Periodontal Care
Advanced gum disease treatment and prevention
Healthy gums are the foundation of a healthy smile. Our comprehensive periodontal care services focus on preventing, diagnosing, and treating gum disease to help you maintain optimal oral health and prevent serious complications that can affect your overall well-being.
Understanding Gum Disease
Gum disease is caused by bacteria in plaque, a sticky film that constantly forms on your teeth. If plaque is not removed through daily brushing and flossing, it hardens into tartar, which can only be removed by a dental professional.
Stages of Gum Disease
- Gingivitis: The earliest stage, characterized by red, swollen, and bleeding gums
- Mild Periodontitis: Gums begin to pull away from teeth, forming pockets where bacteria collect
- Moderate Periodontitis: Deeper pockets form, and some bone and tissue loss occurs
- Advanced Periodontitis: Significant bone and tissue loss, teeth may become loose
Warning Signs of Gum Disease
Red, swollen, or tender gums; bleeding when brushing or flossing; persistent bad breath; receding gums; loose teeth; changes in bite; or pus between teeth and gums. If you notice any of these symptoms, schedule an appointment immediately.
Advanced Treatment Options
At Bright Smile Dentistry, we offer the latest in periodontal treatment to ensure comfortable and effective care for our patients in Corpus Christi.
Scaling and Root Planing (Deep Cleaning)
This non-surgical treatment involves removing plaque and tartar from above and below the gum line (scaling) and smoothing the root surfaces to help gums reattach to teeth (root planing). This procedure is often the first line of treatment for gum disease.
Laser Gum Therapy
We use advanced laser technology to treat gum disease with minimal discomfort and faster healing times. Laser therapy can effectively remove infected tissue and bacteria while promoting the regeneration of healthy gum tissue.
Benefits of Laser Treatment
Laser gum therapy offers reduced bleeding, swelling, and discomfort compared to traditional methods. It also promotes faster healing, reduces the need for sutures, and can often be performed without anesthesia.
Maintenance and Prevention
After initial treatment, ongoing maintenance is crucial to prevent the recurrence of gum disease. We’ll work with you to develop a personalized maintenance schedule based on your individual needs.
Periodontal Maintenance Therapy
Regular periodontal maintenance visits typically occur every 3-4 months and include thorough cleaning of the teeth and gums, monitoring of pocket depths, and assessment of your overall periodontal health. These visits are essential for long-term success.
Home Care Instructions
Proper home care is essential for maintaining healthy gums. Our team will provide detailed instructions on brushing techniques, flossing methods, and may recommend special tools such as interdental brushes or water flossers to help you maintain optimal oral hygiene.
The Connection to Overall Health
Research has shown links between gum disease and serious health conditions including heart disease, diabetes, stroke, and respiratory disease. Maintaining healthy gums is an important part of your overall health and well-being.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about periodontal care
Is gum disease treatment painful?
Modern periodontal treatments, especially with laser therapy, are much more comfortable than traditional methods. We use local anesthesia when needed, and many patients report minimal discomfort during and after treatment.
Can gum disease be reversed?
Gingivitis, the earliest stage of gum disease, can often be reversed with proper treatment and improved oral hygiene. However, more advanced stages of periodontitis cannot be completely reversed, but they can be effectively managed and controlled.
How often do I need periodontal maintenance?
Most patients with a history of gum disease need periodontal maintenance every 3-4 months, rather than the typical 6-month cleaning schedule. Dr. Williamson will recommend the appropriate schedule for you.
Protect your gums and overall health
Schedule your periodontal evaluation with Dr. Williamson today