Your Gum Disease Experts
Surgical and non-surgical gum disease treatments and sedation services in Port Charlotte, FL
Carol W. Stevens, D.D.S., M.B.A., is a board certified Periodontist specializing in the treatment and prevention of periodontal “gum disease” in Port Charlotte, Florida. Dr. Stevens is licensed and certified in IV Sedation, which is the most advanced dental sedation technique, as well as Oral Sedation and Nitrous Oxide.
What is Gum Disease?
Gum disease is an infection of the tissues that hold your teeth in place. It is one of the most common and serious dental problems today. Bacteria is the most common cause, but there are several other factors and causes. People of all ages may experience symptoms of this disease, which can lead to tooth loss if not detected early. [read more ]
What are the Symptoms of Gum Disease?
Symptoms include swollen, red, and tender gums. You may experience bad breath, toothache, bright red gums, loose teeth, receding gums, tender gums, or tooth loss. Swelling or bleeding are other common symptoms. [read more ]
What Causes Gum Disease? Is it Preventable?
Gum diseases are generally caused by bacteria; however, genetics, tobacco use, poor diet and other tooth or mouth disorders are all contributing factors.
Practicing good oral hygiene, such as flossing and brushing twice a day and limiting foods high in sugar, can help prevent gum disease
[read more ].
How is Gum Disease Treated?
Early treatment can limit damage and help keep your mouth healthier
Treatment includes professionally cleaning the pockets around teeth to prevent damage to surrounding bone. Advanced cases may require surgery. [read more ]
What is Gum Disease?
Gum disease is an infection of the tissues that hold your teeth in place. It’s typically caused by poor brushing and flossing habits that allow plaque—a sticky film of bacteria—to build up on the teeth and harden. “Peri” means around, and “dontal” means tooth.
Gum Disease is one of the most common and serious dental problems today. People of all ages may experience symptoms of this disease, which can lead to tooth loss if not detected early.
The accumulation of bacteria found around teeth is called “plaque”. When plaque is not removed for 24 hours or more, the plaque becomes calcified. Calcified debris around teeth is called “tartar” or “calculus”. Calculus is the “barnacle” that grows on human teeth. The bacteria (plaque) and build up of calculus cause bone loss. Eventually, teeth become loose, and may be lost.
Good News
Treatment can limit damage and help keep your mouth healthier. Laser Assisted New Attachment Procedure (LANAP) is the newest technology for treating gum disease.
Dr. Carol Stevens is trained and certified in LANAP and offers her patients this alternative to conventional gum surgery in her Port Charlotte office.
So whether you have healthy gums and want to keep them that way, or you already have gum disease and want to control it better, periodontist Carol W. Stevens, D.D.S., M.B.A. in Port Charlotte will help treat your mouth to a healthier You!
What Causes Gum Disease?
Gum diseases are generally caused by bacteria; however, there are other factors which contribute to bone destruction, tooth mobility, and tooth loss. Contributing factors to gum disease include all forms of tobacco use, tooth grinding or clenching, poor fitting crowns or restorations, food impaction, poor diet, and systemic diseases such as Diabetes and HIV/AIDS. There are prescription medications which may contribute to gum disease and/or gingival enlargement.
There are certain gum diseases which are more common in specific populations, families, and/or groups of people. Genetics plays a role in a person’s resistance or susceptibility to gum disease. Research has shown that approximately 40% of the disease process may be due to genetics, and 60% of the progression of the disease process is directly related to environmental issues which can be modified, and are under our control.
gum disease is not normally painful. Most people do not know they have gum disease or bone loss until they begin to notice bleeding. Signs of gum disease include bleeding gums, lose teeth, drifting teeth, and bad breathe. Often patients are not aware that they have gum disease until their tooth is very loose.
Symptoms of Gum Disease
Gum disease often causes no symptoms, especially in its early stages!
But don’t be fooled. This “silent” disease can still damage the gums, bone, and other tissues that surround the teeth. Unless it’s treated, this damage will worsen. Eventually this can lead to tooth loss and require an extraction.
There is also evidence that the bacteria that cause gum disease are linked to more general health problems. These include heart disease, pregnancy complications, and other serious conditions.
Non-Surgical Treatments for Gum Disease
The goal of these treatments is to create conditions that enable tissues in the mouth to heal. This is done by reducing plaque, infection, and other causes of gum disease.
- Scaling and Root Planing
- Antibiotics
- Bite Correction
Surgical Treatments for Gum Disease
If non-surgical treatments can’t reduce pocket depth, surgery may be needed. Surgical treatments allow the dentist to remove tartar deep below the gum line.
- Pocket Reduction
- Regenerative
- Gingival Grafting
- LANAP Laser Surgery
Sedation Options
We understand that anxiety and fear can keep you from seeking the dental care. Sedation can provide a relaxing, comfortable and pain free experience.
- IV Sedation
- Oral Sedation
- Nitrous Oxide