COVID-19 UPDATES

 
To our patients,
 
 
As you know your care and safety and the safety of our team is our top priority.
 
Recommendations to dental offices are changing rapidly regarding shelter in place, social distancing and essential dental treatment. We are working hard to remain compliant with the recommendation by the American Dental Association, California Dental Association and our Governor that California dentists suspend all care other than essential and emergency treatment.
 
If you have any questions regarding your dental care or have urgent concerns, please call us or send a direct message through our website; we are here for you and will be seeing emergency patients.
 
Our phones will be answered during our normal business hours and, as always, we can be reached outside of the business hours for any emergency calls.
 
We are looking forward to returning to patient care and the opportunity to once again visit with our dental family of patients…we miss you all!
 
 
Thank you for being our patients!
 
Dr. Sharon Mateja and Team, Jennifer, Deanna, Sandra & Erika

Stages of Gum Disease

Oct 24, 2017 @ 09:00 AM — by Sharon B. Mateja, D.D.S.

The stages of gum diseaseMany patients are concerned about keeping the teeth healthy and strong, but maintaining good gum health is just as important to the overall strength of the smile. The gums provide support to the teeth, which allow them to bite, chew, and function. If the health of the gums deteriorates, the strength and health of the teeth will also be threatened. As with tooth decay, gum disease is a progressive condition. Without restorative dentistry treatment to address oral health problems, gum disease will continue to advance.

Each stage of gum disease has its own unique symptoms and concerns. Experienced dentist Sharon B. Mateja discusses the stages of gum disease with her Rancho Cucamonga, CA patients, and recommends appropriate periodontal treatments to restore gum health and protect the teeth.

Stages of Gum Disease

When Dr. Mateja treats gum disease, she develops the most appropriate treatment plan based on how far the condition has advanced. Below are some brief descriptions of the various stages of periodontal disease, which is more commonly known as gum disease:

  • Gingivitis: The earliest stage of gum disease is called gingivitis. Gingivitis develops when bacteria make their way beneath the gum line. Common symptoms of gingivitis include a darkening of the gum tissues (so they appear more red than pink), tenderness, bleeding when brushing, and slight inflammation.
  • Periodontal pockets: If gingivitis is not treated, bacteria will continue to thrive beneath the gum line, likely causing an infection. When gum tissues are infected, they pull up and away from the teeth. This creates gaps of space between the gum line and the top of the teeth. This space, or periodontal pockets, makes it even easier for bacteria to reach gum tissues and the roots of the teeth. Aside from the symptoms of gingivitis, patients with periodontal pockets may also experience increased tooth sensitivity or oral pain.
  • Periodontitis: Periodontitis is fully developed gum disease. This infection of the gum tissues seriously threatens the foundation of the teeth. In addition to red, tender gum tissues and oral pain, it is not unusual for patients with periodontitis to notice that their teeth feel loose or unstable. This is because the gum tissues have pulled away from the teeth so much that they lack support and security.

Individuals who are experiencing symptoms of any of the stages of gum disease should seek professional dental treatment as soon as possible. Periodontal care is the only way to treat infection and stop the progression of gum disease to preserve the health of the teeth and gums.

Periodontal Treatment

Dr. Mateja offers periodontal treatment to eliminate infection from the gum tissues and promote the growth of new, healthy gum tissues. Dr. Mateja will always opt for the most conservative treatment techniques first. If treatments such as fluoride rinses or root planing and scaling prove ineffective, then she will consider more invasive treatment. However, in most cases, a deep cleaning, including antibiotic treatment, is sufficient to eliminate gum disease and encourage gum healing.

Contact Us

If you have noticed tenderness, swelling, or a reddening of the gum tissues, it is time to have your periodontal health evaluated so that any oral health problems can be treated before they advance further. Contact us at your earliest convenience to set up an appointment and learn more about the periodontal services offered by Dr. Sharon B. Mateja.

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