Roham Rafat, DDS, MS of Valley Dental Health, is a specialist in periodontics and perio-prosthodontics. He is the only periodontist in the Hunt Valley area and one of only a few periodontists trained in period-prosthodontics in the greater Baltimore area. We serve Timonium, Sparks, Lutherville, Hunt Valley, Phoenix, Cockeysville, Baltimore County, and nearby areas.
Dr. Rafat’s specialty training enables us to provide comprehensive care for gum disease, tooth replacement, and other periodontal concerns. Are you experiencing bleeding gums? If you show any of the signs of gum disease mentioned below, contact us today. Our office also provides general, cosmetic, and restorative dentistry treatments to new and existing patients.
Common signs of gum disease include:
- Red, swollen, or sore gums
- Bleeding gums
- Receding gums
- Loose teeth
- Mouth sores or pus between gums and teeth
- Bad breath (halitosis)
- Changes in the fit of dentures
What Causes Gum Disease?
Periodontal disease includes both gingivitis (gum disease) and periodontitis (disease of the gums, bone, and other structures that support the teeth). Along with caries (cavities), it is a leading cause of tooth loss.
More than three-quarters of adults have gum disease, which is mostly caused by bacterial plaque build-up. Other contributing factors to gum disease may include teeth grinding, TMJ dysfunction, tobacco use, hormonal changes (as in pregnancy or menopause), and poor nutrition.
How Do I Prevent Gum Disease?
The best way to prevent gum disease is to maintain good oral health routines, schedule regular dental visits, and follow a healthy diet. Brushing and flossing daily are key to enjoying a strong, healthy smile for life. Removing plaque before it hardens into tartar can prevent gum irritation and gum disease.
During routine dental visits, our dentists carefully screen for signs and symptoms of gum disease. When caught early, gum disease is easily treatable and can even be reversed.
Treating gum disease early helps prevent progression to periodontitis, which is more difficult to treat. Dr. Izadi and Dr. Rafat offer practical, easy advice on at-home care for teeth and gums.
Treating Gum Disease
Dr. Rafat offers several gum disease treatment options for periodontal disease. Patients with early signs of gum disease may benefit from deep teeth cleaning, known as scaling and root planing.
During this procedure, the dentist removes plaque and tartar from the deep pockets around the teeth. Patients with advanced gum disease may need more intensive treatment or surgery.
Arestin®
Dr. Rafat uses Arestin®, a strong antibiotic, to treat gum disease. Dr. Rafat applies Arestin® during scaling and root planing to kill bacteria deep in the gum pockets. It’s better than an oral antibiotic because it targets only the areas that need it.
Replacing Missing Teeth
As a periodontist and perio-prosthodontist, Dr. Rafat offers numerous options for replacing missing teeth. These include dental implants and implant-supported dentures, which offer the most natural-looking aesthetics and function.
Cosmetic Gum Surgery
The appearance of the gingiva (gums) matters as much to the overall smile as the appearance of the teeth. The soft tissue frames the teeth, and both must be healthy and in harmony to create a natural, beautiful smile.
If you are unhappy with your smile’s appearance or have a gummy smile, you may be a candidate for cosmetic gum surgery. A gum lift reshapes or removes part of the gum tissue to reveal more tooth structure, enhance the appearance of your teeth, and improve your overall smile.
Patient Review
Gum Disease FAQs
Are bleeding gums a sign of gum disease?
Yes, if your gums have started bleeding, it is a common sign of gingivitis. Irritated gums often bleed due to inadequate oral care. If you don’t regularly care for your teeth, plaque builds up along the gum line and can cause bleeding.
Is gum disease treatable?
At the early stage of gum disease (gingivitis), your gums will become irritated and may swell and bleed. If you seek treatment before the disease progresses, then you can recover. At this stage, your dentist will recommend a treatment to reverse the disease, usually a deep professional cleaning.
How does smoking affect my gums?
Smoking is bad for your health for many reasons. It can also contribute to gum disease, a fact many people don’t realize. Smokers have more bacterial plaque buildup on their teeth. Smoking also reduces blood flow to the gums, making them harder to heal. People who smoke are more likely to suffer from advanced periodontal disease, a condition that leads to tooth loss.
How fast does gum disease spread?
Gum disease progresses relatively quickly. The progression from stage one (gingivitis) to stage two (periodontitis) takes an average of 67 weeks (15 months). Seek gum disease treatment sooner rather than later to prevent progression and permanent damage.
What is the final stage of gum disease?
The final stage of gum disease is advanced periodontitis. At this stage, the disease cannot be reversed. Patients often lose teeth, or teeth loosen and break away from the gums, once they reach this stage. This stage may also cause damage to the jawbone.
Can you reverse stage 3 gum disease?
Stage three periodontitis is not reversible. At this stage, we use treatment to prevent the infection from worsening. However, we cannot reverse prior damage.
When is it too late for gum grafting?
In severe cases, gum grafting may be too late. This may happen if your gums are severely damaged or receding to the point that your tooth’s root is exposed. Significant jawbone loss may also occur at this point, in which case gum grafting will not benefit the patient.
Are electric toothbrushes better for periodontal disease?
Electric toothbrushes are recommended for patients with periodontal disease. In general, electric toothbrushes offer more than manual toothbrushes because they provide added power and are safer for gums and tooth enamel. They also include a timer to ensure patients brush for a full two minutes.
Take the First Step Toward Healthier Gums in Hunt Valley, MD
Don’t ignore bleeding, swollen, or receding gums. Periodontal disease won’t resolve on its own, and early treatment can prevent tooth loss and protect your overall health. Dr. Roham Rafat specializes in periodontics and perio-prosthodontics and serves patients in Hunt Valley, Cockeysville, Timonium, Sparks, Phoenix, Lutherville, and throughout Baltimore County.
Whether you need a deep cleaning (scaling and root planing), Arestin® antibiotic therapy, laser gum disease treatment, or surgical gum procedures, Dr. Rafat has the advanced training and experience to help you regain healthy gums and a confident smile.
Call our Cockeysville office today at 443-733-6613 or request an appointment online. New patients are always welcome, and we accept most PPO dental insurance plans. Ask about our KLEER membership plan for uninsured patients and CareCredit financing options.
Your gums are the foundation of your smile. Let us help you protect them.