Do your gums bleed a lot when you brush your teeth? Have you noticed pockets forming between your teeth and gums? You may be suffering from gum disease. The sooner you seek treatment for gum disease, the easier it is to get under control. Luckily, Smiles Dental has treatment options for all stages of periodontal disease!
What Is Gum Disease?
Gum disease is an oral infection that targets the gums. It forms when plaque and tartar build up on teeth and the harmful bacteria start attacking the gums. Gum disease starts off as gingivitis and progresses to periodontitis if left untreated. Some signs of gum disease include:
- Bad Breath
- Loose Teeth
- Pockets Forming Between Teeth & Gums
- Swollen & Bleeding Gums
- White Spots on Gums
Treatments for Gum Disease
ARESTIN®
ARESTIN is an antibiotic used to treat mild cases of gingivitis. After a dental cleaning, it is placed in the pockets between the teeth and gumline to kill off the bacteria and help reduce pocket size.
Scaling and Root Planing
This treatment is most commonly used to combat milder forms of gum disease. Scaling and root planing is essentially a very deep cleaning of the teeth and gums followed by a recontouring of the gumline. During a scaling and root planing treatment, the hygienist will start by removing all of the plaque and tartar buildup at and below the gumline. After removing all of the harmful bacteria, your hygienist will begin reshaping your gums to encourage them to reattach to your teeth. This helps reduce pocket size and prevent bacteria from gathering.
Laser Gum Therapy
For advanced periodontitis, scaling and root planing isn’t enough to get rid of the gum disease. Laser therapy gently removes diseased gum tissue and harmful bacteria by using state-of-the-art dental lasers. The lasers promote gum regrowth and regeneration to help patients get their oral health back on track after treatment.
Schedule Your Consultation
Do you have any signs of gum disease? Please contact our office to book your consultation and get started on a personalized treatment plan as soon as possible! Regular dental exams and cleanings are a good way to prevent gum disease. Our professional teams in Smiles Dental offices across the Pacific NW are ready to help you maintain optimal oral health.