At Densley Dental, we understand that a healthy smile is closely tied to a healthy body. Gum disease, or periodontal disease, has been connected to serious conditions like heart disease, diabetes, and pregnancy complications. That's why we offer long-term preventive and restorative care, focusing on your overall well-being.
Dr. Aman Sidhu, a graduate of the University of Southern California School of Dentistry, brings advanced clinical training and years of experience treating gum disease at every stage. He also serves as the official team dentist of the Las Vegas Raiders. When your gums are at risk, so is your overall health, and our team is here to help you protect both.
What Is Periodontal/Gum Disease?
Periodontal disease develops gradually but can have serious consequences if not addressed early. It often begins with symptoms like red, swollen, or bleeding gums, persistent bad breath, gum recession, discomfort while chewing, and even loose teeth. The condition starts when plaque builds up on the teeth and hardens into tartar—a substance that can only be removed through professional cleaning.
If left in place, the bacteria within tartar can lead to gingivitis, an early and reversible stage of gum disease marked by inflammation and bleeding. With timely dental care and consistent oral hygiene at home, gingivitis can be effectively managed. Without treatment, however, the infection can progress to periodontitis, a more advanced stage that damages the supporting gum and bone tissue and may ultimately lead to tooth loss.
The Progression of Gum Disease
Catching gum disease in its early stages can help you avoid more serious dental problems later. Here's a simple guide to help you understand how gum disease progresses:
- Healthy Gums: Gums are firm, pale pink, and fit snugly around the teeth. There's no bleeding during brushing or flossing, and no discomfort. This is the ideal state of oral health.
- Gingivitis (Early Stage): Gums become red, swollen, and may bleed easily during brushing or flossing. At this stage, damage is still reversible with professional cleaning and improved oral hygiene.
- Early Periodontitis: Inflammation extends deeper below the gum line. Pockets begin forming between the teeth and gums, where bacteria accumulate. Early bone loss may occur, and bad breath or slight tooth mobility may be noticeable.
- Advanced Periodontitis: The supporting structures of the teeth, like bone and connective tissue, are significantly damaged. Gums may recede, teeth can shift or become loose, and tooth loss becomes a real risk without surgical intervention.
Understanding these stages can help you identify early symptoms and seek timely care. If you're noticing any warning signs, schedule a consultation with our team to protect your long-term oral and overall health.
How Gum Disease Affects Your Overall Health
Periodontal disease doesn't stay confined to your mouth. Research shows it's closely linked to several serious systemic conditions:
- Heart Disease: Oral bacteria from gum disease can circulate through the body, increasing inflammation and contributing to artery blockage, which heightens the risk of stroke and heart attack.
- Diabetes: Periodontal disease can negatively impact the body’s ability to manage blood sugar. At the same time, high blood sugar weakens the body's ability to fight infection, creating a harmful cycle between the two conditions.
- Pregnancy Complications: The presence of gum disease in pregnancy has been associated with complications such as premature birth and low birth weight, due to inflammation caused by bacteria in the mouth.
By treating gum disease early, you not only help protect your teeth and gums but also your cardiovascular, metabolic, and reproductive health.
Gum Disease Treatments
Our team at Densley Dental offers comprehensive periodontal care designed to treat gum disease at every stage. We start with a detailed evaluation to identify the extent of the condition and recommend a treatment approach that fits your unique needs.
Treatments may include:
- Professional dental cleaning: Plaque and tartar are professionally removed from areas both above and below the gums. If you're diagnosed with gingivitis or periodontitis, these cleanings will likely be scheduled at least biannually for proper management.
- Scaling and root planing: Using local anesthetic for comfort, plaque and tartar are carefully removed from above and below the gum line (a procedure known as scaling). We then smooth the root surfaces (planing) to discourage further bacterial buildup. In some cases, localized antibiotics or antimicrobial treatments are applied to support healing.
Once your treatment is complete, we’ll provide you with personalized oral hygiene instructions to maintain your progress at home. If the disease is severe, surgery may be necessary to access and clean deeper areas below the gum line.
Frequently Asked Questions
Gum surgery is typically recommended when the tissue around the teeth is too damaged to heal with nonsurgical treatments. This is often the case in more advanced stages of periodontal disease.
The best way to prevent gum disease is through routine dental cleanings and consistent at-home care. Brush and rinse at least twice daily, floss regularly, and visit your dentist for professional evaluations and cleanings.
A gum graft involves taking tissue, usually from the roof of your mouth, and placing it along the receding gum line. This protects exposed tooth roots and encourages new, healthy tissue growth.
A periodontal abscess is a localized infection that forms a pocket of pus in the gum tissue or bone. It typically develops due to advanced gum disease or untreated deep gum pockets.
Why Choose Dr. Aman Sidhu for Your Gum Disease Treatment?
With years of hands-on expertise, Dr. Aman Sidhu, DDS, is known for his exceptional skill and genuine commitment to his patients. A graduate with honors from both California State University at Northridge and the University of Southern California School of Dentistry, he has practiced across California and Pennsylvania, including roles as managing dentist and dental school instructor. His compassionate approach, combined with expertise in all phases of dentistry, ensures that patients receive gentle and effective treatment.
At Densley Dental, Dr. Sidhu leads a skilled team that offers comprehensive periodontal care, supported by an in-house lab and a full-time hygienist. Whether you're dealing with early-stage gingivitis or advanced periodontitis, Dr. Sidhu's dedication to long-term oral health makes him a trusted choice.
Gum Disease Care in Las Vegas and Henderson, NV
Gum disease is preventable and treatable with the right care. Whether you're experiencing early signs, such as bleeding gums, or more advanced symptoms, like loose teeth or gum recession, taking action now can make all the difference. Our team is committed to helping you restore and maintain a healthy smile with expert, compassionate treatment tailored to your needs.
Contact us today at 702-212-6641 to schedule your consultation and begin your path to better oral health in Las Vegas and Henderson, NV.
