Periodontal Gum Treatment

Keep your gums healthy and free of periodontal disease

Gum Treatment

Have you noticed that your gums are swollen, red, or tender? Do your gums bleed easily, such as when you floss and brush your teeth? If so, you may suffer from periodontal disease. Periodontal disease, which is also known as gum disease, is a condition that affects the gum tissues and can cause serious problems for your entire smile. Gum disease is caused by bacteria in plaque and tartar; when plaque and tartar build up on the teeth, the bacteria inflame and irritate the gum tissues. If this condition is not treated, it can lead to a receding gum line, bone loss, and tooth loss. In addition, research has shown that untreated periodontal disease is connected to several health complications, including:

Heart disease
Stroke
Diabetes
High blood pressure
Pregnancy complications
Respiratory conditions

If you suffer from gum disease our dentists and dental team will do all we can to restore the health of your smile. We offer a number of periodontal treatments, including scaling and root planing (deep cleaning treatments). If you believe that you may have gum disease, we encourage you to contact us as soon as possible to schedule your visit. We are dedicated to helping you keep your smile healthy.

What is the difference between a routine cleaning and a dental deep cleaning?

Teeth above the gum line are the focus on routine dental cleanings. Most patients should have these non-invasive cleanings every six months, and they are essential for excellent oral health. Scaling and root planing, also known as dental deep cleaning, uses specialized procedures to remove plaque, tartar, and bacteria below the gum line and down to your tooth roots. This stops gum disease from spreading and leading to tooth loss. A regular cleaning's purpose is preventative maintenance, while a deep teeth cleaning's goal is to halt the advancement of gum disease.

What are the signs that I need a deep dental cleaning?

For certain patients, deep cleaning isn't necessary. Deep cleaning may be required for patients with gingivitis (the early stage of gum disease) or a more severe case of gum disease to prevent tooth loss and stop additional damage.

What exactly is a deep cleaning?

Scaling is a procedure in which your periodontist manually scrapes plaque from your teeth above and below the gum line with a hand-held dental scaler. They may also use a water spray and an ultrasonic tool with a vibrating metal tip to remove tartar. Root planing is a rubbing action that is used to smooth rough places on the roots of your teeth, making it more difficult for bacteria to adhere to them in the future. To destroy hard-to-reach germs, an antibiotic gel is sometimes given to the teeth during the cleaning; other times, oral medicine or a specific antibiotic mouth rinse may be prescribed. This treatment, unlike conventional dental cleanings, involves two appointments, allowing us to treat half of your mouth at each visit.

Is a thorough cleaning necessary?

Because scaling and planing might be painful, a local anesthetic will be given to numb your gums during the procedure. For the first few days after the operation, your gums might be slightly painful and may bleed a little when you clean your teeth. During the first few days after treatment, your teeth may be sensitive to hot and cold. It may take a few weeks for all sensitivity to diminish in some instances. A mouth rinse or over-the-counter pain reliever, as well as desensitizing toothpaste, can be recommended by your dentist.

What happens after the procedure has been completed?

Following a comprehensive cleaning, you will be given home care recommendations tailored to your specific needs. A follow-up appointment will most likely be made 4-6 weeks later to confirm that you are healing properly. For a set amount of time, we may also recommend more frequent routine cleanings. This will help to avoid new infections and speed up the healing process. Your pocketing will be measured again to ensure that your gums are improving. Most patients respond favorably to deep cleaning and show quick improvement in their gum health with proper aftercare. Pockets will be reduced over time, and your gums will be healed.

For more information on gum disease treatment, please contact us and schedule your appointment