Gum Disease & Periodontal Therapy – North Naples, FL
Fighting Infection in the Gums
About 50% of the population has some form of gum disease. Left untreated, this destructive bacterial infection can cause gum, bone, and tooth loss. Periodontal disease has also been linked to serious health problems like diabetes, heart disease, and Alzheimer's. Dr. Makram uses non-surgical periodontal therapy to alleviate the symptoms of periodontal disease and prevent future damage in North Naples.
Early-stage gum disease, or gingivitis, may cause red, swollen gums that bleed when you brush. We treat usually severe infections with a deep cleaning and instruction on proper oral hygiene. Moderate cases of periodontal disease often respond well to laser therapy.
Why Choose Mark M. Makram, DDS for Periodontal Therapy?
- Minimally Invasive LANAP Laser Gum Therapy
- Compassionate Dentist with Decades of Experience
- No Incisions or Sutures Necessary
What Is Gum Disease?
Gum disease is a common oral health problem that can lead to a host of unpleasant consequences if left untreated. About 50% of adults over 30 have some form of periodontal infection while about 70% of those older than 65 deal with the issue. Periodontal illness is caused by bacteria infecting the tissues that support the teeth, and it begins as gingivitis, which is mild inflammation that can usually be addressed with improved oral hygiene. However, untreated gingivitis will eventually develop into periodontitis, a destructive infection that causes permanent damage. Factors that may increase your risk of gum disease include being male, pregnancy, smoking, poor oral hygiene, genetic factors, certain medications, and health conditions like diabetes.
Symptoms of Gum Disease
Gingivitis, the first stage of gum disease, may lead to symptoms like:
- Persistent bad breath
- Redness or swelling of the gums
- Bleeding when brushing or flossing
- Tenderness
Periodontitis, on the other hand, leads to severe symptoms like:
- Painful chewing
- Loose adult teeth
- Dental sensitivity caused by gum recession
- Changes in bite alignment
- Changes in how restorations like dentures and bridges fit
- Permanent tooth loss
How Do We Treat Gum Disease?
When we see you at our office in Naples, Dr. Makram will thoroughly evaluate your oral health and medical history to assess the severity of your gum disease and determine the best way to address it. Based on his findings, he may recommend treatments like:
Scaling & Root Planing
Scaling and root planing is a two-part treatment that typically requires two appointments. The process typically goes like this:
- Scaling: During the first appointment, Dr. Makram will carefully remove plaque and tartar from the surfaces of your teeth as well as the pockets of your gums.
- Root planing: During your second appointment, Dr. Makram will gently smooth the roots of the teeth and remove bacterial deposits beneath the gumline. This will help the gum and dental tissues reintegrate after treatment and prevent future infections.
LANAP®
In our dental office, we strive to use only the best technology that dentistry has to offer so we can provide our patients with more effective, efficient, and comfortable care. When it comes to treating gum disease, we utilize LANAP®, a type of laser periodontal therapy. It allows us to remove infected gum tissue without causing bleeding, eliminate pockets of harmful bacteria, and sanitize the affected areas, enabling your mouth to heal faster.
