Gum Disease Treatment Weatherford

What is Gum Disease?

Gum disease isn't just one of the most common oral health problems – it's one of the most common diseases in general! It stems from a problem with plaque and biofilm, which is a sticky substance that develops in the mouth every day. When bacteria in plaque accumulate along the gumline, they can begin to irritate this soft tissue, resulting in everything from inflammation to sensitivity. If you notice these or any other warning signs of an infection, come and see the team at Cosmetic and Family Dentistry of Weatherford.

Symptoms of Gum Disease

Many people have gum disease and don't realize it, usually because they don't recognize the symptoms. The first line of defense is regular dental checkups and cleanings, which give us the chance to prevent and diagnose gum disease in the early stages. You also need to keep an eye out for the following warning signs of trouble between visits:

• Swollen, sensitive, or inflamed gums
• Frequent bad breath
• Bleeding when you brush or floss
• Loose teeth
• A receding gum line

It’s also important that we mention here that advanced gum disease (periodontitis) is the leading cause of tooth loss among American adults. The disease not only devastates gum tissue but also weakens the bone structure that supports your teeth. In extreme cases, teeth may need to be extracted.

How Do We Treat Gum Disease?

If we determine that there is an active infection in your gums, then we will move on to the next step: determining which gum disease treatment is ideal. At our Weatherford office, we offer scaling and root planing as well as laser periodontal therapy. To learn more about them, read on!

Scaling & Root Planing

If you develop an advanced case of gum disease, one of the ways we can treat it is with a procedure called scaling and root planing.

For scaling, your hygienist will use small manual tools to remove accumulated plaque, tartar, and bacteria from below your gum line. Most of it will be gathered in periodontal pockets, which are the small spaces between your teeth and your gums. This is where gum disease typically develops, and scaling is used to treat the source of the infection.

Afterward, root planing involves gently shaping the roots of your teeth to smooth them out. This serves two purposes. Firstly, it makes it much harder for plaque, tartar, and bacteria to gather there in the future. Secondly, it helps in the healing process and makes it easier for your gum tissue to reattach to your teeth. A patient will feel very little discomfort while undergoing scaling and root planing, and most of the time, the procedures can be completed in just one to two visits.

Laser Periodontal Treatment

Another option we have for treating gum disease is with a soft tissue laser. The DEKA CO2 laser is used to essentially "steam clean" the gums and tackle bacteria stuck in the gums. While our instruments can remove debris from the tooth, there is still bacteria in the gums, which is removed with our laser therapy. What does that mean? It means the procedure itself is practically painless, and your recovery time will be extremely short. It truly is one of the most patient-friendly ways to treat gum disease.