Gum disease treatment depends on how advanced it is. Our experienced hygienist will evaluate your needs and explain her findings and what treatment she recommends.
Gingivitis Treatment
Gingivitis is the early stage of gum disease. Its symptoms include bleeding gums when you brush, inflamed or swollen gums, and chronic bad breath.
At this stage, gingivitis is reversible because the infection is only affecting the gum tissue. Gingivitis treatment involves a thorough dental cleaning to remove bacteria-filled plaque that causes inflammation.
During your cleaning, our hygienist will also note any areas you’re missing with your brush and floss and give tips for improving your at-home oral hygiene.
Periodontitis Treatment
The advanced stage of gum disease is called periodontitis, which occurs when gingivitis is not treated. Periodontitis affects the gums, bone, tissue, and ligaments that hold teeth in place. The damage that periodontitis does is not reversible. However, we can manage the disease and prevent it from progressing to the point of tooth loss.
Treatment for periodontitis is called scaling and root planing (SRP), also known as deep cleaning. SRP is an in-depth cleaning that removes plaque and bacteria above and below the gumline. We perform SRP over several appointments to ensure your comfort.
Periodontitis treatment is not a one-time thing. We need to monitor it on an ongoing basis to prevent it from advancing and ultimately leading to tooth loss.
Do You Have Signs of Gum Disease?
The key to avoiding the dangers of gum disease is brushing twice daily, flossing once, and scheduling professional teeth cleanings twice a year.
If you have signs of gingivitis, like gums that bleed when you brush, please call Russell Dental to schedule an appointment.