Gum Disease Treatment in Leesburg, FL
Bleeding, swollen, or receding gums are signs of gum disease, a common infection that can lead to tooth loss if left untreated. At Leading Edge Dental in Leesburg, FL , we diagnose gum disease early and provide gentle periodontal therapy to restore healthy gums. Call (352) 365-6442 to schedule an evaluation.
What Is Gum Disease?
Gum disease, or periodontal disease, is a bacterial infection of the tissues that surround and support your teeth. It begins when plaque builds up along the gumline and hardens into tartar. The bacteria in plaque release toxins that inflame the gums and, over time, break down the bone that holds teeth in place.
Nearly half of adults over 30 have some form of gum disease, and many do not realize it because the early stages are often painless. Regular checkups allow us to spot gum disease before it causes serious damage.
Stages of Gum Disease
- Gingivitis: Inflamed gums that bleed easily. This stage is reversible with professional care.
- Early periodontitis: Gums begin to pull away from teeth, forming pockets where bacteria collect.
- Moderate to advanced periodontitis: Bone loss progresses, teeth may loosen, and tooth loss becomes likely.
Warning Signs to Watch For
Watch for gums that bleed when brushing, persistent bad breath, receding gums, sensitive teeth, pus between the teeth and gums, or teeth that feel loose or have shifted. A gum infection can also lead to a painful dental abscess.
Periodontal Treatment at Leading Edge Dental
Our periodontal therapy is tailored to the stage of your disease. Treatment may include scaling and root planing to clean below the gumline, antibiotic therapy, and laser dentistry to remove infected tissue with minimal discomfort. Afterward, regular maintenance cleanings keep the infection under control.
If gum disease has already caused tooth loss, we can restore your smile with dental implants, bridges, or partial dentures. Patients who feel anxious about treatment can choose sedation dentistry for added comfort.
We proudly treat gum disease for patients from Tavares, Howey-in-the-Hills, and surrounding communities. See all conditions we treat.
Gum Disease FAQs
What are the early signs of gum disease?
Red, swollen, or tender gums and bleeding when you brush or floss are the earliest signs. Bad breath that does not go away is another common symptom.
Is gum disease reversible?
Gingivitis, the earliest stage, can be reversed with professional cleanings and better home care. Periodontitis can be controlled with periodontal therapy but the bone loss it causes is permanent.
What is a deep cleaning?
A deep cleaning, or scaling and root planing, removes plaque and tartar from below the gumline and smooths the root surfaces so the gums can reattach to the teeth.
Can gum disease cause tooth loss?
Yes. Advanced gum disease is the leading cause of tooth loss in adults because it destroys the bone that supports the teeth.
Is gum disease linked to other health problems?
Research links gum disease to heart disease, stroke, diabetes, and other inflammatory conditions, which is why treating it protects your overall health.
Do you use lasers to treat gum disease?
Yes. Laser dentistry allows us to treat infected gum tissue with less discomfort, less bleeding, and faster healing.
How often should I have cleanings if I have gum disease?
Patients who have been treated for periodontitis usually need periodontal maintenance cleanings every three to four months.
Protect Your Gums and Your Health
Early treatment makes all the difference. Call Leading Edge Dental at (352) 365-6442 to schedule a periodontal evaluation in Leesburg, FL .