Gum Disease

Gum Disease − Lake Orion & Washington MI

Periodontal disease, commonly called gum disease, can lead to more than just an unsightly smile—it can cause loss of teeth & eventually, if left untreated, other more serious health problems.

If you have been diagnosed with periodontal disease, we will recommend that you come in for a deep cleaning. While it may sound like just a more intense teeth cleaning, deep cleanings are actually the gold standard of treatment for patients diagnosed with gum disease. This procedure is also sometimes referred to as “scaling & root planing” or “periodontal therapy”.

In periodontal disease, swollen unhealthy gums start to pull away from the teeth because of pockets where infection-causing plaque & tartar accumulate. During a deep cleaning, the dentist or hygienist removes plaque, tartar & bacteria from the surfaces of your teeth & tooth roots. The dentist or hygienist then smoothes the surface of the tooth root to make it harder for bacteria to stick in the future & easier for the gums to re-attach. 

What Is Gum Disease?

Called gingivitis in its early stages, periodontal disease is caused by excessive toxic bacteria (found in plaque) that attack your mouth’s soft tissues. Early warning signs of this disease include red, swollen or bleeding gums. If caught early, we can help you reverse the damage. If detected late, we can use one of the many effective restorative dentistry procedures to restore your mouth to its healthy & beautiful state. We can help you keep your teeth & gums strong & disease-free with regular examinations & cleanings plus specialized interventions to treat periodontal disease if needed. 

Benefits of Deep Cleanings

While deep cleanings cannot cure periodontal disease, it can slow or stop its progression. Deep cleanings can reduce the need for surgical intervention in the future & often helps swollen bleeding gums become healthy & pink again.

If you have gum disease, we may recommend that deep cleanings, along with periodontal maintenance checkups, become part of your routine dental visits. 

Overview of Periodontal Treatments

Management of periodontal disease also involves a variety of other treatments in addition to deep cleanings. Periodontal therapy involves the enhancement of the gum tissue that holds your teeth in place. Diseased tissue must be replaced with healthy tissue whenever possible. If gum disease has caused severe gum recession, gum grafting may be necessary to move gum tissue back into place so that tooth roots are no longer exposed. We will also tackle the bacterial infection in your tissues directly by applying topical antibacterial or antibiotic solutions, either on their own or in conjunction with the treatment already mentioned.

Patients with very advanced or complicated periodontal disease may need to see a specialist. A periodontist is a dentist who works almost exclusively in the treatment of gingivitis, periodontal disease, & other afflictions of the mouth’s soft tissues. A periodontist is a fully trained dentist who completes additional specialized training in the field of periodontics after completing a general dental degree. While all dentists are trained to treat periodontal disease, this additional training makes a periodontist an expert in gum disease, its risk factors, & the symptoms & conditions that come with this dental disease. If you have been diagnosed with advanced gum disease, a periodontist may become a central part of your routine dental care & will work with us to create a treatment plan to keep your condition from getting worse. 

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“I recently moved to the area and had not been to the dentist in over 4 years. I was obviously nervous but the team at Orion Lakes Family Dentistry did everything they could to make me calm and help me. They didn't judge when I told them how long it had been and they helped me get the care I needed. So far I had a root canal, after my initial exam, and it was painless and fast! I would recommend Orion Lakes Family Dentistry to anyone looking for a new dentist!”

- Chris H.

“Going to the dentist always makes me feel a little anxious and my last visit was not great. That wasn’t the case here. Both Ms. Debbie and Dr. Harris made me feel relaxed and provided me with more ...”

- Joel M.

“After years of neglecting going to the dentist they made me feel really comfortable. The staff is absolutely amazing. You’re instantly welcomed when you come in. The dentists are informative, friendly ...”

- Chuck J

“If I could give this office more stars I would! From the moment I walked in the door I felt like family. Greeted by everyone with a warm smile and kind words. Very efficient staff got me back before my appointment time. Lisa did my cleaning and was absolutely fantastic! Thorough, knowledgeable, kind, caring and quick. Being my first time there, it far exceeded my expectations. Dr. Witer was wonderful and he has organized an amazing support staff! Highly recommend this office.”

- Joie M.

“Best dentist and staff around! My husband and I started going here when we moved out this way and couldn't be happier. Dr. Witer has an awesome personality and is always asking how the family is doing. He remembers my husband's name and my kids name. We eventually switched my daughter over to him as well because she wasn't a big fan of her other dentist which was actually for kids with tvs on the ceiling to watch cartoons and all that, though I knew when she met Dr. Witer she would love him because of his personality and she did. She is very picky when it comes to doctors, teachers and etc so it's always nice finding a person she loves seeing.”

- Ashley M.
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Lake Orion & Washington, MI

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Lake Orion, MI

Phone

Address

Working Hours

Monday

9AM - 5PM

Tuesday

9AM - 6PM

Wednesday

9AM - 5PM

Thursday

9AM - 5PM

Friday

9AM - 1PM

Saturday

8AM - 1PM

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Washington, MI

Phone

Address

Working Hours

Monday

9AM - 5PM

Tuesday

9AM - 6PM

Wednesday

9:30AM - 5PM

Thursday

9AM - 5PM

Friday

9AM - 2PM

Saturday

9AM - 1PM

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