Why Gum Disease is Damaging
If you keep an eye on the media, you have probably heard the latest information about periodontal disease and its impact on overall health. In addition to putting teeth at risk, the inflammation associated with gum disease also impacts nearly every system in the body and can lead to Heart disease, Diabetes, Low birthweight babies, Oral cancer and pancreatic cancer.
Recent studies even link periodontal disease to Alzheimer’s disease, which is why we include a periodontal health exam at each preventive dental exam. We evaluate gum health by measuring the pockets between teeth and gums.
Signs and Symptoms of Gum Disease
In between dental appointments, you can support good periodontal health at home by brushing and flossing thoroughly. If you notice any of the following changes to your oral health, please schedule a dental appointment as soon as possible.
- Bleeding or painful gums
- Gums pulling away from the teeth (recession)
- Chronic bad breath
- Mobile teeth that wiggle
- Sensitivity to teeth and gums
- Pus between the teeth and gums
Many other factors play a role in gum health. Certain medications, medical conditions, dry mouth, and diet can all impact your teeth, gums, and smile.
Gum Disease Treatment Options at Roots Dental Salem, OR
If you seek professional help early in the progression of periodontal disease, called gingivitis, we can sometimes reverse the infection altogether.
As it advances, improved home care and professional dental cleanings at Roots Dental Salem will prevent further progression and potentially protect your overall health and wellness.
Deep dental cleanings – To remove the infection, our gentle hygienists will remove tartar and bacteria from the teeth and just below the gumline.
Antibiotics – We also use localized antibiotic placement to assist with healing by placing medication in the deep pockets between the teeth and gums.
Referral to a specialist – In some cases, periodontal surgery is the only solution. We work closely with some of the finest local periodontists to improve the health and quality of life of our patients.
Whatever stage of gum disease you are facing, you can always count on the top experts from our caring team to take care of your pain. We are here to help by providing solution-oriented dentistry custom-tailored to your unique needs.
Dr. Abigail Rapchick
General Dentist
Dr. Abigail Rapchick
General Dentist
Dr. Abigail Rapchick grew up on a farm in the Finger Lakes region of New York State. Her childhood was spent outdoors, participating in 4-H and Pony Club, and working in her mothers extensive flower and vegetable gardens. She attended the University at Buffalo where she earned her Bachelors of Science in Biomedical Science, before continuing on to obtain her Doctor of Dental Surgery at UB as well. After graduating she moved to Albuquerque, NM to complete a residency in Advanced Education in General Dentistry, where she received additional training in all aspects of dentistry.
In her spare time, Abigail enjoys outdoor activities such as hiking, camping and rock climbing. She has had a blast exploring the PNW so far and is always looking for new trail recommendations! Her creative nature is expressed through trying new recipes in the kitchen, and her never-ending mixed media art projects.
Finish the sentence with Dr. Rapchick;
One new skill I would like to learn is… How to fly an airplane.
If I wasn’t a dentist I would be… A jeweler, or jewelry designer.
One place I would like to travel to someday is… New Zealand
Dr. Seth Huish
Dentist
Dr. Seth Huish
Dr. Seth Huish knew from a young age that he wanted to be a dentist after having an exceptional dental experience himself as a child. He’s used his passion for helping other people to build a patient-centered dental practice in Salem, OR that focuses on building relationships based on mutual trust and respect.
Dr. Huish received his undergraduate degree at Brigham Young University-Hawaii on the island of Oahu. Then he completed his additional dental training at the Oregon Health & Science University and continued his dental education with post-graduate studies in implantology.
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