Gum Disease Treatment in Milwaukee, WI

If you suffer from gum disease, do not hesitate to contact Dr. Richard Winter, an award-winning dentist with decades of experience, at Hampton Dental Associates.

Dr. Winter offers personalized treatment in Milwaukee and the surrounding areas. He and our experienced dental team can answer any questions and provide the reconstructive dentistry guidance you need. Dial 414-464-9021 today for your gum disease consultation!

What is gum disease?

Gum or periodontal disease is very common among adults in Milwaukee, WI and all over the US. It can be as simple as an inflammation of the gums to more serious cases where causes damage to the tissues and bones that support the teeth which can lead to tooth loss if left untreated.

The success of gum disease treatments are largely dependent on a patient’s oral hygiene and it is very common to see cases of gum disease that are caused by this as well. Our mouth is naturally full of bacteria. Poor oral hygiene makes bacteria stay in the mouth longer than it should and this allows it to combine with other particles in the mouth and stick to the tooth surface to form plaque. Once plaque is formed, it will be impossible to get rid of it by just brushing and flossing. This plaque will harden and bacteria found in the plaque might extend into the gum tissue resulting to inflammation and gum disease.

Gum Disease Milwaukee WI
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Types of Gum Disease for Patients in Milwaukee, WI

Gingivitis

This condition is the inflammation of the gums caused by bacteria found on the plaque and tartar on your teeth. Not having regular dental check-ups and cleaning is missing out on the opportunity to remove the stubborn plaque that you cannot get rid of with just brushing and flossing your teeth every day. The longer the plaque stays in your teeth, the more harm it will cause. Patients with gingivitis can expect to have swollen or red gums that bleeds easily. Compared to other gum disease, gingivitis is easy to prevent and can be treated easily. It also does not cause any damage to the tissues and bone surrounding your teeth. Regular teeth cleaning with your dentist and follow up with good oral hygiene can keep gingivitis at bay.

Gingivitis Milwaukee WI

Periodontitis

If you have gingivitis and you are unable to seek treatment for it, chances are this will develop into this condition. Periodontitis is an inflammation of the gum tissues around your tooth which causes the gums to pull away from your tooth. Periodontitis will create a pocket that can easily get infected. Once this gets infected, your body will respond and counteract the infection and as a result, the bone and connective tissue that holds your teeth in place will be broken down by the body’s natural immune response. If no dental treatment is received, periodontitis may cause the bones, gums, and tissues supporting the tooth to be damaged and eventually the tooth will become loose and fall off.

Gum Disease Treatment Options

Gum disease can be treated with non-surgical and surgical techniques depending on the severity of the condition.

For minor cases of gum disease, the usual treatment recommended for patients in Milwaukee, WI are professional dental cleaning procedures and teeth scaling and planing. Routine dental cleanings include the removal of plaque and tartar that have accumulated on the tooth surface. Having regular dental cleaning will give your dentist the opportunity to detect early signs of gum disease so that you can take steps to prevent any further damage to the teeth.

Scaling and root planing involves more deep cleaning than the routine dental cleaning procedure. This is a non-surgical dental procedure that is done under local anesthesia. This procedure will access and remove plaque and tartar that lie below the gum line to restore the smooth surface of the tooth. This procedure will be recommended by your dentist if they determine that you have plaque and tartar deposited below the gum line that needs to be removed to avoid gum disease.

For more serious cases of gum disease, your dentist may require surgical procedures in order to treat periodontal conditions.

Gum Disease Treatment Options Milwaukee WI
After Gum Disease Treatment Milwaukee WI

A flap surgery can help remove the plaque under the gums and restore the normal position of the gums to reduce the space created by the gum disease between the gum and the teeth. Bone grafts are performed to help replace and regenerate bone tissue that may have been destroyed due to gum disease. Soft tissue grafts are procedures that can fill in the places in the mouth where the gum has receded due to gum disease.

What is Perio Protect?

Our team at Hampton Dental Associates are always finding ways to provide the latest and the best dental treatments to our patients in Milwaukee, WI and Perio Protect is our latest offering to help our patients that are suffering from gum disease.

Perio Protect is a non-surgical procedure that aims to manage the growing spaces in between the gums and teeth. With Perio Protect, our patients no longer need to endure painful scraping, lengthy appointments, and eliminates the need for surgery and anesthesia.

A Perio Protect treatment will involve creating a customized tray for a patient made from a soft, thin, and comfortable material. A special gel will be placed in the tray and is used the same way as a teeth whitening tray or mouthpiece. The special gel is formulated to seep deep into the gum line to remove bacteria and tartar. The length and frequency of treatment depends on the severity of the patient’s gum disease. It’s quick, easy, painless, and guarantees to get rid of your gum disease.

Click here to read more about this Gum Disease patient case study.

Gum Disease FAQs

What Are the Early Signs of Gum Disease?

Early Signs of Gum Disease Milwaukee WI Gum disease often starts subtly. Early signs include:

  • Red, swollen, or tender gums
  • Gums that bleed easily, especially during brushing or flossing
  • Persistent bad breath
  • An ongoing bad taste in the mouth

As the condition progresses, gums may recede, forming pockets between the teeth and gums. If left untreated, these early symptoms can lead to tooth loss and other severe problems.

How Can I Stop Gum Disease From Progressing?

Preventing the progression of gum disease requires two things:

  • Maintaining excellent oral hygiene
  • Attending regular dental check-ups

Brushing at least twice a day with fluoride toothpaste and flossing daily are fundamental. An antiseptic mouthwash can also reduce the presence of bacteria that cause gum disease.

Additionally, it’s important to have professional cleanings at least twice a year. During these appointments, Dr. Winter can remove tartar that regular brushing and flossing cannot.

Can Gum Disease Affect Overall Health?

Research has shown a connection between periodontal disease and several systemic conditions, including:

The inflammation and bacteria associated with gum disease can enter the bloodstream. This may potentially lead to complications in other parts of the body.

Is Gum Disease Reversible?

Gum disease expert Milwaukee WI Gum disease is reversible in its earliest stage, known as gingivitis. Proper dental care and improved oral hygiene may completely eradicate the symptoms.

However, once gum disease progresses to periodontitis, the damage is more severe and not entirely reversible. Advanced periodontitis requires more intensive treatments, such as Perio Protect, which is an effective alternative to scaling, root planing, and surgery.

What Are Some Risk Factors for Developing Gum Disease?

Several issues can increase the risk of developing gum disease. Poor oral hygiene is the most significant risk factor. Other contributing factors include:

  • Smoking: Smoking and tobacco products can impair blood flow to the gums and reduce the ability to fight infection.
  • Certain Illnesses: Conditions like diabetes can increase susceptibility to gum disease. This is due to diabetes’s effect on the immune system.
  • Hormonal changes in women: Changes during pregnancy or menopause can increase gum sensitivity and vulnerability to disease.
  • Genetics: Those who have family members with gum disease may be more likely to develop it themselves.
  • Medications: Some medications reduce saliva flow, such as antihistamines and NSAIDs. This, in turn, can contribute to the development of gum disease.
  • Poor nutrition: A diet high in sugar and processed carbohydrates can increase inflammation and the risk of gum disease.

Can Children Get Gum Disease, and How Can They Prevent It?

Yes, children can get gum disease. However, it is more common in adults.

Gum disease often presents in children as gingivitis – a mild form of the condition. It can cause redness, swelling, and bleeding gums.

Prevention focuses on establishing good oral hygiene habits, such as:

  • Brushing twice a day
  • Flossing regularly
  • Visiting the dentist for routine cleanings

Parents should supervise their children’s brushing until they are old enough to do it independently. Eating a healthy diet and avoiding sugary foods and drinks can also boost gum health.

How Often Should I Get Professional Cleanings to Prevent Gum Disease?

To prevent gum disease, most people should have professional dental cleanings every six months. Regular cleanings remove plaque and tartar, which contribute to gum disease if left untreated. 

If you have a history of gum disease or are at high risk (because of factors like smoking or diabetes), Dr. Winter may recommend more frequent cleanings, such as every three to four months. These cleanings can help prevent the progression of gum disease. They also allow him to detect potential issues early.

Does Smoking Increase Gum Disease Risk?

Yes, smoking increases the risk of gum disease:

  • Tobacco weakens the immune system. This makes it harder for the body to fight off infections, including those associated with gum disease.
  • Smokers are more prone to plaque and tartar buildup. This can cause or worsen periodontal disease. 
  • Smoking reduces blood flow to the gums. This impairs healing and increases the severity of gum disease. 

Quitting smoking can greatly improve oral health and reduce the risk of gum disease.

Are There Medications That Can Worsen Gum Disease?

A close-up shot of a woman pulling down her lip and showing her gums Certain medications can exacerbate gum disease or contribute to gum issues. For example, some medications cause dry mouth (xerostomia). This reduces saliva production and allows plaque to build up more easily.

Common medications that cause dry mouth include:

  • Antihistamines
  • Decongestants
  • Antidepressants
  • Blood pressure medications

Additionally, certain anti-seizure drugs, immunosuppressants, and calcium channel blockers can cause gum overgrowth (gingival hyperplasia). This makes it harder to maintain oral hygiene and increases the risk of gum disease.

Can Pregnancy Increase the Risk of Developing Gum Disease?

Yes, pregnancy can increase your risk of developing gum disease. Hormonal changes during pregnancy may make gums more sensitive to plaque. This leads to a condition known as pregnancy gingivitis. It causes swelling, redness, and bleeding of the gums.

If left untreated, pregnancy gingivitis can progress to more serious periodontal disease. Regular dental visits, prioritizing good oral hygiene, and paying extra attention to gum health during pregnancy can help reduce the risk.

It’s important to inform Dr. Winter if you’re pregnant. That way, he can tailor your treatment accordingly.

How Does Stress Affect Gum Disease Progression?

A man lifting his upper lip and showing his gums Stress can affect gum disease progression by weakening the immune system. This makes it harder for the body to fight off infections, including those that cause gum disease. 

Under stress, people may also neglect oral hygiene routines or engage in harmful habits like smoking or teeth grinding. This further aggravates gum issues.

Additionally, stress increases cortisol levels, which can lead to inflammation in the gums and exacerbate periodontal problems. Managing stress through relaxation techniques and maintaining good oral care is crucial in preventing gum disease progression.

Why Choose Hampton Dental Associates?

Choosing Hampton Dental Associates means opting for exceptional dental care led by Dr. Richard Winter. A recipient of the Mastership Award from the Academy of General Dentistry, Dr. Winter is also affiliated with many professional organizations, including:

  • The Wisconsin Dental Association
  • The Chicago Dental Society
  • The American Dental Association
  • The Greater Milwaukee Dental Association

For over 92 years, the practice has been committed to providing top-quality dentistry, utilizing the finest labs and materials. Numerous 5-star reviews from satisfied patients, particularly those treated for gum disease, highlight their dedication to excellence.

What People Say About Us!

Always excellent! I have been a patient for years and have had an great experience at every appointment. When I had a dental emergency, they were able to squeeze me in for a consult and then advocated for me at the specialist I needed to go to so that I could get in right away. I highly recommend Hampton Dental.

Click here to read more reviews.

Schedule Your Gum Disease Consultation In Milwaukee, WI!

Call 414-464-9021 for information on gum disease treatment or for any of our other services. You can also fill out our contact form to schedule a one-on-one consultation with Dr. Richard Winter. Our practice looks forward to serving you!

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Hampton Dental Associates is proud to offer affordable dentistry programs to help you regain your perfect smile.
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