Susan E. Lunson D.D.S. - Non-surgical Gum Treatments

Chances are you or a family member have some stage of periodontal (gum) disease. This disease is the primary cause of tooth loss after the age of 35. If caught early, though, it can be reversed with proper care. The inflammatory disease attacks the gums, bone and other supporting structures of the teeth.

Gum disease is caused by plaque, a colorless film of bacteria that forms on the teeth. Plaque mixes with sugars and starches in the diet to form acids and other by-products that irritate the gums which causes them to be red, tender and bleed when touched. When plaque hardens by combining with minerals in the mouth fluids it is called calculus (tartar). As long as only the gum tissues are involved, the condition is called gingivitis. When the underlying bone is involved, the name is periodontal disease.

You need not lose your teeth to gum disease. With today's state-of-the-art treatment procedures, most teeth can be saved. The type of treatment required depends on how far the disease has progressed before treatment begins. Non-surgical treatment can be in the form of more frequent cleanings . . . every 3 or 4 months instead of the old-fashioned 6 to 12 month cleaning. Scaling and root planing removes the calculus from the teeth and smoothes the root surface to facilitate reattachment of the gum tissue. Curettage removes the soft tissue that lines the diseased pocket, helping the gum tissue to heal.

Very often, conservative non-surgical perio therapy, combined with great home care, provides remarkable healing of the supporting structures of the teeth and saves the patient from periodontal surgery.

Dr. Lunson works closely with Julia Reavis, who is a register dental hygienist, to provide the best non-surgical perio treatment for her patients. Julia and Dr. Lunson have been working as a team for more than 10 years. Additionally, both Julia and Dr. Lunson attend continuing education courses to stay abreast of the latest research on periodontal disease and its treatment. Patients really benefit from that kind of commitment.