Gum Disaese Treatment – Gainesville, GA
Preserving the Foundation of Your Smile with Gum Disease Treatment
When gum infection develops, it can wreak havoc on your ability to perform even the simplest of tasks. Chewing food can cause major discomfort and your risk for tooth loss goes up dramatically. With our comprehensive gum disease treatments in Gainesville, GA, we can stop gum disease from spreading and get your oral health back on track. To learn which treatment would work best for your case, contact our dental office to schedule an examination today!
Why Choose Lifetime Dental of Gainesville for Gum Disease Treatment?
- Chao Pinhole Technique for Less Invasive Treatment
- Advanced Technology to Stimulate Regeneration of Soft Oral Tissues
- Personalized Care from a Knowledgeable & Friendly Dentist
What is Gum Disease?
Gum disease is not only one of the leading causes of tooth loss in the United States, but also one of the most common oral health problems in the country. It can develop due to a number of overlapping factors, including poor oral hygiene, genetics, habits like smoking, and even underlying health conditions. When plaque and tartar accumulate along the teeth, the pockets of the gums fill with bacteria that can then lead to an infection.
In the early stages, called gingivitis, the infection can be treated and even reversed. However, in the latest stages of gum disease, known as periodontitis, maintenance will be needed, like routine deep cleanings, to keep the infection from progressing and minimize the prevalence of symptoms.
Symptoms of Gum Disease
The symptoms that a patient can experience will depend on how far along their gum disease has progressed. For example, patients with gingivitis often experience:
- Bleeding while brushing and flossing
- Red or more swollen gums
- Chronic bad breath, known as halitosis
- Sore or tender gums
When gum disease in Gainesville progresses, patients may notice more serious consequences of the infection, including:
- Gum recession that makes the teeth look longer
- A change in the fit of restorations like dentures
- Pain or discomfort while eating
- A change in the way the teeth fit together
- Loose permanent teeth
- Tooth loss
At Lifetime Dental of Gainesville, our top priority is to protect your smile with regular preventive dentistry. So long as you see us every six months for a checkup and cleaning, we can keep an eye out for these symptoms and treat them as soon as possible to prevent permanent damage to your teeth and gums.
How We Treat Gum Disease
At each of your bi-annual checkups and cleanings, our team will examine your mouth for signs of gum disease and ask you about any concerns you may have. Based on our thorough evaluation, we will be able to determine what type of intervention will help get your oral health back on the right track!
Scaling & Root Planing
One of the first interventions of gum disease is scaling and root planing, which works to remove plaque and promote healing of the gums and tooth roots. Through scaling, we’re able to remove plaque and tartar from all the surfaces of enamel, including the portions that sit below the gum line. The next step of the process, root planing, is meant to promote the reattachment of the tooth’s roots to the gum line, preventing bacteria from reaching the most vulnerable areas of your mouth.
Do You Need Scaling & Root Planing?
If we notice any signs of gum disease during your routine checkups, like bleeding, swelling, and inflammation, we will address it as soon as possible to prevent it from worsening and causing permanent damage to the gums and surrounding structures. The purpose of this procedure is to remove bacterial buildup around and beneath the gumline before smoothing down the roots to help the area heal.
The Scaling & Root Planing Process
Scaling and root planing takes place over two separate appointments. The first one consists of the scaling. This is when we use dental tools to remove plaque and tartar that have accumulated along and beneath the gumline.
After the scaling is done, we will move on to the root planing. At this point, we will carefully smooth down the parts of the teeth that are normally hidden by the gums. This helps the gums to adhere back to the teeth and heal more smoothly. It also makes it more challenging for bacteria to build up in these areas again, reducing your risk of further infection.
Aftercare Tips for Scaling & Root Planing
It is common for patients to experience sensitivity after their scaling and root planing treatment. Swelling is also common. The good news is that this is perfectly normal and temporary, and it should go away on its own. Here are some tips to help the recovery process go by smoothly:
- Brush twice daily using a soft-bristled toothbrush
- Use a saltwater rinse after eating
- Floss thoroughly every day
- Stick to a soft-food diet for 48 hours after your treatment
- Avoid acidic, spicy, and hot foods
- Refrain from strenuous activities
Chao Pinhole Technique
Through this unique technique, we can effectively rejuvenate the gum tissue without scalpels, sutures, or gum grafts. It’s a treatment that works to correct gum recession, a very common effect of gum disease. By creating an incredibly small pin-sized hole in the gum tissue, we can shift it into place with very little trauma. After treatment is complete, your gum tissue will shrink down, and your gum line will be restored to normal.