Gum Disease Treatment – Fort Worth, TX
Curbing the Impact of Gum Disease
Cavities aren't the only threat to your dental health. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, at least 50% of adults have a form of gum disease. It's a leading cause of tooth loss and can affect your general wellness negatively. We offer effective solutions to stop the infection in its tracks. We can restore a healthy smile with gum disease treatment.
Why Choose Karen Neil Fort Worth Dentistry for Gum Disease Treatment?
- Friendly & Experienced Dentist
- Patient-Centered Dental Care
- Dental Sedation Available
What is Gum Disease?
Gum disease is a preventable infection that's most often caused by poor oral hygiene. A toothbrush can't reach everywhere in your mouth, allowing plaque and tartar to accumulate, which harbors harmful oral bacteria. The gums can become inflamed and may bleed easily with brushing and flossing. With no treatment, the infection can destroy the supporting structures of your teeth. Research has shown that bacteria from the infection may also enter your bloodstream, increasing your risk of several health concerns, including Alzheimer's disease, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and preterm delivery.
Symptoms of Gum Disease
Symptoms of gum disease can be subtle and can appear in many ways. The most common signs of gum disease include:
- Red and inflamed gums
- Gums that bleed easily
- Gum recession
- Chronic bad breath
- Pus near the gum line
- Tooth sensitivity
- Shifting teeth
- Bad taste in the mouth
How Do We Treat Gum Disease?
No two situations are identical. Your dentist will examine your mouth to create a personalized strategy to restore your gum health using one or more treatments, which may include:
Scaling & Root Planing
Early signs of gum disease can be notoriously tricky to spot, which often allows the condition to progress to the following stages before it’s caught. If you have worsening periodontal problems, you may need scaling and root planing to keep the advanced stage at bay. This two-part procedure clears plaque from your gumline and encourages the tissue to reattach to your enamel if they’ve receded.
Continue reading to learn more about how Dr. Neil can address your gum disease with scaling and root planing, and feel free to contact us with additional questions.
Do I Need Scaling & Root Planing?
If you’ve noticed that your gums look darker or puffier than usual or that you have bleeding or oozing when you brush and floss, you may have developed gum disease. Gingivitis, the earliest stage, can sometimes be reversed with a more diligent at-home dental hygiene routine. Consistently clearing away plaque buildup from your teeth and along your gumline can often halt periodontal problems in their tracks.
However, if the disease has already progressed, professional intervention is required to address it effectively. Scaling and root planing allows our team to remove harmful tartar formations for a deep clean.
The Process of Scaling & Root Planing
Although it might vary somewhat based on your unique circumstances, typically, this treatment necessitates two separate visits. At your first appointment, we’ll use special dental instruments, like a scaler, to gently scrape away any plaque from the surface of your teeth. We will also carefully reach into the pockets of your gums to ensure that no residue is left beneath the surface.
During your second appointment, we’ll smooth the roots of your teeth to discourage bacteria from clinging to the surface. This step also helps your connective tissue to reattach to your enamel to prevent it from receding.
Aftercare Tips for Scaling & Root Planing
It’s natural to experience some sensitivity or mild to moderate aches after undergoing this thorough cleaning process. The following after-care tips can help you recover as quickly and efficiently as possible:
- Rinse with warm saltwater to naturally disinfect and soothe inflammation or irritation. Mix ¼ teaspoon of salt with about 8 ounces of water and stir until the solution is dissolved. Then gently rinse it around your mouth and spit it out. Repeat until your glass is empty.
- Switch to a soft-bristled toothbrush so that you don’t exacerbate your already sore gums when you clean your teeth. Also, try gently scrubbing in a circular motion instead of back and forth to avoid worsening discomfort.
- Avoid overly hot, spicy, or acidic food and drinks (and alcohol) that can trigger additional aches.
- Quit smoking or chewing tobacco; the nicotine restricts your blood flow, which can slow the healing process.
- Stick to a soft diet for the first 48 hours following your procedure.
- Get plenty of rest and steer clear of strenuous activities that elevate your heartrate or blood pressure.
Antibiotic Treatment
In combination with scaling and root planing, you may benefit from antibiotic therapy. Your dentist may prescribe an antibiotic mouthwash or a pill that you’ll take daily to minimize oral bacteria in your mouth. After a week or so, your dentist may ask you to come back in for a follow-up to make sure the infection is being resolved.
With changes to your home oral hygiene habits and more frequent cleanings and checkups, you can prevent the infection from recurring. If you have symptoms of gum disease, do not wait to see a dentist. Request an appointment through our website or call our office at (817) 663-1588.