Gum disease is a common problem that affects numerous adults in the US. It is also called periodontal disease and is caused by bacterial infection. Symptoms of periodontal disease can include tender, swollen, and red gums, gums that bleed frequently and easily, persistent bad taste or bad breath, and the loosening of permanent teeth. Changes in the way dentures or night guards feel can also indicate gum disease. Similarly, changes in bite or the way the teeth fit together can indicate gum disease. Here at the office of Dr. Wendy Willoughby, DDS, we are proud to offer gum disease treatment in Weaverville and encourage you to learn more about it.
What Does Gum Disease Treatment in Weaverville Entail?
Treatment for gum disease depends on its severity. The earliest and mildest stage is often called gingivitis. A patient with gingivitis usually won’t need anything beyond a professional dental cleaning followed by instructions on how to take better care of their teeth.
By contrast, severe gum disease can lead to receding gums that can increase the risk of tooth decay or even tooth loss. Once upon a time, the only treatment for receding gums was a painful procedure called soft tissue grafting. These days, dentists use the Chao Pinhole® technique to repair receding gums.
What is the Chao Pinhole® Technique?
The Chao Pinhole® technique, also known as gum rejuvenation, is a surgical procedure used to correct receding gums. The dentist will administer a local anesthetic beforehand to keep the patient comfortable. They will then create a pinhole in the gum and use special instruments to loosen and stretch the gum tissue over the exposed part of the tooth. The dentist will fill the spaces with collagen to ensure that the gum tissue remains in place as it heals. The procedure does not involve any surgical invasion, stitches, or grafts. Consequently, recovery takes only about a day. The pinhole technique’s results are meant to be permanent, but they can be affected by normal aging or poor dental hygiene.
What Happens During a Dental Cleaning?
We will provide a variety of preventive, diagnostic, and educational services during a dental cleaning. An example of a preventive service is applying fluoride to the patient’s teeth. We will also use probes to remove plaque and tartar. Dr. Wendy Willoughby, DDS will polish the patient’s teeth and check them for signs of cavities and other problems. Diagnostic services include screening the patient for oral cancer. She will examine the gums for signs of periodontal disease and take X-rays of the patient’s jaws and teeth. She will also explain ways to improve oral hygiene. For example, they may instruct the patient on better ways to floss or brush their teeth. They might explain a given procedure or advise the patient on how to improve their diet.
Get In Touch with Us for More Information
To learn more about gum disease treatment in Weaverville, we warmly invite you to reach out and make an appointment with the office of Dr. Wendy Willoughby, DDS! At our convenient location in Asheville, NC by Weaverville, our caring team of professionals will be happy to answer any questions you may have. Contact us today to set up your consultation – we look forward to speaking with you!
