The health of gums and teeth are equally important in maintaining a great smile. If plaque and calculus are allowed to accumulate on the teeth, the resulting bacterial buildup can irritate and inflame the gums.
Gum disease is a progressive condition that often starts silently, but without proper treatment, can progress into a more serious condition. The first stage of gum disease, called gingivitis, is a relatively mild condition, but treatment is still important. Gingivitis is generally characterized by red, swollen, or inflamed gums, bleeding during flossing, and even halitosis (bad breath). If left untreated, gingivitis can progress into advanced cases that can cause bone loss, eventually leading to tooth loss.
We offer scaling and root planing and periodontal maintenance at our Hixson, TN, office—two non-surgical treatment options designed to return the smile back to proper oral health by removing the cause of infection and clearing the teeth of all buildup.
Gum disease can quickly develop into a serious condition, so timely treatment is crucial to reestablishing proper oral health. Even a stricter and more diligent at-home oral hygiene routine can reverse gingivitis and halt the progression of gum disease. More severe stages of gum disease, however, require professional treatment. Depending on your unique situation, we will personalize treatment options to help you reach optimal oral health.
Scaling and root planing is similar to regular teeth cleaning, but with a more thorough and intensive procedure. We use specialized dental tools to carefully scrape away bacteria, plaque, and calculus (tartar) from the teeth. This deep cleaning above and below the gum line rids the teeth of harmful buildup that causes gum disease.
Periodontal maintenance is a specialized treatment to prevent periodontal disease from returning in patients who have had gum disease treatment. This ongoing treatment is tailored to each individual’s needs and involves continued removal of plaque and calculus every 3-4 months to discourage the return of gum disease.
“ Bleeding gums? Bad breath? You might have gum disease.
Sometimes gum disease has caused serious damage before a patient elects to receive treatment. In these situations, we may need to pursue other restorative or cosmetic procedures after concluding your periodontal therapy. No matter the oral condition you have, we are trained and equipped to provide comprehensive gum disease treatment to help you achieve healthy gums, strong teeth, and a beautiful smile that lasts for the rest of your life. Bleeding, tender gums are the first signs of gum disease. If you are concerned about the health of your smile, schedule an appointment at our Hixson, TN, office today!