{"id":8,"date":"2016-07-13T16:47:52","date_gmt":"2016-07-13T16:47:52","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.shgperio.com\/blog\/?p=8"},"modified":"2016-08-03T16:48:18","modified_gmt":"2016-08-03T16:48:18","slug":"concord-ma-periodontist-discusses-treat-gum-disease","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.shgperio.com\/blog\/concord-ma-periodontist-discusses-treat-gum-disease\/","title":{"rendered":"Your Concord, MA, Periodontist Discusses How to Treat Gum Disease"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"periodontist\"<\/a>Gum disease is a bacterial infection that can begin when the bacteria in plaque\u2014a sticky, colorless film that develops in the mouth throughout the day\u2014collect along the gum line. As these bacteria accumulate, they begin to calcify and harden to become what is known as either calculus or tartar. Eventually, the inside lining of gum tissues becomes inflamed and ulcerated in response to the infection. When this happens, treatment is critical. Your Concord, MA periodontist Dr. Grossman<\/a> offers preventive periodontal services and laser periodontal surgery to halt the disease\u2019s advance.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

Stopping Gum Disease<\/h2>\n

The #1 goal of gum disease treatment is stopping the progress of the disease. Gum disease begins as gingivitis, which is marked by red and swollen gums that bleed. Left untreated, gingivitis progresses to become periodontitis. Without proper treatment, this can cause the destruction of gum tissue, the underlying bone structure and ultimately the need for tooth extraction.<\/p>\n

When caught early, gingivitis can be well managed with a more stringent at-home oral hygiene routine. Twice daily brushing and flossing at least once a day go a long way toward removing the plaque that leads to gum disease.<\/p>\n

Non-Surgical Therapy for Gum Disease<\/h2>\n

The initial phase of periodontal therapy requires removing the buildup of plaque and tartar that has accumulated along and below the gum line. This is done with special hand instruments during a procedure called scaling and root planing or root debridement. With scaling, plaque and tartar are removed, and then planing smoothes the root surfaces so they are less receptive to these sticky troublemakers.<\/p>\n

Periodontal Laser Surgery in Concord<\/h2>\n

Laser therapy can be used as an aid to the non-surgical therapy described above or as a replacement. The advantages of laser treatment include:<\/p>\n