Periodontal Treatment in Fort Collins, CO
PeriodontalDisease
Periodontal Disease at Harbor Dental
Periodontal disease is another name for gum disease or periodontitis. It starts with bacteria in the mouth causing the gums to become inflamed and bleed easily during brushing and flossing. Left untreated, the disease can lead to gum tissue and bone loss, which can result in the loss of teeth as well. Periodontal disease is the leading cause of tooth loss in adults.
Periodontal disease, also known as gum disease, affects the gums and supporting structures of the teeth. It’s characterized by symptoms such as redness or bleeding of the gums, gum swelling, bad breath, and loose teeth. The disease is caused by bacteria in the mouth, poor oral hygiene, smoking, and certain systemic conditions like diabetes. Genetic factors and immune responses also play a role.
Gum disease is most frequently caused by not brushing and flossing on a daily basis, but there can be other factors that can affect the health of your gums, such as hormonal changes, illnesses, medications, smoking, and a family history of periodontal disease.
Symptoms of periodontal disease include:
- Gums that bleed during and after brushing and flossing
- Red, swollen, or tender gums
- Lasting bad breath or a bad taste in your mouth
- Receding gums
- Deep pockets forming between your gums and your teeth
- Loose teeth or teeth that have shifted position
- Changes in how your teeth fit together when you bite down or changes in how your partial dentures fit
Most periodontal disease can be treated with surgical and non-surgical treatment options depending on the stage of the disease and your overall health. To prevent periodontal disease, brush and floss daily, get a professional cleaning at least twice a year, and follow other recommendations Dr. Murphy may have for you.
What To Expect During your Visit
Nervous about visiting the dentist? We understand. That’s why we’ve outlined exactly what you can expect on your first visit. As well as some more helpful information about our periodontal disease treatment.
Contact Us Today!
At Harbor Dental Clinic, we’re committed to providing comprehensive care for gum disease, improving your oral and overall health. If you have any concerns about your gum health or need a regular dental check-up, contact us to schedule a consultation. Your journey towards healthier gums starts here.
Periodontal Disease FAQs
Periodontal disease, also known as gum disease, occurs when bacterial buildup causes inflammation of the gums and supporting structures around the teeth. Left untreated, it can lead to gum tissue and bone loss and ultimately tooth loss. Harbor Dental Clinic emphasizes it as the leading cause of adult tooth loss. Early detection and treatment can preserve your natural smile and health.
The main causes include poor oral hygiene, plaque and tartar buildup, smoking, systemic conditions like diabetes, hormonal changes, medications, and genetics. The clinic notes that even with good hygiene habits, risk can be elevated due to underlying health factors or family history. People who notice bleeding gums, bad breath, or loose teeth should be particularly vigilant. Timely evaluation helps tailor a treatment plan that addresses both hygiene and risk-factors.
The process begins with selecting a composite resin color that closely matches your natural tooth color. Then, the surface of the tooth is roughened and a conditioning liquid applied to help the bonding material adhere. The tooth-colored, putty-like resin is then applied, molded, and smoothed to the desired shape. An ultraviolet light or laser is used to harden the material, after which it is trimmed, shaped, and polished to match the rest of the tooth surface.
 Common signs include gums that bleed during brushing or flossing, red or swollen gums, persistent bad breath, recession of gums, deep pockets between gums and teeth, loose or shifting teeth, and changes in bite or denture fit. Harbor Dental Clinic makes it clear that most people don’t experience pain in early stages, so these symptoms may go unnoticed. Recognizing even mild symptoms allows for earlier, less invasive treatment. Regular exams can help catch disease before serious damage occurs.
 Treatment starts with a comprehensive exam and may include non-surgical options such as scaling and root planing (deep cleaning) to remove tartar and bacteria from beneath the gum line. In more advanced cases, surgical intervention or more intensive therapies may be necessary depending on gum and bone damage. Harbor Dental Clinic provides tailored treatment plans based on the stage of disease and overall health. Ongoing maintenance cleanings and follow-up care are vital to long-term success.
Prevention involves brushing twice daily, flossing daily, attending regular professional cleanings and exams (at least twice a year or more if needed), avoiding smoking, managing systemic health issues (like diabetes), and maintaining a healthy lifestyle. Harbor Dental Clinic emphasizes replacement of risk-factors and monitoring for gum health as part of prevention. Early and consistent care significantly lowers your chance of developing severe gum disease. Investing in gum health protects your smile, your comfort, and your overall well-being.
