Gum Disease Treatment Big Pine Key

What Is Gum Disease?

Gum disease is essentially an infection of the soft tissue that surrounds the base of the teeth. In its early stages, it is known as gingivitis, which is characterized by mild symptoms and does not cause any permanent damage. As it progresses, it turns into periodontitis, which is a leading cause of tooth loss among adults. It is also associated with an increased risk of numerous systemic health conditions, such as heart attack and stroke.

Symptoms of Gum Disease

Gum disease can cause a range of symptoms. With gingivitis, you might notice:

• Stubborn bad breath
• Swollen and red gums
• Gums that bleed easily when you floss or brush
• Minor gum recession

Periodontitis can cause similar symptoms to gingivitis, but it is more severe in nature. Some additional signs that may occur include:

• Loose teeth
• Tooth loss
• Severe gum recession
• Changes in your bite
• Changes in the way restorations, such as dentures, fit

How Do We Treat Gum Disease?

When you visit us for a gum health evaluation, we will determine how far your gum disease has progressed and then make a custom treatment recommendation. Some mild cases can be addressed via at-home oral hygiene. If your condition is more advanced, you may need professional therapy, such as one of the following:

All-Natural Tooth & Gum Tonic Therapy

On top of your scaling and root planing treatment, our dental office utilizes an oral rinse containing strong antibacterial benefits. This treatment is designed to target the hard-to-reach areas of the gums where infection is present and promote healing in those areas. It is most effective in the deep pockets that form between teeth and gums as a result of gum disease. During your follow-up treatments for gum therapy, which are needed every three to four months, we will closely examine your gum tissue and confirm that antibiotic therapy is working as prescribed.

Scaling & Root Planing

In order to address the symptoms of gum disease and prevent future infection, scaling and root planing may be necessary. Scaling is the process of removing plaque and tartar from both above and below the gumline. Root planing promotes the reattachment of tooth roots to teeth, which helps reduce the gum recession and sensitivity caused by gum disease. To perform these treatments, we use a portable, handheld, soft tissue diode laser to precisely remove infected gum tissue and harmful plaque.

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Do I Need Scaling & Root Planing?

Scaling and root planing is not necessarily needed for every case of gum disease. In some instances, increased oral hygiene efforts at home are enough to eliminate harmful bacteria and prevent the disease from spreading. However, in more advanced stages, gum disease bacteria are often hidden where a simple toothbrush can’t reach them. That’s when you’re likely to need scaling and root planing.

This also means that best way to know which treatment plan is right for you is to have Dr. Mazor take a closer look at your gums. During a thorough oral exam, he’ll be able to determine how advanced your gum disease is and what might be the best way to eliminate it.

The Process of Scaling & Root Planing

We’ll begin your treatment by “scaling” your teeth and gums. Similar to a more routine cleaning, the goal is to remove plaque and tartar buildup from the affected area. What will be a bit different is that we’ll also target harmful bacteria located below your gumline, and will use a gentle laser to safely remove any infected tissue.

During “root planing,” our team will massage your gums, which encourages the tissue and dental roots to reattach to your tooth. This helps to seal empty pockets left behind by removed bacteria and will make it less likely for the area to become reinfected.  

Aftercare Tips for Scaling & Root Planing

Your gums and teeth might be sore after your scaling and root planing treatment, but this discomfort can usually be alleviated with over-the-counter pain relievers. Please take them as needed so you can focus on taking care of your smile. It’s important to continue brushing your teeth twice per day and flossing once daily, though you can clean more carefully around your treated gums. Finally, rinse your mouth with a salt-water mixture at least once per day. Salt has antibacterial properties and will promote the healing process.