Gum Disease Treatment

Many patients are referred to a Periodontist by their general dentist. Together, we will develop a plan to address gum infection and restore your teeth to a healthy state.

It is important to note that gum disease is often painless, making it difficult to detect. This is why more than half of adults have some level of this chronic condition, making it a common and subtle illness among Americans. While it may seem like a minor inconvenience, gum disease can have serious consequences such as tooth loss, heart attack, stroke, and even death. At The Dental Specialty Center, we strongly recommend taking good care of your teeth to prevent gum disease. However, if it does develop, our medical intervention may be necessary to help manage it.

What To Expect At Your Periodontal Appointment

A periodontist's approach will vary for each patient, as their first appointment primarily focuses on gathering comprehensive information. This includes assessing the patient's overall medical condition as well as addressing the specific gum disease concern.

Medical History

Please remember to notify our office about any medical issues, regardless of how insignificant they may appear to you. Surprisingly, numerous diseases can be connected to your oral health. Additionally, we kindly request a comprehensive list of all medications you are taking, including oral contraceptives and antihypertensive medications. Some of these medications may impact your teeth and gums or influence your treatment plan.

Gum Disease Examination

Even if your family dentist has already conducted an evaluation, we will still perform a comprehensive examination. At your first appointment, we will get to know each other better, address any inquiries you may have, assess the required treatment, and explore the available options.

During the examination, we will assess the following:

  • the entire head, including the neck, bite, and jaw joints
  • the oral cavity and throat
  • the health of your teeth and gums
  • evidence of infection
  • progression of infection

Using X-rays, we will assess your entire oral cavity, including each tooth, the jaw, and your overall oral structure. This comprehensive evaluation enables us to develop a personalized treatment plan. We encourage our patients to ask questions to ensure clarity regarding our proposed plan.

Similar to any healthcare professional, we strongly advise smokers to quit smoking. It is crucial to understand that smoking escalates the risk of periodontal disease and exacerbates the condition if already present, resulting in accelerated tooth and bone loss. Moreover, smoking hinders the healing process, underscoring the significance of quitting, especially if gum surgery is required.

Gum Disease Treatment Plan in Falcon

Treatment plans are formulated according to your specific requirements. This may encompass:
  • Scaling and Root Planing: Our hygienist will use a system that utilizes oxygenated bubbles to eliminate debris and bacteria below the gum line. They will also manually remove any remaining infected material. Root planing will be done to smooth the roots, making it more difficult for bacteria to attach and preventing future issues.
  • Prescription mouthwash: Some patients may require a prescription mouthwash after Scaling and Root Planing, which will be provided with guidance from the dentist.
  • Gum surgery: In cases where the gum tissue is severely damaged, gum surgery can be performed to rebuild and strengthen the teeth.
The duration of appointments will depend on the seriousness of the issue and the extent of treatment required. We will provide all patients with guidance on the most effective methods to maintain gum health at home in between visits. Restoring your gums to a healthy state requires collaboration between the patient and our office.

Treating Gum Disease At Home And In-Office

You may be familiar with two main types of gum disease. The first is gingivitis, which is the mildest form, and the second is periodontal disease (also known as periodontitis), which is a more severe type of gum disease.
  • Gingivitis is also known as “early-stage" gum disease and can be identified by swollen or red gums, blood in your saliva after you brush or floss, bad breath, and receding gums. Once it progresses to the more severe stage, it becomes periodontal disease (or periodontitis).
  • Periodontitis can be identified by pain when eating (such as when you bite or chew), sensitivity or tenderness in your gums, significant gum pockets, and loose or lost teeth

To prevent gum disease, it is important to maintain a good oral hygiene routine. This includes brushing your teeth twice a day using a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste. It is recommended to brush in the morning and at night. Additionally, flossing should be done at least once a day, making sure to thoroughly clean between each tooth to remove any trapped food or plaque. Following this regimen not only prevents gum disease but can also reverse gingivitis.

However, if gum disease progresses to periodontitis, more aggressive treatment is necessary. Periodontitis is a chronic disease with no cure. While routine dental appointments for prophylactic cleanings are typically recommended every six months, individuals with periodontal disease require more frequent visits for deep cleanings known as periodontal maintenance. It is advised for patients with advanced gum disease to return to the dental office every three to four months for scaling and root planing.

Unlike a regular cleaning, scaling and root planing is a more thorough procedure. It consists of two parts. The first part involves removing hardened buildup and bacteria from the teeth through scaling. The second part is root planing, which smooths down the surface of the tooth root. This makes it more difficult for bacteria to reattach to the tooth and allows the gums to reattach, reducing the depth of gum pockets and preventing further gum recession.

Contact Us Today

Preventing and treating gum disease is a collaborative effort. It is essential for you to maintain good oral hygiene at home and make regular appointments at our office. Our role is to ensure the health of your teeth and gums during your visits and educate you on proper oral care practices. If it has been more than six months since your last dental exam or if you want to learn more about gum disease and its treatment, we invite you to visit us at The Dental Specialty Center.

New Patients & Emergency Appointments Welcome!

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719-654-0105