Do you notice a small amount of blood in the sink after brushing or flossing your teeth? If so, you may be suffering from gum disease. Gum disease affects your dental health as well as your overall health. The sooner you address your gum disease, the more likely our dentist will be able to offer you conservative treatment with a thorough dental cleaning. However, if your gum disease has already progressed too far to be treated with a dental cleaning, we may need to offer you a periodontal disease treatment plan that is personal to your needs.
Learn more about periodontal disease treatment below.
Periodontal Disease Treatment in Clinton, NC
Dr. Balzen and Dr. Helmer see many patients in our Clinton, NC dentist office who are suffering from periodontal disease, also known as gum disease. Patients experiencing gum disease may notice the following symptoms. If you experience any of the symptoms below, see your dentist soon for a periodontal screening.
- Bleeding gums (Gingivitis)
- Increased sensitivity
- Gum recession
- Bright red gums, or discolored gums
- Bad breath
The thing to know about gum disease is that it is much easier to treat the earlier that you address it. A thorough dental cleaning can usually do the job of treating early-stage gum disease, also known as gingivitis. However, the longer you wait to seek treatment, the more likely it is that you will require more invasive treatment.
Gum Disease Treatment
To treat late-stage gum disease, we will need to perform a thorough cleaning of the deep pockets of your gums to remove any bacteria that have built up along or underneath your gum line. Our dentist will remove all infected tissue to completely restore your dental health to good condition. Our office uses dental lasers to reduce the amount of pain and discomfort during any procedure involving your soft tissues. With dental lasers, we can quickly remove infected tissues. The blood vessels are sealed by the laser, reducing your chances of post-procedure bleeding and encouraging a faster healing time.
Gum Disease FAQs
Does periodontal disease go away after treatment?
Periodontal disease might recur as soon as two to four months after your initial treatment. After your treatment, you will have your teeth evaluated for plaque buildup and other issues on a regular basis during maintenance therapy. Periodontal therapy needs to be ongoing to prevent further issues from occurring.
What should I avoid after a periodontal treatment?
After periodontal treatment it is important to avoid particularly hot or cold foods for at least 24 hours following treatment. Extreme temperatures may cause increased sensitivity and discomfort.
How long does it take for gums to heal after scaling?
After scaling it may take up to six weeks before you start to notice improvement in your gums. It is normal to experience gum bleeding and sensitivity to temperature during the healing period.
How often do you need periodontal treatment?
Periodontal maintenance is fairly comparable to regular cleanings, except more frequent. You’ll need to go back every three to four months, which means you’ll require these appointments more frequently.
If you suspect you are suffering from periodontal disease, please schedule an appointment with Clinton Family & Cosmetic Dentistry. Our dental professionals are here to provide exceptional and comprehensive dental services to patients of all ages. We look forward to seeing you soon.