Gum Disease and Treatment

Periodontics is the specialization in the health of the gums. Our goal in periodontics is to correctly prevent, diagnose, and treat gum issues and disease. If you are having pain, swelling, bleeding, receding, or other issues with your gums (even cosmetic ones), Dr. Howard H. Wang, a periodontist, can assess and attend to your condition.

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Gum problems can be prevented if caught early enough with the help of a gum specialist.  If not, gum disease can extend to cause jawbone problems that require more maintenance and treatment.  The damage done by gum disease is often irreversible, such as receding gums, loose teeth, shifting teeth and bone loss.  Gum disease can be a silent disease, just as heart disease is sometimes not detectable by the patient until a heart attack ensues. It’s crucial for a dental professional to periodically examine the periodontium (gums and jawbone surrounding the teeth) before problems occur! Please call us for an appointment if you think you might have gum disease; the sooner it gets treated, the easier the treatment (sometimes just deep cleanings) AND the better the outcome.  

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What To Look Out For

Some signs you need to see a periodontist include:

• Inflamed (red) gums that are swollen

• Your gums are pulling away from your teeth

• Pus coming from the gums.

• Gums bleed easily when brushed

• Teeth fit together differently or are loose

• Shifting teeth (your teeth are moving outwards)

• Consistent bad breath

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Higher Risk Patients

People who at higher risk for gums disease include:

• Those who do not brush their teeth well

• Irregular/infrequent dental cleanings

• Smokers

• Tobacco chewers

• Those who have gum disease in their family

• Diabetics, AIDS, leukemia, and other immune disease sufferers

• Those with a bad diet: high sugar, low vitamins

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If you think you might have gum disease, please make an appointment for evaluation with Dr. Howard H. Wang, a Board-Certified Periodontist with the American Academy of Periodontology.