Periodontal Therapy – Parker, CO
We Can Treat Your Bleeding Gums
Periodontal (gum) disease is one of the most common oral health issues among US adults. Some studies indicate that as many as 80% of adults over 30 suffer from gingivitis, mild gum disease, or periodontitis, more advanced gum disease. We screen for this common oral health concern at every dental checkup and work with patients to prevent periodontal disease. If we’re unable to prevent this oral health condition, we can also partner with patients to fully renew oral health. Call our team to find out more about gum disease and potential options for periodontal therapy in Parker, CO.
What Is Gum Disease?
When you neglect to brush or floss diligently, dental plaque builds up on your teeth and along your gum line and can eventually harden into a substance called tartar. Bacteria in tartar are then more likely to irritate your gum tissue and cause an infection, known as periodontal disease. While this condition starts out with mild symptoms like bleeding gums, it can quickly progress into a serious health problem that affects the rest of your body, not just your mouth. Gum disease has been linked to issues like type 2 diabetes, heart disease, osteoporosis, Alzheimer’s, and premature birth in pregnant women.
Symptoms of Gum Disease
Since gum disease can result in serious health complications, it’s imperative that you report to our dental office as soon as you experience any of the following symptoms:
- Gums that bleed when brushing and flossing
- Red, tender, swollen, or puffy gums
- Chronic bad breath that lingers even after performing your oral hygiene routine
- Teeth that feel loose or seem to be separating
- Pus forming between the teeth and gums
- Teeth that appear longer due to receding gums
- A sudden shift in the way your teeth fit together when you bite
Is Gum Disease Treatable?
If we catch periodontal disease in the early stages, we may be able to reverse its effects with more frequent professional cleanings. If gum disease progresses to the more severe stages, we may need to couple these three or four annual cleanings with advanced gum disease treatment, such as:
Antibiotic Therapy
Unfortunately, we are sometimes unable to remove every spot of bacteria with scaling and root planing alone. While we’re performing these treatments, we can supplement them with a topical antibiotic therapy that is applied around the gumline to target the bacteria at the source. About three or four months later, we’ll check on the status of your gums to ensure the bacteria is gotten rid of, and reapply more if necessary.
Scaling & Root Planing
At our practice, the most common treatment for gum disease is scaling and root planing. This two-part service is a deep cleaning that removes plaque from your teeth and gums. For the initial “scaling,” we perform the removal work and get rid of the built-up plaque and tartar. We then transition to “root planing” at the second session, smoothing out your tooth roots so your gums can reattach. Please keep reading to learn more, or call our office.
Do I Need Scaling & Root Planing?
Only a qualified dentist will know for sure if you need scaling and root planing. Still, it’s a good idea to watch for signs that you’d benefit from this cleaning work. These signs include:
- Swollen or puffy gums
- Sensitive or bleeding gums
- Receding gum tissue
- A visible buildup of plaque
- Persistent bad breath (i.e., halitosis)
While the symptoms above can often be reversed with oral care, you’ll need scaling and root planing if your infection advances. Only treatment could stop your signs at that point.
The Process of Scaling & Root Planing
In general, the scaling and root planing process takes two dental visits. These sessions can be divided into the first “scaling” appointment and the later “root planing” one.
At the first treatment visit, Dr. Allen will do a scaling of your smile. This procedure uses a scaler to remove plaque and tartar from the surfaces of your teeth. To be thorough, it’ll even move as far down as the pockets of your gums.
Dr. Allen will perform “root planing” at your second visit. In other words, he’ll remove hard bacterial deposits that cling to your tooth roots. Since these deposits are beneath the gumline, removing them stops bacteria from re-infecting your gums.
Aftercare Tips for Scaling & Root Planing
Scaling and root planing are invasive, so your mouth needs time to heal from it. That means your teeth and gums will feel sensitive for a few weeks. To cope with this discomfort, use these aftercare tips:
- Rinse with Salt Water – Soon after your meals, please rinse your gums with salt water. The rinses will reduce your gums’ irritation and loosen debris around your teeth. You can make the salt water mixture by adding ¼ tablespoon of salt to eight ounces of water.
- Brush Gently – Brush your teeth gently in the first days after treatment, making sure to use soft-bristled toothbrushes. By brushing in slow, circular motions, you’ll prevent aches and pains.
- Avoid Certain Meals – While you’re healing, you shouldn’t have hot and spicy foods, alcohol, or acidic drinks. These items would inflame and irritate your gums.
- Don’t Rush – Avoid intense physical activities for the first few days after treatment. If you move around too much, you may delay the healing process.