: We generally do not prescribe any long term antibiotics. Generally, we prefer to use laser treatment to kill off the “bad bacteria” that cause gum disease.

Q: How to get rid of gum disease?

A: Find a qualified, experienced laser periodontist for an evaluation. If you qualify for LANAP, then it would be an easier and more effective way to get the gum disease under control.

Q: How does one deal with periodontic disease and bone loss?

A: We utilize laser treatment to treat periodontal disease whenever possible. It is less invasive and doesn’t require flaps. We have been performing the FDA-cleared LANAP protocol for over 7 years with great success. All of this can be determined after a thorough consultation and diagnosis with a quality set of digital x rays.

Q: Is it possible to totally cure gum disease?

A: We can stabilize gum disease, regenerate bone, and get the gum tissues healthy again. I feel we can maintain and keep the disease in check. Totally cure the disease? I know we have maintained patients in our Laser Periodontal practice close to 29 years. I am not sure it is a total cure, but the innovative laser treatments and advancements do work over the long term.

Q: Is good oral hygiene the best way to treat gum disease?

A: Oral hygiene is critically important to prevent gum disease. However, sometimes you need professional help to help regenerate bone that has been lost and to get the periodontal tissues in better condition. The use of the LANAP protocol is a possible option in addition to more traditional forms of treatment, if needed. I would suggest that an experienced laser-trained Periodontist evaluate you.

Q: Do you usually need surgery for gum disease?

A: There are different degrees of gum disease. The goal is to stop the disease process, regain gum health, and retain teeth. Gum disease is an infection process. Its damage is mainly in the jawbone supporting the teeth. The damage is generally irreversible. Some stages of gum disease can be treated non-invasively and others require surgery. Only a dentist or periodontist can determine treatment.

Q: When do your teeth and gums begin to heal after a gingivectomy/laser gum removal?

A: To most effectively treat gum disease, the ND/YAG laser is the treatment of choice.  In our practice and teaching at Columbia University, we utilize different types of lasers.

Diodes are used primarily to remove excess tissue. The ND/YAG is used for regeneration of bone and for the treatment of gum pockets.  The healing and care are significantly different for each type of laser.

Q: I was diagnosed with severe gum disease. Will my teeth most likely fall out? Even if I get laser treatment done and scalping? If so, when?

A: If you have severe gum disease, the likelihood of keeping your remaining teeth without extreme care and hygiene and combined complex treatment specialists is questionable. Realistically, you must commit to making this a primary daily priority. At your age you must consider saving bone, not necessarily teeth, to function into your 80′s. See a prosthonontist for a full evaluation, consider implants.

Q: How does laser therapy help with dental problems?

A: If a patient has gum disease, then they might be a candidate for laser gum surgery, also known as LANAP. This laser therapy has regenerative qualities to enhance bone regeneration and stabilize the disease process with quick healing and is a less invasive approach to treating the disease.

Q: What could cause your gum to bleed?

A: You could have gingivitis or gum disease with bone loss. On very rare occasions, a systemic disease or hormonal changes. Of course, poor oral hygiene and lack of professional cleanings can also cause this condition.

Q: Is it possible for dentists to detect periodontitis from initial exam and x-rays?

A: A clinical exam and a current set of quality digital x-rays of all your teeth would be enough to diagnose periodontal disease.

Q: Is there a way to treat super sensitive gums?

A: You need to be seen by a qualified laser periodontist. There is usually a reason for “sensitive gums”. Do they bleed? Are they receded? Are your teeth mobile? Do you have bone loss? As you can see, a consultation is necessary to give you the correct course of treatment for your gum complaints.