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William T. Harris, Jr., D.D.S. & David E. Reynolds, D.D.S. 9801 Stagecoach Road, Little Rock, AR 72210 CALL TODAY! (501) 455-6100
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Periodontal (Gum) Disease This single disease is responsible for 70% of all losses of permanent teeth and afflicts as many as nine in 10 adults at some point in their lives. The good news is that gum disease is treatable, even in the advanced stages. If your gums are puffy or bleed after you brush, gingivitis may be the culprit. Any bleeding from your gums should be a red flag. Make sure you’re doing a thorough, but gentle, job of brushing and flossing. If bleeding persists, don’t wait for your scheduled check-up – come in for an evaluation. Plaque build-up causes superficial inflammation of the gums. If plaque isn’t removed, the sensitive gum tissues react as they might to a splinter – by drawing away. This creates “pockets” where bacteria lodge and begin to erode the tissue that connect gums and teeth. If periodontal disease isn’t checked, the pockets deepen. Eventually, the bone around the roots is destroyed – and the affected teeth follow. The course of gum disease proceeds in spurts of activity over time. In Type I cases – gingivitis – we find the gums inflamed or swollen. The crevice or pocket between the tooth and gum has deepened to about 4 mm, indicating early detachment of the supporting gum tissue. But the bone is still in good shape. As pockets deepen to 4-6 mm, or Type II cases, the condition is on its way to early or moderate periodontitis. Gum inflammation extends to the bone beneath, which begins to erode. In Types III and IV periodontitis, we’re racing with the clock. Pockets deepen further still, and teeth begin to loosen and move. At this point, without surgical intervention, the teeth are basically history. But there is a bright side! Every day, dental science is finding new ways to solve this problem. Since every stage of the disease can be treated, our practice has helped many patients save their teeth and bring their gum tissue back to health and vitality. So, if you suspect gum disease is at work in your mouth, call immediately and let us help you get back on track to a healthy smile. Call us today at (501) 455-6100 for more information about gum disease or click here to request an appointment!
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Home l About Us l Our Services l New Patients l Smile Gallery l Patient Education l Appointment Request l Contact Us
9801 Stagecoach Road - Little Rock, AR 72210 - Phone (501) 455-6100 - Fax (501) 455-6103 ©2008 Harris & Reynolds Family Dental
Dr. William T. Harris, Jr. and Dr. David E. Reynolds are Little Rock dentists with Harris & Reynolds Family Dental. Services provided by Harris & Reynolds Family Dental include tooth whitening, veneers, implants and Invisalign orthodontics, as well as a full spectrum of dental care. Proudly serving the areas of Otter Creek, Little Rock, West Little Rock, Bryant, Benton, Maumelle, Alexander, East End and other surrounding Little Rock communities. |
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