English 
Spanish 
Like an uninvited guest, gum disease quietly makes itself at home without prior warning or welcome. With our days filled to the brim with tasks and deadlines, it’s all too easy to overlook the small shifts in our oral health. Yet, it’s during these unnoticed moments that gum disease can creep in. Left unchecked, gum disease can lead to significant health concerns. At the Mini Dental Implant Center of America in Colorado Springs, we understand that no one plans to face these issues. However, the reality is that the condition affects many individuals with varying degrees of severity. If you are looking for the best gum disease treatment in Colorado Springs, you can trust Dr. Bashi to deliver timely interventions tailored to your needs.
Understanding Gum Disease
Imagine your gums are like the soil around a tree, nurturing and holding it in place. When the soil erodes or becomes diseased, the tree weakens and can eventually fall. Gum disease compromises the health of your teeth in a similar way.
Gum disease begins when plaque, a sticky film of bacteria, builds up on teeth and hardens into tartar, leading to inflammation of the gum tissue. If left unaddressed, this condition can progress, affecting the jawbone and causing tooth loss.
Knowing the Signs of Gum Disease: When Is It Best To Seek Treatment?
Being vigilant about the first signs of gum disease is crucial for early detection and treatment. Initially, you may notice red, swollen, or bleeding gums when you brush or floss. Persistent bad breath or a bad taste in the mouth, even after brushing, can also be early indicators. As the disease progresses, gums may recede or pull away from the teeth, creating pockets that harbor bacteria. Teeth may become loose or shift in position due to the weakening of the supporting structures. Recognizing these signs is the first step toward prompt treatment, which can help prevent additional complications.
Best Treatment Options for Each Stage of Gum Disease
Stage 1: Gingivitis
During the early stage, known as gingivitis, Dr. Bashi emphasizes the importance of professional dental cleanings. These cleanings remove plaque and tartar that daily brushing and flossing at home cannot eliminate.
To reverse gingivitis, Dr. Bashi advises patients to enhance their oral hygiene routine. A strong regimen includes diligent daily brushing with fluoride toothpaste, flossing, and using an antimicrobial mouthwash to reduce plaque buildup and inflammation.
Stage 2: Periodontitis
As gum disease progresses to early periodontitis, Dr. Bashi may recommend scaling and root planing. This non-surgical procedure is a deep cleaning below the gum line. The treatment removes plaque and tartar from the tooth roots and smooths them to encourage the gums to reattach to the teeth. This effectively reduces the size of the pockets that have formed between the tooth and gums. Scaling and root planing may take multiple visits and include local anesthesia to ensure patient comfort.
In some cases, Dr. Bashi might prescribe topical or oral antibiotics to control bacterial infection and reduce inflammation around the gum pockets.
Stage 3: Advanced Periodontitis
For patients with advanced periodontitis, Dr. Bashi explores more intensive treatments. Flap or pocket reduction surgery may be necessary for those with significant pocket depths. When the bone and soft tissue supporting the teeth have been destroyed, he may employ bone and tissue grafts to promote regeneration.
Beyond Gum Disease Treatment: Replacing Lost Teeth
When a tooth cannot be saved due to advanced gum disease or other complications, Dr. Bashi offers dental implants to restore oral function and aesthetics. Dental implants serve as artificial roots, securely anchored in the jawbone to support replacement teeth. Implants stand out for their durability and ability to mimic the function and appearance of natural teeth, allowing patients to eat, speak, and smile confidently.
While traditional implants may have been the standard option, mini dental implants offer additional benefits that make them ideal for many patients. Measuring less than 3 millimeters in diameter, mini implants are about half the size of traditional implants.
While both types of implants effectively support false teeth, mini dental implants are more efficient and affordable. Their small size means Dr. Bashi can place them in the jawbone using a less invasive technique. In just one visit, you can have a functional new tooth that completes your smile. This minimally invasive procedure minimizes pain, accelerates healing, and eliminates the need for multiple follow-up appointments. Due to improvements in the design of mini implants and their more streamlined procedure, the cost is roughly half that of traditional dental implants.
Preserve Your Oral Health With Dr. Bashi Today
Are you interested in learning more about your options for fighting gum disease? The Mini Dental Implant Center of America in Colorado Springs offers a range of treatments tailored to each stage of gum disease. From early detection to advanced restoration, Dr. Bashi is here to guide you through your journey to better oral health. Contact us today and schedule your free consultation. Take the first step towards a healthier, happier smile!
