Early stage · treatable
Gingivitis
Gums become red and swollen and bleed easily. At this stage the disease is treatable and can usually be eliminated by daily brushing and flossing.
Periodontal care · Lewes, DE
Gum disease treatment that holds on to your teeth.
Gum disease, or periodontal disease, is an infection of the gums around your teeth and one of the top reasons adults lose teeth. Because it’s virtually pain-free, many people don’t know they have it.
We check your gums at every regular checkup ·Get directions
Signs of gum disease
It’s possible to have it and not know. Call us if you notice any of these.
- Gums that bleed easily
- Red, swollen or tender gums
- Gums pulling away from teeth
- Persistent bad breath or taste
- Pus between teeth and gums
- Loose or separating teeth
- A change in how your bite fits
- A change in how partials fit
Often pain-free. That’s why we measure the space between your teeth and gums at every visit.
How gum disease progresses
Two stages. Only one can be undone.
Gum disease starts with plaque, a sticky film of bacteria. Left in place, it makes toxins that damage the gums and opens small pockets just below the gum line that separate the gums from the teeth.
Advanced · irreversible damage
Periodontitis
Left untreated, gingivitis advances. The gums and bone that support the teeth become seriously and irreversibly damaged, and teeth can loosen, fall out or need to be removed.
What can raise your risk
- Smoking or chewing tobacco
- Diabetes
- Certain medications, such as steroids, anti-epilepsy drugs, cancer therapy drugs, calcium channel blockers and oral contraceptives
- Bridges that no longer fit properly
- Crooked teeth
- Old fillings
- Pregnancy
Treating gum disease
Care matched to how far it’s gone.
Treatment depends on the severity of each case. At every checkup we measure the space between your teeth and gums, so we can catch it as early as possible.
Non-surgical
Deep cleaning & at-home trays
Scaling and root planing (a deep cleaning below the gum line) and at-home periodontal trays.
Surgical
Periodontal & laser gum surgery
For more advanced cases, periodontal surgery or laser gum surgery treats the infected areas.
Replacement
Dental implants
If a tooth has been lost to gum disease, an implant can replace it from the root up.
You don’t have to lose teeth to gum disease.
Brush regularly, clean between your teeth, eat a balanced diet and keep up with your dental visits.
Related care
Healthy gums, healthy smile.
Dental exams & cleanings
We measure the space between your teeth and gums at every checkup.
Dental implants
Replace teeth lost to gum disease, planned and restored in-house.
Oral cancer screening
Included in your regular exam, along with your gum check.
Dental bridges
A bridge that no longer fits can raise your risk, so we check the fit.
Invisalign clear aligners
Straighter teeth are easier to keep clean along the gum line.
Common questions
Gum disease FAQ
Have another question about your gums? Call us and we’ll be glad to help.
- What is gum disease?
- Gum disease, also called periodontal disease, is an infection of the gums surrounding your teeth. It’s one of the top reasons adults lose teeth.
- Can I have gum disease and not know it?
- Yes. Gum disease is virtually pain-free, so many patients don’t know they have it. That’s why we check for it at every regular checkup by measuring the space between your teeth and gums.
- What causes gum disease?
- A buildup of plaque, a sticky film of bacteria on the teeth. If plaque isn’t removed by brushing, flossing and regular checkups, it creates toxins that damage the gums and forms small pockets that separate the gums from the teeth.
- Can gum disease be reversed?
- In its early stage, gingivitis, it’s treatable and can usually be eliminated with daily brushing and flossing. Once it advances to periodontitis, the damage to the gums and bone is irreversible, though treatment can help manage it.
- How is gum disease treated?
- It depends on how severe it is. Options range from non-surgical care like scaling and root planing (a deep cleaning) and at-home periodontal trays, to periodontal or laser gum surgery, to dental implants to replace lost teeth.
- How can I prevent gum disease?
- Brush regularly, clean between your teeth, eat a balanced diet and keep up with regular dental visits. You don’t have to lose teeth to gum disease.
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Kind words from our patients
I know most people hate the dentist but I love it! And it especially helps having such a great dental team that I know I can trust. I love leaving with my teeth feeling clean and well cared for. Dr. Bryan and his assistants (both Jess and Aliya) are so kind and caring.
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My experience with Dr. Labin has been nothing but positive! I have been going to him for years and he is very gentle, making sure his patients are comfortable before he starts any procedure. The staff, from the office staff to the dental hygienists, are all professional and go above and beyond.
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Gums bleeding when you brush?
Call our team at Carpenter’s Crossing in Lewes. Caught early, gum disease is treatable.
Visit us
We look forward to meeting you.
Always accepting new patients from Lewes and the surrounding communities. We’ll work with you to schedule appointments that fit your life.
Dental emergency?
Don’t wait for it to get better on its own. Call us right away and we’ll fit you in.
- Address
- 34359 Carpenter’s Way
Lewes, DE 19958 - Office hours
Monday – Thursday 7:00am – 5:30pm Friday 7:00am – 4:00pm Saturday & Sunday Closed