Fraud Blocker Gum Disease Treatment at Our Fort Collins Dental Office

Gum Disease Treatment at Our Fort Collins Dental Office

Avoid Tooth Loss

Get Healthier Gums Avoid More Serious Dental Problems

Periodontitis / Gingivitis Prevention and Treatment

Gum disease (officially called “periodontal disease”) is when the gums become swollen, red, and irritated. Gum disease can be caused by a number of different things, such as poor oral hygiene, smoking, and genetics. 

Gum disease can lead to a number of different problems, including tooth loss and even heart disease. The same bacteria that cause gum disease are linked to many systemic diseases including cancer, joint/musculoskeletal health, dementia and brain health, metabolic health, and pregnancy risks.

Prevention, identification, and treatment of gum disease are essential parts of the dental services we provide at Murphy Dental in Fort Collins.

Gum Disease Symptoms

The best way to know whether or not you have gum disease is to set up an appointment with our Fort Collins Dentist, Dr. Murphy.
The following symptoms are warning signs that you may have gum disease:

Bad Breath

Bad breath isn’t uncommon for most people on occasion. However, when you have gum disease, persistent bad breath can be a sign that there is an infection present. If you can’t get rid of bad breath – even with daily brushing and flossing, it could indicate gum disease.

Bleeding and Swollen Gums

If your gums are swollen and you notice blood each time you brush your teeth – this could indicate that your gums are infected.

Gums Receding

Gums recede for a variety of reasons – including overly aggressive brushing. Gum disease attacks the gum and underlying bone. It can result in your gums receding.
There are two major stages of gum disease: gingivitis and periodontitis.

What is Gingivitis?

Gingivitis is the mildest form of gum disease. It is caused by a buildup of plaque and tartar on the teeth. Bacteria from the plaque on your teeth causes a gum infection on surrounding gums.
The result is that your gums become red and swollen, and they may bleed easily. Gingivitis may affect large portions of your gums. It is often painful, but not always. When treated gingivitis can be reversible, but if left untreated, gingivitis can progress to periodontitis.

What is Periodontitis?

Periodontitis is the more advanced version of gum disease and is characterized by a loss of bone and tissue that support the teeth. The gums may pull away from the teeth, forming pockets where bacteria can grow. The bacteria can also damage the supporting bone and tissues. Periodontitis is a non curable disease that needs to be treated and managed with dental professionals.

How is Gum Disease Treated?

If you come into our Fort Collins dental office for the treatment of your periodontal disease, we will first give you a full dental exam. We’ll look at your teeth, gums, and jaw. We’ll check for gum recession by checking your gum pockets. We also check for swollen gums that bleed easily that indicate potential infections. From this exam, we will go over the various treatment options that are available.

Scaling and Root Planing

The traditional therapy for gum disease is Scaling and Root planing is a periodontal treatment using a “deep cleaning” to remove plaque and tartar from the teeth, down to the roots. This involves us removing the plaque and tartar from your teeth (scaling).

Periodontal Laser Therapy

With the TwinLight Periodontal Laser therapy we can now offer you the most advanced solution to periodontal disease possible. Using this laser therapy the procedures are fast, simple, effective and safe. This laser treatment is less invasive than conventional treatments, minimal or no-pain after procedure, extremely effective at gum-tooth reattachment, growth of new tissue and bone regeneration, quicker recovery time, and less chance of gum disease returning.

Oral DNA - Testing with MyPerioPath

Once the disease is identified a salivary test will be used in order to detect oral pathogens that cause gum disease and threaten oral and systemic health. MyPerioPath is an extremely effective test used in diagnosing and treating periodontal disease.   Through testing your saliva, MyPerioPath detects oral infections early, allowing periodontal therapy to be tailored to meet your specific requirements as a patient.

The test also lets us know whether you may be at a higher risk for diabetes, stroke and even if you’re at an increased risk for cardiovascular disease.  After your first MyPerioPath test, you can take tests in the future at a discounted rate.  These follow on tests allow us to effectively track your progress and help us to further refine your periodontal treatment plan.

Antibiotics

If there is an infection present, treatment may involve prescribing systemic antibiotics in order to reduce the amount of pathogens that are tissue invasive causing the disease.

Gum Surgery

In more severe cases of gum disease, gum surgery may be necessary. There are multiple different types of procedures depending on the condition of your gums. Pocket reduction surgery and gum graft surgery are two of the more common periodontal surgery options and are described below:

Pocket Reduction Surgery – pocket reduction surgery is a procedure to reduce the depth of the pockets around your teeth. This is done by first folding back the gum tissue and eliminating the bacteria causing the gum disease. The gum tissue is then put back into place.

Gum Graft Surgery – As gums recede, the roots of your teeth become exposed. The roots are oftentimes sensitive and this can be quite painful. It can also lead to infection of the tooth. The gum graft surgery procedure is done to protect the roots of your teeth. A graft of healthy gum tissue is taken from another part of your mouth (oftentimes the roof of your mouth) and placed over the receding gums.

Dental Implants

In extreme cases of periodontal disease that have led to tooth loss, dental implants may be recommended to replace a missing tooth and to help prevent any additional bone loss.

Preventing Gum Disease

The most effective way to prevent gum disease is to practice good oral hygiene and get professional cleanings consistently
Proper dental care includes brushing your teeth at least twice a day, waterpiking once a day, and using a mouthwash.
You should also visit our office in Fort Collins for regular cleanings and checkups.

Our Articles About Gum Disease

As a service to our patients, we’ve created multiple articles about commonly asked periodontal disease questions below.  If you’d like to learn more about periodontal disease treatment options, contact our office.

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Gum Disease Treatment

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Current Specials & Services

New Patient Specials

$175

Comprehensive Dental Exam

- Full Mouth X-Rays
- Panoramic X-Rays
- Comprehensive Oral Exam








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$50*

Emergency Exam

Emergency Exam (Problem-Focused) and X-Ray for Diagnosis: $50.00**

(*Fee Waived with same-day treatment)





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Bleaching

Multiple Whitening Options

- Zoom!® In-Office Whitening with Take-Home Trays for $450
- Zoom!® In-Office Whitening without Take-Home Trays $350
- Take-Home Trays for $250
- GlossRay Take Home Kit for $95

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$175

CT Scan

- Lower Radiation Than X-Rays
- Better Technology Than X-Rays
- For Implants, Impacted Teeth, Surgical Procedures

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$350

In Office Bleaching

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$40*

Kids Exam

- Child Exam
- Teeth Cleaning
- X-Ray
- Fluoride

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Dental Implants

- Start to Finish
- Surgical Implant & Placement
- Abutment
- Porcelain Crown


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SureSmile Clear Aligners

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- Fabulous Smile
- Includes Whitening



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$40*

Fluoride Treatment

- With Dental Cleaning
- Limited Time Only




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Cosmetic Dentistry

Restorative Dentistry

Emergency Dentistry

Preventative Dentistry

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  • Oral Surgery

Welcome from Dr. Murphy

Dentist Dr. Michael Murphy
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About Dr. Murphy

We are excited to welcome you to Murphy Dental! Our goal is to provide excellent care and a relaxing environment for our patients. Whether you are looking for a routine checkup, cosmetic dentistry, emergency dentistry or restorative care, we can help!

We offer general dentistry, including cleanings, exams, X-rays, fillings, crowns and more. We also can provide restorative care, including endodontics, implantology and periodontics. We take pride in offering outstanding service at affordable prices.

Dr. Murphy is our Fort Collins Dentist. He is a member of the American Dental Association (ADA), the Colorado Dental Association (CDA). Our Fort Collins dental practice is consistently rated as a Top Dentist in 5280 Magazine thanks to Dr. Murphy and his skilled team of dental hygienists.

Contact Us

Phone:

(970) 225-8081

Address

2038 Caribou Dr. Suite 101
Fort Collins, CO 80525

Directions

We’re located on Caribou Dr just west of Timberline Ave – north of Harmony Road and South of Horsetooth Road. For full directions click here.
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