GUM DISEASE TREATMENTS
Healthy Gums Mean
a Healthier Body
Bleeding gums or pain when you brush indicate that an infection is present. Our team will design a tooth-saving treatment plan just for you.
We Help Patients Just Like You Get Healthy Again
Gum Disease Treatments in Salem, OR
If you keep an eye on the media, you have probably heard the latest information about periodontal disease and its impact on overall health. In addition to putting teeth at risk, the inflammation associated with gum disease also impacts nearly every system in the body.
- Heart disease
- Diabetes
- Low birthweight babies
- Oral cancer and pancreatic cancer
Recent studies even link periodontal disease to Alzheimer’s disease, which is why we include a periodontal health exam at each preventive dental exam. We evaluate gum health by measuring the pockets between teeth and gums. Healthy gums cling tightly to the teeth and look fresh and pink. You should feel little to no discomfort when you brush, floss, or eat. By staying on top of your twice-yearly visits, you can prevent gum disease from causing bone and tooth loss.
If we identify the signs of gum disease, our dentist, Dr. Seth Huish, will customize a treatment plan to help you get back on track.
Signs and Symptoms of Gum Disease
In between dental appointments, you can support good periodontal health at home by brushing and flossing thoroughly. If you notice any of the following changes to your oral health, it’s time to give Salem Dental a call.
- Bleeding or painful gums
- Gums pulling away from the teeth (recession)
- Chronic bad breath
- Mobile teeth that wiggle
- Sensitivity to teeth and gums
- Pus between the teeth and gums
In addition to neglect, many other factors play a role in gum health. Certain medications, medical conditions, dry mouth, and diet can all impact your teeth, gums, and smile.
Gum Disease Treatment Options
If you seek professional help early in the progression of periodontal disease, called gingivitis, we can sometimes reverse the infection altogether.
As it advances, improved home care and professional dental cleanings at Salem Dental will prevent further progression and potentially protect your overall health and wellness.
Deep dental cleanings – To remove the infection, our gentle hygienists will remove tartar and bacteria from the teeth and just below the gumline.
Antibiotics – We also use localized antibiotic placement to assist with healing by placing medication in the deep pockets between the teeth and gums.
Referral to a specialist – In some cases, periodontal surgery is the only solution. We work closely with some of the finest local periodontists to improve the health and quality of life of our patients.
Whatever stage of gum disease you are facing, you can always count on personalized dentistry without guilt or judgment from our caring team. We are here to help by providing solution-oriented dentistry designed just for you.
Don't Let Chronic Bad Breath Hold You Back
Meet Dr. Rapchick
Dr. Abigail Rapchick is an awesome dentist she grew up on a farm in the Finger Lakes region of New York State. Her childhood was spent outdoors, participating in 4-H and Pony Club, and working in her mothers extensive flower and vegetable gardens. She attended the University at Buffalo where she earned her Bachelors of Science in Biomedical Science, before continuing on to obtain her Doctor of Dental Surgery at UB as well. After graduating she moved to Albuquerque, NM to complete a residency in Advanced Education in General Dentistry, where she received additional training in all aspects of dentistry.
In her spare time, Abigail enjoys outdoor activities such as hiking, camping and rock climbing. She has had a blast exploring the PNW so far and is always looking for new trail recommendations! Her creative nature is expressed through trying new recipes in the kitchen, and her never-ending mixed media art projects.
Ready to Get Your Gum Health on Track?
Contact our Salem, OR dental office to learn more about how our professional and friendly dental team can help you have a healthier smile and body.