Gum Disease Therapy

Get your gum health back on track with help from Dr. Ella Kerzhner

You may often overlook your own gum health because the signs of disease can be subtle and few people realize how important gums are to overall smile function. Your gums help hold your teeth in place, and unhealthy gums can lead to loosening teeth, changes in smile appearance, and even tooth loss. During every preventive dentistry exam performed at Ella Kerzhner DMD in Westampton, NJ, we’ll look for the symptoms of gum disease that you might miss and make recommendations if we believe that gum disease therapy will help you keep your smile intact. The sooner we can begin gum disease therapy, the more successful the treatment will be, which is why we recommend exams every six months.

What is gum disease?

Your teeth sit below the gum tissue, and a little bit of space between the crown and the gum tissue surrounds each tooth. This space is a great hiding place for bacteria, which can’t be removed with simple tooth brushing. That’s why dentists recommend that you floss daily – flossing can reach below the gum line and scoop out disease-causing agents. Gum disease is the result of damage caused by these bacteria, and gum disease can lead to the breakdown of gum tissue and eventually bone. Gum disease therapy performed by Dr. Kerzhner at our Westampton dental office can stop the infection and promote healing, though, to prevent extensive damage to gums and jaw bone.

How does gum disease therapy work?

Gum disease therapy generally involves scaling and root planing. First Dr. Kerzhner will clean away the bacteria below the gum line, and then she will smooth the tooth root. Smoothing the tooth root, known as planing, makes the area less hospitable to bacteria in the future.

If you notice any of the following symptoms, visit our office to get checked for gum disease:

• Gums that bleed easily
• Red, swollen, or tender gums
• Gums that have pulled away from your teeth
• Persistent bad breath
• Pus between the teeth and gums
• Loose or separating teeth

Ongoing research has suggested a link between gum disease and serious health problems, including heart attack and pregnancy complications. Gum disease therapy can help support your healthy lifestyle and make it possible for you to maintain your natural smile for years to come.

Make sure you’re keeping up with your regular dental exams at Ella Kerzhner DMD; contact us today to make an appointment. We help patients from Westampton, Mt. Holly, Lumberton, Burlington, Willingboro, Hainesport, and beyond to experience lasting oral health.