Gum Disease Treatment – Arvada, CO
Have Swollen or Bleeding Gums? We Can Help
Missteps in oral hygiene can easily lead to an infection of the gums, also known as gum disease. This all-too-common oral health issue can end up having serious consequences if it isn’t treated in time; at its advanced stages, it can result in tooth loss and even put you at a higher risk for heart problems! Luckily, Dr. Paylor and Dr. Barry are ready to help you protect the overall health of your smile with personalized gum disease treatment. If you think you may have gum disease that requires professional attention, call us today.
Why Choose West Arvada Family Dental for Gum Disease Treatment?
- Gentle, Thorough Scaling and Root Planing
- Dental Sedation Available for More Relaxing Treatments
- Experienced Dentist Who Offers Fully Personalized Care
What is Gum Disease?
Gum disease can occur if plaque and tartar are allowed to accumulate in the mouth due to poor oral hygiene. There are two main stages of gum disease: gingivitis and periodontitis. Gingivitis is the earliest stage, and it’s usually accompanied by relatively mild symptoms. If gingivitis is allowed to turn into periodontitis, it becomes a major threat to your oral health.
It should be noted that it’s often possible to reverse gingivitis by practicing better oral hygiene. Periodontitis, on the other hand, cannot be fully cured and must be managed to reduce the risk of further problems occurring.
Symptoms of Gum Disease
When your gum disease is still in the gingivitis stage, you’re likely to notice gum tissues that are redder and more swollen than normal. Additionally, your gums may start to bleed more easily, especially when you brush or floss.
Once gum disease turns into periodontitis, you may start to experience pain while chewing your food. Your teeth may be more sensitive than normal, and they could even come loose to the point where they eventually fall out of the mouth altogether.
How Do We Treat Gum Disease?
The first step of gum disease treatment is to thoroughly examine your mouth to learn more about your symptoms. Once we’ve determined how severe the problem is, we can help you explore the available solutions. Rest assured that your gum disease treatment plan will be carefully tailored to meet your unique needs.
Scaling & Root Planing
Advanced gum disease may require a specialized treatment to resolve. Scaling and root planing is a process designed to eliminate accumulations of plaque and tartar hiding beneath the gumline and encourage the teeth and the soft tissues to reintegrate. Here’s a brief guide to how this process works and who may able to benefit from it from the team at West Arvada Family Dental, but please contact our office on the web if you would like to learn more.
Do You Need Scaling & Root Planing?
Gingivitis is the first stage of gum disease characterized by redness and inflammation, and it can usually be reversed with improved oral hygiene. However, unaddressed gingivitis will eventually develop into periodontitis, which causes serious damage such as the gum tissue separating from the roots of the teeth. Managing periodontitis usually requires scaling and root planing to eliminate infectious material and help the teeth and the gums heal. You may need scaling and root planing if you have symptoms such as:
- Persistent bad breath
- Bleeding gums
- Gum recession
- Swollen or puffy gums
- Visible plaque accumulation
The Process of Scaling & Root Planing
The process of scaling and root planing usually takes two appointments at our Arvada office. The first appointment will involve the scaling step, during which plaque and tartar will be removed from the area around and below your gumline. This will help reduce the presence of the harmful bacteria that are causing your gum disease in the first place. During your second appoitnment, we will perform root planing, which is when we smooth out your tooth roots to make it easier for the gums to securely reattach themselves to your teeth. This will also help prevent bacteria from reinfecting your gums.
Aftercare Tips for Scaling & Root Planing
Scaling and root planing can be an intensive process, so it can take several weeks for the patient to recover afterward. While you are healing, you can expect to experience some sensitivity and discomfort as your gums and teeth reintegrate. You can keep your recovery process as smooth as possible by:
- Rinsing with a solution of salt and warm water to reduce irritation, flush away food debris, and kill harmful bacteria. Use one fourth a teaspoon of salt for every eight ounces of warm water.
- Being careful when brushing after treatment. Be sure to only use a soft-bristled brush to prevent irritation and bleeding. It’s best to slowly brush using gentle, short, circular strokes to prevent irritation and enamel damage.
- Avoiding harsh foods and beverages such as those that contain acid, alcohol, or excessive sugar and those that are especially hot.
- Abstaining from tobacco use.
- Sticking to a soft diet for at least the first forty-eight hours.
- Delaying intense physical exercise for several days to avoid stressing the healing tissues.
Antibiotic Treatment
Antibiotic treatment is often a necessary step for killing any bacteria that we may not have been able to get rid of with scaling and root planing alone. Our practice uses a type of antibiotic known as Arestin, which takes the form of microspheres that are applied to the pockets that have formed between your teeth and gums. The microspheres gradually release the antibiotic over time, which goes a long way toward fighting the infection at its source.