Gum Disease Treatment – Garland
No More Bleeding or Inflamed Gums
Gum disease is one of the most common oral health problems. Millions of people are affected, but many do not realize they have it. Our team wants to lower that number by providing gum disease treatment. With scaling and root planing and antibiotic therapy, we can remove accumulated plaque and tartar and set patients up for greater success in the future. Contact us to find out if you might benefit from periodontal disease treatment in Garland, TX.
Why Choose Town Center Dental for Gum Disease Treatment?
- Proven Scaling & Root Planing Provided
- Convenient Location
- Dental Insurance Accepted
What Is Gum Disease?
Gum disease is an infection of the gums and supportive tissue in the mouth. In most cases, it is a result of plaque and tartar buildup due to poor oral hygiene. This can lead to permanent gum damage, tooth loss, and other serious health risks. Here are the two different states of gum disease.
- Gingivitis: This is the earliest stage of gum disease. It can usually be reversed by improving your dental hygiene routine at home and seeing your dentist for professional cleanings and dental exams.
- Periodontitis: This is a more advanced stage of gum disease. At this point, it cannot be cured – only managed. However, management is needed to prevent further infection and serious complications – like tooth loss!
Several factors increase your risk of developing gum disease. Some of the most prevalent ones are smoking, chewing tobacco, poor oral hygiene, genetic factors, immune compromising conditions, medications, and hormonal changes.
Symptoms of Gum Disease
It’s important to be on the lookout for and recognize the symptoms of gum disease. This way, you will know when change is necessary.
Gingivitis:
- Halitosis (bad breath)
- Bleeding when flossing and brushing
- Red, inflamed gum tissue
- Gum tenderness
- Recession of the gums
Periodontitis:
- Pain while chewing
- Loose tooth
- Sensitive teeth
- Bite changes
- Tooth loss
How Do We Treat Gum Disease?
During your visit with us, we will examine your teeth and soft tissue to determine the best approach for your case. We will also discuss the symptoms you’ve been experiencing in detail. At Town Center Dental, we offer scaling and root planing and antibiotic treatment to address gum disease. Here’s what each one consists of.
Scaling & Root Planing
When bacteria and plaque form around teeth and gums, our team will use scaling and root planing to stop the spread and restore the health of your soft oral tissues. Dr. Knott will begin by gently removing plaque and tartar build-up (scaling) before smoothing the tooth’s root (root planing) to encourage reattachment and minimize the chances of plaque adhering in the future.
Antibiotic Treatment
To help reduce your risk of reinfection, Dr. Knott can apply Arestin, which is a form of antibiotic therapy used in conjunction with scaling and root planing. Placed inside the gum pockets, it kills bacteria and protects the tissue. You may also receive Peridex, which is a rinse that can be used at home to reduce bacteria inside the oral cavity.
Gum Disease Treatment FAQs
Is Gum Disease a Dental Emergency?
Yes! After all, if the infection is left alone to progress, it can spread throughout your mouth and body. Not only that, but it can cause other serious dental problems, including tooth loss. That’s why it’s so important to call us if any abnormal symptoms arise, like bleeding when you floss. This ensures that we can intervene before your condition worsens and becomes more difficult to treat.
Does Dental Insurance Cover Gum Disease Treatment?
Many dental insurance providers cover a portion of the cost of gum disease treatment in Garland. Since we work with Delta Dental, Dental Select, GEHA, and several others, we can assist with both understanding and utilizing your available benefits. So, don’t hesitate to provide us with your membership information. We can take it from there!
Important reminder: Dental insurance isn’t the only way to make the cost of your care more affordable. You can also sign up for a trusted third-party financier, like CareCredit! Their convenient payment plans allow you to break up the total cost of your treatment plan into smaller, more manageable chunks that fit comfortably within your budget.
What’s the best way to prevent gum disease?
Since poor oral hygiene is one of the leading causes of gum disease, the best way to prevent it is by taking good care of your smile! That starts with daily habits, like brushing each morning and evening. Additionally, you should eat a healthy diet, find ways to reduce stress, and come to our office every six months. The last step is particularly important because it ensures that any oral health problems that do develop are detected (and treated) in the early stages.
Are There Any Risk Factors Associated with Gum Disease?
As we mentioned above, poor oral hygiene is a common cause of gum disease. However, it isn’t the only one. Age, tobacco use, genetics, stress, and certain medical conditions, like diabetes, are all risk factors. If one or more of the above apply, the best thing to do is to commit to a solid oral hygiene routine at home and come to our office every six months for a checkup and cleaning.
Is Mouthwash Good for Gum Disease?
Since mouthwash can help control the bacteria in your mouth, the answer is a resounding “yes.” The key is to use it consistently and properly. In other words, you need to use it daily for 30-60 seconds. If you recently started incorporating this step back into your oral hygiene regimen, use a timer – it’s probably longer than you think!
Will I Eventually Lose My Teeth with Gum Disease?
If you have gingivitis, then it’s unlikely that you will lose your teeth, especially if you get the treatment that you need right away. However, if the infection is left alone, it can progress to periodontitis. At this point, the chances of experiencing tooth loss increase considerably.