Gum Disease Treatment – Midlothian, TX
Treating and Healing Gum Disease
If your gums have become inflamed or bleed easily, you should be concerned. These signs could indicate you have developed gingivitis, which is the earliest form of gum disease. Eventually, it will turn into periodontitis, and your smile – and your overall health – could be at risk. Fortunately, Dr. Nguyen can thoroughly clean your mouth of harmful buildup with periodontal therapy using a holistic approach to dentistry. Contact us today to schedule an appointment if you notice something wrong with your gums and want to learn about your treatment options.
Why Choose Legacy Dentistry for Gum Disease Treatment?
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Minimally Invasive, Pain-Free
Laser Gum Therapy -
Antibacterial StellaLife®
Rinse Available -
IV Sedation
Available
What is Gum Disease?
Gum disease, also known as periodontal disease, is a widespread oral health issue that impacts nearly 50% of U.S. adults over 30, according to the CDC. It occurs when a bacterial infection in the mouth damages both gum and bone tissue. In its early stage, called gingivitis, the gums become inflamed and swollen, but at this point, the condition is often reversible with proper oral care. If left untreated, it advances to periodontitis, a more severe form that can only be controlled, not cured. Persistent poor oral hygiene is one of the leading causes of gum disease.
Symptoms of Gum Disease
During a routine checkup, our team will examine your mouth for signs of gum disease. Keep in mind that these symptoms may not be immediately noticeable, and you might not detect them on your own. However, here are a few key indicators we’ll be watching for:
- Swollen or red gums
- Gums that bleed, especially when brushing or flossing
- Teeth appearing longer (a common result of gum recession)
- Changes in how your teeth align
- Loose permanent teeth
How Do We Treat Gum Disease?
Our recommended gum disease treatment depends on the severity of your condition. During your initial appointment, we’ll assess your oral health and develop a treatment plan to restore the health of your smile. Fortunately, Legacy Dentistry offers a range of options to help manage your gum disease at any stage. Some of those include:
Scaling & Root Planing
Scaling and root planing is a two-step deep cleaning procedure that treats gum disease by removing plaque and tartar buildup from below the gum line. At Legacy Dentistry, we use this treatment to help you manage periodontal issues and restore your smile to health. This can prevent further damage to your gums to avoid pain, recession, and tooth loss. If you’re curious about how the process works, read more below.
Do I Need Scaling & Root Planing?
Mild gum issues like gingivitis don’t often need treatment beyond more frequent and thorough oral hygiene. However, once you start experiencing signs of periodontitis, scaling and root planing may be necessary. So, be on the lookout for symptoms like:
- Bleeding or swollen gums
- Persistent bad breath
- Gum recession
- Teeth that feel loose
Catching gum disease early is the best chance you have of reversing the process for clean oral health. So, don’t hesitate to reach out to us if you believe your mouth is displaying any of these signs.
The Process of Scaling & Root Planing
Scaling and root planing is a two-step procedure that is typically completed over two or more visits, depending on the complexity of your case.
- Scaling: First, plaque and tartar are carefully removed from below the gumline using a special instrument called a scaler.
- Root Planing: Next, your tooth roots are smoothed to help your gums reattach to your teeth. This has the added benefit of making it more difficult for plaque to accumulate, reducing the risk of further buildup.
Aftercare Tips for Scaling & Root Planing
The process of scaling and root planing can be tiring for your gums, so you may need some time to recover. During this time, you’ll need to take gentle care of your mouth to promote healing. Here are some steps to take:
- Brush and floss daily but be gentle around your gumline. Use circular motions with a soft-bristled toothbrush for the best results.
- Rinse with an antimicrobial mouthwash or warm salt water to help keep your gums clean.
- Avoid spicy, acidic, or sugary foods for a few days to allow your gums to heal.
StellaLife® Rinse
You need to take good care of your mouth after scaling and root planing, and to that end, we recommend you make StellaLife® Rinse a part of your daily hygiene routine. The antimicrobial properties in this product will help kill the harmful bacteria left in your mouth following periodontal therapy. This promotes healthy gums and gives you a chance to fully recover from the damage that gum disease has already inflicted on your mouth.
Laser Periodontal Therapy
With the LANAP (Laser Assisted New Attachment Procedure) protocol, your periodontal therapy will be much more comfortable and less invasive than it would be if we used traditional metal tools. With a precise Picasso+ laser, we can remove areas of infection while leaving healthy tissue alone. This innovative approach will also help your mouth heal quickly after the procedure, and you’ll see much less bleeding due to the laser sealing off any blood vessels that become exposed.
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