How to Fix a Gummy Smile: Cosmetic Treatment Options in Bel Air, MD
A gummy smile is usually about proportion, not poor hygiene or brushing habits. This guide explains what causes excess gum display, how...
Our Services
Periodontal Services In Bel Air, Maryland
Comprehensive periodontal care from early diagnosis through advanced treatment, all in our Bel Air office.
What Periodontal Services Does Elevated Smiles Offer?
Periodontal Diagnosis and Charting
Every comprehensive exam at Elevated Smiles Dentistry includes a periodontal evaluation where we measure the depth of the pockets between your teeth and gums. Healthy pockets are shallow. Deeper pockets indicate gum disease that needs attention. This charting gives us a clear baseline and lets us track your gum health accurately over time.
Learn About DiagnosisScaling and Root Planing (Deep Cleaning)
Scaling and root planing is the standard non-surgical treatment for moderate gum disease. We carefully clean below the gumline to remove tartar and bacteria from the root surfaces of the teeth, then smooth those surfaces so the gums can reattach properly. The procedure is done under local anesthesia and typically completed in two appointments, one side of the mouth at a time.
Learn About Deep CleaningFrenectomy
A simple, quick procedure that releases a tight or restrictive frenum, the small band of tissue that connects your tongue, lips, or cheeks to the gum and bone. Dr. Englander performs frenectomies for patients of all ages, from infants with tongue ties affecting feeding to adults with gum recession caused by a tight labial frenum.
Learn About FrenectomySoft Tissue Grafting
Gum grafting that restores receding gums to protect exposed roots and improve the appearance of your smile. Dr. Englander uses techniques that blend the new tissue with the surrounding gum for a uniform, natural-looking result.
Learn About Soft Tissue GraftingPocket Reduction Surgery
Surgical treatment that reduces deep periodontal pockets to stop gum disease from progressing. Used when scaling and root planing has not been enough to bring pockets back to a manageable depth.
Learn About Pocket Reduction SurgeryFrequently Asked Questions About Gum Disease Treatment in Bel Air
What are the signs of gum disease?
Common signs of gum disease include red, swollen, or bleeding gums (especially when brushing or flossing), persistent bad breath, gum recession, loose teeth, and changes in your bite. Many patients have gum disease without obvious symptoms, which is why regular dental exams at Elevated Smiles Dentistry in Bel Air, MD are essential for early detection.
What is the difference between gingivitis and periodontitis?
Gingivitis is the earliest, mildest stage of gum disease, characterized by inflammation and bleeding without bone loss. It is fully reversible with professional cleaning and improved home care. Periodontitis is advanced gum disease involving bone and tissue destruction around the teeth. At Elevated Smiles Dentistry in Bel Air, MD, Dr. Englander treats both stages with appropriate therapies.
Can gum disease be reversed?
Gingivitis, the early stage of gum disease, can be fully reversed with professional dental cleaning and consistent home care. Periodontitis causes irreversible bone loss, but it can be controlled and stabilized through treatment. At Elevated Smiles Dentistry in Bel Air, MD, Dr. Englander creates personalized treatment plans to stop gum disease progression and preserve your remaining bone and tissue.
What is scaling and root planing (deep cleaning)?
Scaling and root planing is a nonsurgical periodontal treatment that removes tartar and bacteria from below the gumline and smooths the root surfaces to help gums reattach to the teeth. It is typically performed under local anesthesia and completed in two appointments (one side of the mouth per visit) at Elevated Smiles Dentistry in Bel Air, MD.
Is gum disease linked to heart disease?
Yes, research has established a significant association between periodontal disease and cardiovascular conditions including heart disease, stroke, and diabetes complications. The bacteria responsible for gum disease can enter the bloodstream and contribute to systemic inflammation. Treating gum disease at Elevated Smiles Dentistry in Bel Air, MD is important for your oral health and your overall wellbeing.
Healthier Gums
Stop disease in its tracks
What Is Gum Disease and What Are the Warning Signs?
Gum disease is a bacterial infection of the gums and the supporting bone around your teeth. It starts as gingivitis, a mild inflammation caused by plaque buildup along the gumline, and can progress to periodontitis, a more serious condition that destroys the bone and tissue holding your teeth in place. Warning signs include gums that bleed when you brush or floss, gums that look red or swollen, persistent bad breath, gum recession where teeth appear longer than before, and loose or shifting teeth. Many people have gum disease without obvious symptoms, which is exactly why regular exams are so important.
Can Gum Disease Be Reversed?
It depends on the stage. Gingivitis, the earliest form of gum disease, is fully reversible with a professional cleaning and improved daily care at home. Once gum disease has advanced to periodontitis and bone loss has occurred, that damage cannot be undone. However, with the right treatment it can be controlled and stabilized so it stops progressing. The earlier we catch it, the simpler, more effective, and less costly the treatment will be.
What Happens If Gum Disease Is Left Untreated?
Untreated gum disease is the leading cause of tooth loss in adults. As the infection progresses, it gradually destroys the bone and connective tissue that anchor your teeth in place. Teeth become loose, shift out of position, and eventually need to be extracted. Beyond tooth loss, untreated periodontal disease has been strongly linked to heart disease, diabetes complications, stroke, and other serious health conditions.
How Is Gum Disease Connected to Overall Health?
The mouth is not separate from the rest of your body. The bacteria responsible for gum disease can enter the bloodstream and trigger inflammation in other parts of the body. Research has established clear connections between periodontal disease and cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, respiratory infections, and complications during pregnancy. Treating gum disease at Elevated Smiles Dentistry is about more than saving your teeth. It is a meaningful step toward protecting your overall health.
Need a New Dentist?
We Welcome You to Elevated Smiles Dentistry of Bel Air Maryland.
Schedule an AppointmentWe’re Here for You!
Visit us at our modern office in downtown Bel Air. We’re ready to help you achieve your best smile.
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Office Hours
Monday: 8am – 4pm
Tuesday: 8am – 4pm
Wednesday: 7am – 3pm
Thursday: 7am – 3pm
Friday: By Appointment Only
Saturday: Closed
Sunday: Closed
Dental News & Tips
Stay informed with the latest dental health insights and tips from our team.
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