Periodontal Gum Treatment

Keep your gums healthy and free of periodontal disease

We are proud to offer Periodontal Gum Treatment

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.

Learn More About Our Truly Smile Periodontal Plan!

Includes four (4) annual deep periodontal cleanings for only $799. No Insurance, no problem!

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Delving Deeper into Dental Cleaning: When a Standard Cleaning Isn't Enough

While regular dental cleanings are crucial for maintaining good oral health, there are instances when a standard cleaning by a dental hygienist falls short. If bacteria infiltrate below your gumline, a deep dental cleaning, also known as scaling and root planing, becomes necessary to restore your gums to health.

Distinguishing Deep Dental Cleaning from a Routine Cleaning

Routine dental cleanings focus primarily on the teeth's surfaces above and at the gumline. These non-invasive procedures are recommended every six months for most patients and play a vital role in maintaining good oral hygiene. In contrast, deep dental cleaning employs specialized techniques to remove plaque, tartar, and bacteria from below the gumline down to the tooth roots. This procedure aims to prevent gum disease progression and avert tooth loss. Essentially, routine cleanings serve as preventative maintenance, while deep dental cleanings focus on halting the advancement of gum disease.

Identifying the Need for Deep Dental Cleaning

Deep cleaning isn't required for every patient. However, for individuals with gingivitis (the initial stage of gum disease) or more severe gum disease cases, deep cleaning may be necessary to prevent tooth loss and halt further damage.

Gum disease doesn't always manifest with pain or visible symptoms, making it challenging to determine when deep cleaning is needed. Nevertheless, some warning signs to watch out for include:

Persistent bad breath or taste
Loose or separating permanent teeth
Gums that bleed easily
Swollen, red, or tender gums
Gums that have receded from the teeth

During your regular checkup, your dentist can also diagnose the problem by using a probe to measure any pockets that have formed in the gums. Additionally, they may take X-rays to assess bone loss. If pockets are too deep to be treated with a standard cleaning and proper at-home care, deep cleaning is necessary to eliminate infection and promote healing. The extent of scaling and root planing may range from a few specific areas to a more widespread treatment.

What to Expect During Deep Dental Cleaning

Scaling involves using a hand-held dental scaler to manually remove plaque from the teeth above and below the gumline. An ultrasonic tool with a vibrating metal tip and a water spray may also be employed to dislodge tartar. Root planing, a more gentle rubbing motion, smoothes rough spots on the tooth roots, making it more difficult for bacteria to adhere to them in the future. In some cases, an antibiotic gel is applied to the teeth during cleaning to eliminate hard-to-reach bacteria. Alternatively, oral antibiotics or a special antibiotic mouth rinse may be prescribed. Unlike routine dental cleanings, deep cleaning requires two appointments, allowing for half of the mouth to be treated at each visit.

Managing Discomfort During and After Deep Dental Cleaning

Scaling and root planing can cause some discomfort, prompting the use of a local anesthetic to numb the gums during the procedure. Afterward, your gums may be slightly tender and may bleed slightly when you brush your teeth for the first few days following the procedure. Additionally, your teeth may be sensitive to hot or cold for the first few days following treatment. In rare instances, it may take several weeks for all sensitivity to subside. Your dentist may recommend a mouth rinse or an over-the-counter pain reliever. Desensitizing toothpaste can also help alleviate sensitivity.

Post-Procedure Care and Long-Term Outcomes

Following deep cleaning, you will receive personalized home care instructions tailored to your specific situation. A follow-up appointment is typically scheduled 4-6 weeks later to evaluate your healing progress. We may also recommend more frequent regular cleanings for a specified period to prevent new infections and promote healing. Throughout this period, your dentist will continue to monitor your gum pockets to ensure improvement. Most patients respond favorably to deep cleaning, and with proper aftercare, experience rapid improvement in their gum health. Over time, gum pockets shrink, and your gums regain their health.

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