One of the things we routinely check for is periodontal disease, also known as gum disease. We check that each in every appointment. Our hygienists check for, they take measurements around the gums to see where the bone level versus the top of the gums are and they record that in their charts, to see if there’s inflammation present. If there is, we try to address the root cause and get it remedied. And then we try not to let the gum disease get out of control. Again, regular care and periodontal care, we can supervise that and manage it. Most of our patients have outstanding success with the resolution of gum disease. The worst thing we can do is just not treat it at all or not seek regular care with it because it will get worse pretty rapidly in most cases and then the tooth is lost and it leads to other more difficult issues.
We’ll Eliminate Infection With a Deep Cleaning Procedure
Of course, the best way to treat gum disease is to prevent it from occurring. So Dr. Parker and the team at River Oaks Dental Care take time during your dental appointments to educate you about gum disease and the oral health practices that will help you avoid it. We also have thorough examinations, which may include saliva testing, to spot the disease as early as possible.
If you do develop periodontal disease, we will eliminate it with a deep cleaning process called scaling and root planing:
- After numbing your mouth with a local anesthetic, we’ll remove bacteria-filled plaque from around and under your gumline (scaling).
- We’ll then smooth the rough areas on your tooth roots to get rid of even more disease-causing bacteria. This also makes the area conducive to new gum growth, a necessary part of the healing process.
If you’re concerned about discomfort, you can get laughing gas (nitrous oxide), which will keep you relaxed throughout the procedure. Dr. Parker may also prescribe an antibiotic to help eliminate the bacterial infection.
Spot the Symptoms of Gum Disease to Avoid Future Problems
While gum disease is often hard to spot, especially in its early stages, there are symptoms you may notice at home. They include:
- Tender gums
- Swollen, inflamed gums
- Chronic bad breath
- Gums that easily bleed when brushing
If you experience any of these symptoms between dental exams, give us a call. However, it’s possible to have gum disease with no obvious signs. That is why it’s so important to visit us for regular checkups. Symptoms become more serious and increase your risk of losing teeth if the disease progresses.
Call 256-274-8680 for nonsurgical gum disease treatment in Decatur. You can also schedule online. We’re located near Decatur Mall.