Gum Disease Treatment
Periodontal (gum) disease is an infection of the tissues that hold your teeth in place. It's typically caused by poor brushing and flossing habits that allow plaque to build up on the teeth and harden. At Liberty Dental Arts, we offer comprehensive gum disease treatment to restore your oral health.
Benefits
Prevent tooth loss due to advanced gum disease
Reduce bad breath caused by bacteria in the mouth
Eliminate red, swollen, and bleeding gums
Stop the progression of gum recession
Lower risk of systemic health issues linked to gum disease
Restore healthy gum tissue and overall oral health
Procedure Details
Scaling and Root Planing
This deep cleaning procedure removes plaque and tartar from below the gumline (scaling) and smooths the tooth root to help the gums reattach to the teeth (root planing). This is often the first line of treatment for gum disease.
Antibiotic Therapy
We may recommend topical or oral antibiotics to help control bacterial infection. Topical antibiotics can include antibiotic mouth rinses, or insertion of antibiotic fibers into the periodontal pockets after scaling and root planing.
Surgical Treatments
For advanced periodontal disease, surgical options may be necessary. These can include flap surgery to reduce periodontal pockets, bone grafts to replace bone destroyed by gum disease, soft tissue grafts to reinforce thin gums or fill in places where gums have receded, and guided tissue regeneration to stimulate bone and gum tissue growth.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the symptoms of gum disease?
Common symptoms include red, swollen, or tender gums; bleeding while brushing or flossing; receding gums; persistent bad breath; loose teeth; and changes in how your teeth fit together when you bite. However, gum disease can be present with no obvious symptoms, which is why regular dental check-ups are essential.
Is gum disease treatment painful?
Most periodontal treatments are less uncomfortable than you might expect. We use local anesthesia for procedures like scaling and root planing to minimize discomfort. Post-treatment sensitivity is normal but typically resolves within days.
How can I prevent gum disease from recurring?
After treatment, maintaining good oral hygiene is crucial: brush at least twice a day, floss daily, use an antimicrobial mouth rinse, and visit us for regular professional cleanings and check-ups. We'll recommend a maintenance schedule based on your individual needs, which may involve more frequent cleanings than the standard twice a year.