Periodontal Treatment in Billings, MT
Customized Gum Therapy For A Better Smile
Your gum health impacts your oral and overall wellness, as well as your confidence. We at Thomas Smile Designs in Billings, MT understand how embarrassing and frustrating it can feel to deal with swollen, bleeding, receding gums, or persistent bad breath. That's why it's so important you have a caring periodontal provider like Billings, MT dentist, Dr. Joseph Thomas, who listens to your unique dental needs and goals.
We promise to get to know you personally and custom-tailor therapy based on what matters most - your comfort, function, and confidence. With contemporary techniques, we can not only halt disease but also regenerate lost gum tissue for naturally beautiful smiles that last. We invite you to call (406) 298-4485 and invest in your lasting oral health with us today.
What Is Gum Disease?
Gum disease, also known as periodontal disease, is an infection of the gums and bones that surround and support the teeth. It's caused by a buildup of plaque, a sticky film of bacteria, on the teeth. If not treated properly, gum disease can lead to receding gums, bone loss around teeth, and eventually tooth loss. That's why getting regular periodontal care is so important, especially from experienced dentists like Dr. Thomas.
Stages of Gum Disease
The progression of gum disease has three main stages:
Gum disease is typically categorized into three stages: gingivitis, periodontitis, and advanced periodontitis.
Gingivitis– This is the earliest stage of gum disease and is characterized by red, swollen, and bleeding gums. At this stage, the disease is still reversible and can be treated with a deep cleaning and improved oral hygiene.
Periodontitis– If gingivitis is left untreated, it can progress to periodontitis. At this stage, the gums have pulled away from the teeth and pockets have formed, allowing bacteria and plaque to accumulate. This stage of gum disease requires more aggressive treatment, including scaling and root planing and, in some cases, periodontal surgery.
Advanced Periodontitis– This is the most severe stage of gum disease and is characterized by significant bone and connective tissue loss. At this stage, tooth loss is a real concern, and more aggressive treatments, such as flap surgery and bone grafts, may be necessary.
Dr. Thomas emphasizes catching gum issues early before they morph into advanced periodontitis. His periodontal team in Billings, MT, can determine the stage and optimal individualized treatment.
Preventing Gum Disease
To protect their patients' oral health, Dr. Thomas and his team at Thomas Smile Designs in Billings, MT, recommend these prevention tips:
-Brush thoroughly twice a day
-Floss at least once daily
-Get regular professional teeth cleanings every six months
-Limit sugary drinks like soda that feed the bacteria causing gum disease
-Have any sign of gum issues evaluated promptly
-Don't smoke - it exacerbates gum disease
Conscientious at-home oral care and staying on schedule with dental visits allow Dr. Thomas to detect and treat early gum issues before major damage occurs. He also customizes periodontal care plans for patients prone to gum disease.
Complications of Gum Disease
Dr. Thomas cautions patients that unchecked gum disease can have serious oral health and whole-body consequences:
Oral Health Complications:
Loose teeth falling out
Abscesses forming at the gum line
Cysts developing in the jaw and bone
Permanent bite alignment changes
Need for tooth extractions or dental implants
Whole Body Issues
Increased risk for heart disease and stroke
Greater chance of respiratory infections
Raised blood sugar exacerbating diabetes
Adverse pregnancy outcomes like preterm babies
That’s why Dr. Thomas urges patients not to delay if they see inflamed, sore, or bleeding gums. Getting a prompt evaluation and using his tailored treatment solutions can help avoid extensive surgery and tooth loss. Maintaining gum health is vital to protecting oral well-being and overall health.
Treatment Options for Gum Disease
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Scaling and root planing
Scaling and root planing is a non-surgical procedure performed when your condition has started to damage your healthy gum tissue. This treatment removes all the plaque, excess bacteria, and tartar from your gums by smoothing out the rough spots on your root surfaces and teeth. This also helps prevent bacterial build-up from accumulating in these areas in the future.
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Gingivectomy
When gum tissue has become infected by disease, we can surgically remove the infected gums. The procedure is typically performed by a periodontist using a scalpel or laser and is done under local anesthesia to minimize discomfort. A gingivectomy can help to reduce the risk of gum disease, improve tooth function and appearance, and create a more attractive smile.
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Laser Gum Therapy
This gentle removal of infection from gums and tooth roots using minimally invasive laser light. Laser gum therapy gently removes gum disease without harming healthy tissue. The laser energy helps to remove diseased tissue, kill bacteria, and promote healing while minimizing bleeding and discomfort. This type of therapy is often performed by a periodontist or dentist, and is a less invasive alternative to traditional gum surgery, making it a popular choice for many patients.
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Deep Cleanings
Deep cleanings are usually performed when gum disease is in its early stages. Because gum disease is easy to reverse in the beginning, a deep cleaning is often enough to restore your dental health. This can often be done in as little as one or two appointments at our Billings office.
Frequently Asked Questions
Gums in Distress? We Can Help Fast in Billings
If you’re suffering from bleeding, receding, or painful gums, don’t wait another day. Take charge of your oral health and smile confidence now by calling (406) 298-4485 as a new patient or (406) 256-5165 as a current patient, and schedule your consultation today!
Serving residents from Billings, and surrounding areas such as Laurel, and Shepherd, we provide personalized gum disease therapy to gently heal infections, regrow lost tissue, and restore vibrant, lasting dental wellness. With contemporary techniques like dental lasers, we can stop disease progression and transform your smile outlook.
Address
1501 14th St W #215,
Billings, MT 59102
New Patient (406) 298-4485
Current Patient (406) 256-5165
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