Gum Disease in
Phoenix, AZ

Gum disease is a common but serious condition that can affect not only your oral health but your overall health as well. Dr. Trujillo’s goals are to treat gingival infection, save teeth, and restore the natural function and look of your smile.

What Is Gum Disease?

Gum disease is a condition characterized by inflammation of the gums, which can range from mild to severe depending on the stage of the disease. If left untreated, the inflammation can progress and impact the bone that supports and surrounds your teeth.

Man in dental chair smiling with hygienist

The root cause of gum disease is plaque, which contains bacteria that can infect your gums, teeth, and the underlying tissue and bone. Early detection and treatment are crucial to prevent the worst-case scenario of tooth loss resulting from the destruction of your gum tissue and bone structure.

How Does Dr. Trujillo Treat Gum Disease?

Prevention is the best method for treating gum disease—which means scheduling regular teeth cleanings and check-up appointments. The earlier the detection of gum disease, the better the outcome of treatment.

When the disease has reached an advanced stage, your treatment options typically include a professional cleaning to remove plaque and tartar. Root planing is the next treatment option which involves smoothing the gums, teeth, and roots to make it harder for plaque to build up. More extreme treatment methods include gum grafts and gum regeneration. It is best to consult with Dr. Trujillo to determine the best treatment path for you.

Some of the treatments Dr. Trujillo offers for more advanced conditions include:

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Stages of Gum Disease

Identifying Receding Gums

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Do I Have Gum Disease? How Can I Know?

Gum disease can actually occur in a patient of any age. However, gum disease is more common among adults. If gum disease is detected in its early stage, the damage can be reversed. For this reason, it is crucial that you make an appointment with us if you find that you have any of the following symptoms:

Periodontist treating a young women in Phoenix AZ

Your gums are swollen, tender, puffy, or red.
When flossing or brushing, your gums begin bleeding.
Your teeth look longer due to gum recession.
You consistently have a bad taste in your mouth or bad breath.
Pus is coming from between your gums and teeth.
Your teeth fit differently when you bite.
You observe pockets in your mouth due to gum recession.

What Are The Stages of Gum Disease?

There are three stages of gum disease:

Gingivitis: The First Stage

Gingivitis is an inflammation of the gums caused by the buildup of plaque at the gum line. If plaque is not removed through flossing and brushing, it can produce toxins that irritate the gum tissue which leads to gingivitis. The damage of gum disease is reversible at this stage since the damage has not yet impacted the connective tissue and the bone. A sign of gingivitis is bleeding when you’re flossing or brushing.

Periodontitis: The Second Stage

Periodontitis is when the fibers and bone that keep your teeth in place have been damaged irreversibly. A pocket below the gums can form at this stage. This pocket traps plaque and food which further damages your gums. The patient must improve their home dental care and seek proper dental treatment to limit further damage from gum disease.

Advanced Periodontitis: The Final Stage

Advanced periodontitis is when the bone and fibers supporting your teeth have been destroyed. As a result of this destruction, your teeth will begin to loosen and shift in your mouth. If aggressive treatment is not taken at this point, your teeth may be damaged beyond the point at which they can be saved.