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Madison Periodontal Therapy & Gum Disease in Madison WI

Periodontal Therapy & Gum Disease Treatment in Madison

Total Care Dental dentists watch for and treat periodontal (gum) disease. Periodontal disease is a common and destructive infection, and without treatment this disease can severely affect your complete oral health. Routine dental checkups to TCD can help reduce your risk.

Gingivitis Treatment Options for Dane County Patients

Gum Exam in Madison

Total Care Dental provides the best Madison dental services to treat your overall oral health. One of the main things our dentists watch for and treat is periodontal (gum) disease. Known as a destructive infection, gum disease starts with mild gingivitis and results in the progressive destruction of the gum tissue and bone supporting the teeth. If left untreated, this disease can severely affect your teeth and gums.

Catching gum disease early with routine dental visits will reduce the risk of painful side effects later. If you notice any symptoms below, set up an appointment with TCD in Madison right away. Our local dentists will examine your teeth and gums to find the source of the problem.

Early Warning Signs of Gum Disease

  • Bleeding gums when you floss
  • Red, swollen or tender gums
  • Persistent bad breath
  • Pus between the teeth and gums
  • Loose or separated teeth
  • A change in the way your teeth fit together when you bite
  • A change in the fit of your partial or full dentures

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Risk Factors and Causes of Periodontal Disease

Bleeding Gums for DiseaseCertain disease-producing bacteria present in plaque or biofilm can cause irritation and inflammation of the gums, also known as gingivitis. If plaque is not removed from the teeth with regular daily brushing, it will harden and turn into calculus, or tartar. Tarter buildup on teeth prevents proper cleaning and can lead to periodontal disease where the healthy, attached tissue becomes unattached and creates a pocket. Deeper pockets require a special course of treatment. In this case, your dentist will recommend what's needed to restore gum health. It is important to follow through with treatment to prevent tooth loss. 

There are many early indicators of periodontal disease, and our passionate Madison dentists are experts at spotting early signs and providing necessary treatment. Studies have shown the following factors will increase your risk of periodontal disease:

  • Smoking or chewing tobacco
  • Vaping nicotine products
  • Systemic diseases & genetics – diabetes, cardiovascular disease, stroke, blood cell disorders, HIV infections, and AIDS
  • Medications – steroids, anti-epilepsy drugs, cancer therapy drugs, blood pressure drugs, and immunosuppressant therapy drugs
  • Changing hormone levels from puberty, pregnancy, and oral contraceptives
  • Passing saliva from kissing or sharing food and drink
  • Dental bridges that no longer fit properly, crooked and/or crowded teeth, or defective fillings and crowns

Fortunately, preventative measures can protect your teeth from gum disease. Regular dental cleanings and checkups will significantly reduce the risk of periodontal disease.

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Periodontal Disease Diagnosis

TCD Madison dentists will measure the pocket depth around each of your teeth to check for periodontal disease. A healthy pocket should have a depth of 3mm or less. During this examination, we will evaluate if gum bleeding is present which can indicate the presence of disease. We also use digital x-rays to detect bone loss, ensuring nothing is missed when diagnosing your oral health.

Complications of Gum DiseaseHurt Gums in Madison

Diseased gums can cause complications with other restorative and cosmetic dental procedures. For example, teeth whitening is not recommended when your gums are inflamed since the whitening process can do more damage. If you are interested in improving the appearance of your smile, you will need healthy gums first.

Unhealthy gums can leave your teeth exposed. As the gums degrade from disease, your teeth will become loose and may fall out. Periodontal disease can also wear away your jawbone, changing the shape of your face and causing more teeth to fall out. If you have already lost some teeth, there are options available to restore your smile appearance through dental implants or dentures.

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Gingivitis Treatment for Madison Patients

Initial therapy for gum disease typically involves a specialized deep cleaning called scaling and root planing. This procedure removes the organized colonies of bacteria from the tooth and root surfaces. Periodontal treatment is designed to help gum tissue reattach to the tooth, shrinking the pocket depth to a manageable size.

After periodontal therapy, meticulous biofilm control and maintenance are required to keep the disease in remission. Routine cleanings and checkups are important to keep your gums healthy and reduce your risk of returning periodontal flares. Regular visits to your local dentist help you maintain a healthy, happy smile.

Frequently Asked Questions About Periodontal Gum Disease

What causes periodontal disease?

Do dentists treat gum disease?

Contact our Madison Dental Clinic for periodontal disease therapy today.

No Insurance? We've Got You Covered.

Total Care Dental offers multi-level payment options for a variety of dental care services at our Madison, WI location. Enjoy routine checkups, cleanings, x-rays, periodontal preventative care and more without the hassle of dealing with insurance companies that don't value your time or health needs.

Benefits include:

  • Low-cost monthly payments
  • 10% off additional treatments
  • Immediate Benefits
  • Un-enroll any time
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Meet the TCD Madison Dentists

Our team of compassionate and knowledgeable professionals create a warm, inviting atmosphere, ensuring patients of all ages feel welcome. At TCD, we treat every patient like a member of our family.

Dr. Brett Clark

Dr. Brett Clark

Dentist & Owner

Little League Coach, Barefoot Water Skier, Exercise Junkie, Super-Dad!

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Dr. Jason Vandehaar

Dr. Jason Vandehaar

Dentist & Owner

Eagle Scout, Badger Fan, Dog Lover, Lifeguard, Hater of Shredded Coconut!

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Dr. Tammy Kalsow

Dr. Tammy Kalsow

Dentist

Positive, loving, nurturing spirit. 

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Heather

Heather

Dental Hygienist

Positive Spirit, Team Leader, Hockey Mom; "A family that flosses together stays together!"

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Dr. Tammy Kalsow
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