Gum Disease Treatment

Gum disease treatment is especially important if you have irritated or sensitive gums that bleed when you brush or floss. At Plaza Dental Group in West Des Moines, Iowa, the dental providers offer gum disease treatments to people of all ages, including services like scaling and root planing, antibiotics, and preventive teeth cleanings. To request a gum disease treatment consultation, call the office today or use the online booking feature.

What is gum disease treatment?

Gum disease treatment is an oral health subspecialty that diagnoses and treats gingivitis and periodontitis.

Gingivitis

Gingivitis occurs when plaque –– a mixture of food, bacteria, and saliva –– hardens on the surfaces of your teeth. If you don’t brush and floss, the plaque hardens, irritating your gums and resulting in an infection.

Periodontitis

Periodontitis occurs when gingivitis goes untreated. As the infection progresses, it causes your gums to recede (pull away from your teeth). Without intervention, periodontitis causes bone loss, increasing your risk of more serious oral health problems.

Who should consider gum disease treatment?

Consider gum disease treatment at Plaza Dental Group if you have any of the following symptoms:

• Persistent bad breath
• Gums that bleed when brushing or flossing
• Tooth sensitivity when biting or chewing
• Loose teeth

As gum disease worsens, you might also notice that your teeth appear longer due to your gums wearing away.

How is gum disease diagnosed?

To diagnose gum disease, your Plaza Dental Group dentist reviews your oral health records, takes a series of digital X-rays, and asks about your lifestyle, including if you use tobacco or drink alcohol and how often you brush and floss.

Next, your dentist completes an oral exam. During the exam, they look for telltale signs of gum disease, like red, puffy gums or gums that bleed easily. After gathering the necessary information, the team develops a custom gum disease treatment plan.

What does gum disease treatment involve?

Gum disease treatment depends on your age, the type of infection you have, and the severity of your symptoms. The team at Plaza Dental Group might recommend:

Scaling and root planing

If you have mild or moderate gum disease, your dentist might recommend scaling and root planing. During scaling and root planing, your dentist uses handheld tools to carefully remove plaque and tartar from beneath your gums and from the surfaces of your teeth. Removing the buildup helps your gums hug your teeth, preventing further recession.

Antibiotic therapy

If you have a more serious infection that increases your risk of gum recession or bone loss, the team prescribes antibiotic therapy. Antibiotics are prescription drugs that eliminate the infection from your gum tissue.

Teeth cleanings

After gum disease treatment, you should also consider making regular teeth cleanings as they can prevent gum disease from returning.  

Call Plaza Dental Group to learn more about gum disease treatment, or use the online booking feature today.