Gum Disease Treatment – Flower Mound, TX

What is Gum Disease?

This is a kind of infection that targets the gum line and the connective tissues that hold your teeth in place. In the majority of cases, it can arise due to poor oral hygiene and the accumulation of bacteria, plaque, and tartar. Other things that can contribute to the risk of gum disease include tobacco use, immune-compromising conditions, medications, hormonal changes due to pregnancy, and genetic factors. If left unchecked, it can lead to permanent damage to the gums, tooth loss, and more serious health risks that can spread throughout the body via the bloodstream.

Gum disease typically has two stages: gingivitis and periodontitis. The former can generally be avoided and treated by improving your everyday teeth cleaning as well as visiting your dentist for checkups and cleanings. Periodontitis, however, is more advanced and can usually only be managed to prevent the spread of infection.

Symptoms of Gum Disease

Being able to notice the indications of periodontal disease can help you determine the next best steps to take. Don’t hesitate to visit our team for help if you notice any of the following symptoms:

Gingivitis:

• Red and/or inflamed gums
• Gum recession
• Bleeding when brushing and/or flossing
• Tender gum line
• Halitosis (bad breath)

Periodontitis:

• Pain or discomfort while chewing
• Tooth sensitivity
• Loose teeth
• Changes in your bite
• Tooth loss

How Do We Treat Gum Disease?

Our team will have to thoroughly assess your situation to determine the most viable approach for addressing your condition. Your treatment will generally depend on the severity of your gum disease and symptoms. Once we’ve walked you through our evaluation of your mouth, we’ll then review the different types of treatments we can provide that can help you regain a healthy and comfortable smile.

Scaling & Root Planing

Scaling and root planing is a two-step process that takes place between one and two visits to our dental office. First, our team will clear all plaque and tartar from the surface of your teeth, as far down as the pockets of your gums. Then, Dr. Barge will smooth out the surface of your roots, clearing away any spots of hardened bacteria. This will allow your gum tissue to healthily reattach and provide the roots with the necessary protection to prevent additional damage.

Do I Need Scaling & Root Planing?

While gum disease can become a more serious situation if left untreated, it is also possible to reverse the problem in the early stages. In many cases, patients can address the issue by adjusting their brushing and flossing habits. But if the situation starts to worsen, our team might suggest scaling and root planing as the most viable option.

Some of the indications that you may need this procedure include:

• Swelling or redness in the gums
• Bleeding gums while brushing
• Gum recession
• Chronic halitosis (bad breath)
• Noticeable plaque along the gum line

The Process of Scaling & Root Planing

This treatment usually involves multiple visits to our office where we will perform separate parts of the process. After our team has thoroughly evaluated your oral health and determined that this procedure will be the best option for you, we can begin with scaling. This process utilizes an ultrasonic scaler to effectively remove plaque and tartar that’s accumulated around your gums and teeth, especially below the gum line. We’ll also clean the gum pockets before sending you on your way home to heal.

During your second appointment, we’ll move forward with root planing. This phase involves smoothing out the tooth roots so that it’s both more difficult for bacteria to settle and more unlikely for future infections to occur. This will also allow your gum tissue to attach to your teeth more easily. Of course, our team will administer local anesthesia beforehand, that way you can undergo the procedure without feeling any pain or discomfort.

Aftercare Tips for Scaling & Root Planing

Once you’ve undergone scaling and root planing, it might take a few weeks for your gum line to completely heal. To help reduce discomfort and make your recovery go smoother, you should consider the following tips:

• Brush and floss daily
• Avoid acidic, hot, spicy, and cold foods
• Rinse your mouth regularly with warm salt water
• Stick with softer foods for at least 48 hours after your treatment

Periogard Antibiotic Therapy

In addition to scaling and root planing, we also typically recommend antibiotic therapy. We don’t prescribe pills—instead, we use Periogard, which is a germicidal mouthwash that targets where the infection originates. It’s important to use it exactly as prescribed and follow Dr. Barge’s instructions or the instructions on the packaging. If necessary, we may schedule a follow-up appointment to make sure that you continue seeing improvement in your symptoms.

Laser Periodontal Treatment

Our team can use an advanced soft tissue laser that is designed to more effectively remove bacteria from your gums. This is usually done along with other services, such as scaling and root planing, to help make the process smoother. Additionally, laser periodontal treatment can typically make the procedure much more comfortable by minimizing bleeding, as we likely won’t need to use scalpels or sutures. It can even improve your recovery process.