Gum Disease Treatment – Lakewood, Dallas, TX
Protecting the Foundation of Your Smile
At Dental Center of Lakewood, we’re able to not just take care of your teeth, but your smile’s unsung hero as well—your gums! They provide important support and protection for your pearly whites, and without proper care at home, they can actually develop an infection that can lead to bleeding, swelling, and ultimately tooth loss. If you’re noticing that your gums feel more sensitive lately, or if you see pink in the sink whenever you brush or floss, contact us today for gum disease treatment in Lakewood, Dallas, TX. We can provide the care you need to stop these issues and avoid much more serious ones in the future.
Why Choose Dental Center of Lakewood for Gum Disease Treatment?
- Team Led by Two Dentists with Decades of Experience
- Every Patients Receives One-on-One, Undivided Attention
- A More Comfortable and Calmer Experience with Sedation
What is Gum Disease?
Gum disease is one of the most common oral health issues across the world, but the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that it impacts over half of adults in the nation. This infection targets the soft oral tissues, or the gums, causing the supportive bone and tissue that holds your teeth in place to gradually deteriorate with time, leading to severe oral health conditions like tooth loss when left untreated. Our team’s goal is to spot the early signs of gum disease and treat the condition, preserving your smile’s health and wholeness.
Symptoms of Gum Disease
There are several different symptoms associated with gum disease, depending on what stage the infection has reached. Gingivitis is the first stage of the disease and can display the following symptoms:
- Bleeding gums while brushing and flossing.
- Red, inflamed gum tissue.
- Swollen gums that look puffy.
- Tender gums that can be sensitive when eating hard foods.
- Bad breath, also referred to as halitosis.
When the infection has the opportunity to advance, it will progress into late-stage gum disease, called periodontitis. Patients with periodontitis may notice the following symptoms:
- Gum recession that causes the gums to pull away from the teeth, making them appear longer.
- Gaps form between the teeth, or small black triangles between the teeth appear.
- Chewing becomes painful or uncomfortable.
- Teeth have shifted or become loose.
- Pockets of pus have formed between the gums and teeth.
How Do We Treat Gum Disease?
At every routine checkup, Dr. Spillman and Dr. Green conduct a thorough screening for gum disease. If any signs of the condition are spotted, our dentists in Lakewood, Dallas may recommend any of the following procedures.
Antibiotic Treatment
In addition to scaling and root planing, our team may also recommend antibiotic treatment. This involves taking one pill a day for a time period determined by your dentist at Dental Center of Lakewood to help combat harmful oral bacteria. It’s important to finish the prescription as instructed to prevent antibiotic-resistant bacteria.
Laser Periodontal Treatment
A soft tissue laser can be utilized during a deep cleaning to effortlessly and precisely remove severely diseased and damaged tissues, only leaving the healthy supportive tissue behind. This will improve the chances of the healthy gum tissue reattaching to the teeth to protect the vulnerable roots of the tooth. Because our team utilizes the soft tissue laser, no scalpel or sutures will be necessary, and you can enjoy a faster, more comfortable healing period.
Scaling & Root Planing
Gum disease is treatable in its early stages and through scaling and root planing, even more severe forms of it like periodontitis can become manageable. This deep cleaning procedure aims to remove plaque and tartar from beneath your gumline, targeting hard-to-reach bacteria that cause gum inflammation. At Dental Center of Lakewood, our team uses advanced techniques to ensure that your scaling and root planing procedure is effective and comfortable, reducing the risk of further dental issues. If you’d like to know more about the process, continue reading below.
Do I Need Scaling & Root Planing?
Scaling and root planing may be recommended if you’re showing signs of gum disease, like red or swollen gums, bleeding while brushing, or persistent bad breath. These symptoms are often the first signs of gingivitis, the mildest form of gum disease. At this stage, better oral hygiene may be enough to reverse the effects, however it’s not always a guarantee.
If left untreated, gingivitis can worsen into periodontitis, leading to bone loss and, eventually, tooth loss. At your consultation, our team can assess your gums and determine if this deep cleaning is necessary to restore your oral health.
The Process of Scaling & Root Planing
The scaling and root planing procedure is performed in two stages:
- Scaling: Plaque and tartar are carefully removed from above and below the gumline, targeting hard-to-reach areas to eliminate harmful bacteria.
- Root Planing: The root surfaces are smoothed to make it harder for bacteria to reattach, allowing your gums to heal.
This procedure may require one or more appointments, depending on the severity of your issue. At our practice, Dr. Spillman and Dr. Green prioritize patient comfort and efficiency, offering options to manage discomfort during the procedure while making it as quick and effective as possible.
Aftercare Tips for Scaling & Root Planing
After scaling and root planing, it’s essential to follow a few aftercare steps to promote smooth and effective healing:
- Avoid eating hard or sticky foods for the first 48 hours after treatment. Stick to soft meals.
- Rinse gently with warm salt water to soothe any gum tenderness.
- Practice good oral hygiene, including brushing and flossing daily, to prevent bacteria buildup. However, be very gentle around your gumline until it heals.
- Avoid smoking, vaping, and alcohol for at least 72 hours after your treatment.