People are often surprised to learn how common gum disease is. It often starts with mild symptoms like bleeding gums or bad breath, but it can quietly progress into a more serious condition called . Once this happens, the infection begins to damage the bone and tissues that support your teeth.
The good news is that gum disease treatment from our Grand Rapids, MI, family dentist can put a stop to the damage and protect your smile. With the right care, like scaling and root planing, many patients are able to stabilize their oral health and avoid tooth loss.
Here’s how opting for periodontal therapy can make a huge difference.
What Happens When Gum Disease Progresses?
Gum disease begins when plaque and bacteria build up along and below the gumline. If this buildup is not removed, the gums become inflamed and start to pull away from the teeth. These spaces, called periodontal pockets, allow even more bacteria to collect. Over time, the infection can destroy the bone that supports your teeth.
Without proper treatment for periodontitis, the damage can become permanent. Teeth may loosen, shift, or eventually fall out. Some patients eventually require tooth replacement after gum disease, using dental implants or bridges, if the condition is not controlled in time.
early on can prevent these outcomes. A thorough gum disease evaluation allows our dental team to measure pocket depths, check for bone loss, and recommend the right approach before the condition worsens.
Are There Non-Surgical Gum Disease Treatments?
Yes, there are non-surgical gum disease treatments and many patients can improve their oral health this way. These procedures focus on removing harmful bacteria and helping the gums heal so they can reattach to the teeth.
The most common is the two-step scaling and root planing procedure. This deep dental cleaning targets plaque and hardened tartar below the gumline. By thoroughly cleaning these areas, the infection can be brought under control and inflammation can begin to reduce.
If you have gum disease, the following may be also recommended:
- A prescribed antibiotic rinse or gel
- Standard teeth cleanings every 3-4 months instead of every 6 months
- Regularly scheduled periodontal maintenance visits
- Laser gum treatment
What Is Scaling and Root Planing Like?
Scaling and root planing for gum disease is more detailed than a routine teeth cleaning that you receive twice a year. During the procedure, our dentist and hygienists will carefully remove plaque and tartar from above and below the gumline. The tooth roots are then smoothed to help the gums reattach and heal properly.
Most patients receive local anesthesia to keep the area comfortable. This deep cleaning of the gums may be completed over one or more visits to our Grand Rapids, MI, dental office depending on how advanced your condition is. After treatment, it is normal for the gums to feel slightly tender for a few days as they begin to recover.
Following treatment, our local family dentist may recommend an antibiotic rinse to help reduce bacteria while the gums heal. This step works to further prevent the infection from returning during the early stages of recovery.
Why Early Gum Disease Treatment Matters
The overarching goal of treatments for gum disease is to stop infection before it causes severe damage. When periodontal therapy is performed early, the gums can tighten around the teeth again and inflammation can decrease. This helps preserve the bone that keeps teeth stable.
Delaying treatment allows bacteria to continue damaging the bone and supporting tissues. Once enough bone is lost, teeth may become loose and require extraction. At that stage, patients may need to explore tooth replacement options, which will involve additional procedures and higher costs.
Schedule Periodontal Treatment Today
With good at-home care and regular in-office periodontal maintenance, many people are able to keep their natural teeth for years to come. If you notice symptoms such as bleeding gums, persistent bad breath, or gum recession, our dentist in Grand Rapids, MI, can help. Call MI Roots Family Dental today at (616) 453-0002 or contact us online to request an appointment.