Gum Disease Treatment
Restore your smile's health and beauty with gum disease treatment.
Schedule with UsWhat is Gum Disease?
Gum disease, also known as periodontal disease or periodontitis, is caused by bacteria in plaque. If not consistently removed, this bacteria builds up, infecting your teeth, gums, and eventually, the bone that supports your teeth, a common cause of tooth loss.
Gum disease has three stages of progression: gingivitis, periodontitis, and advanced periodontitis; the longer the disease has to advance, the more damage it causes.
Symptoms of Gum Disease
Gum disease can wreak havoc on your smile. If you experience any of the following symptoms, it's important to schedule an exam with your dentist immediately.
- Chronic bad breath
- Swollen, bleeding, and painful gums
- Severe gum recession
- Loose or missing teeth
- Persistent pain when chewing
- Drainage or pus from the gums
Treatment for Gum Disease
Treatment for gum disease depends on the stage your gum disease is in.
Early-stage gum disease (gingivitis) - treated with a deep cleaning to remove bacteria from gums and plaque and tartar from teeth. Your dentist may recommend an antibacterial toothpaste or mouthwash. Flossing daily is also key to treating and preventing gingivitis.
Periodontitis - scaling, root planing, bone and tissue grafting, and antibiotics.
Advanced Periodontitis - typically requires surgery such as pocket reduction surgery, soft tissue grafting, bone grafting, and guided tissue regeneration.
If you believe you may have gum disease and would like to schedule a consultation for gum disease treatment in Sarasota, Florida, please call our office at (941) 365-5552.
Gum Disease Treatment FAQs
If caught early, gum disease is often reversible with improved oral hygiene practices and regular dental cleanings.
You should visit your dentist at least twice a year for routine cleanings, which help prevent and treat gum disease. If your case is more severe, your dentist may recommend visiting a few times throughout the year to be proactive in reducing further damage from gum disease.
Depending on the severity, gum disease may be treated with regular dental cleanings, scaling and root planing, pocket reduction surgery, laser periodontal therapy, bone grafting, gum grafting, or guided tissue regeneration.
If left untreated, gum disease can progress and lead to more severe oral health issues such as tooth loss, bone loss, and gum recession.
Recovery time from gum disease treatment depends on the severity of your gum disease. If mild, recovery may take only a few weeks, but if the condition is more severe, it may require more extensive treatment and could take several months for a full recovery.