Gum Disease Treatment – Lynchburg, VA
Healthy Gums, Healthy Smile
Our doctors take gum disease very seriously. More than 80% of the population will experience some form of the condition at some point during their lifetime. The staff at Peery & Woolwine Family Dentistry checks for signs of gum disease during each dental hygiene appointment, but problems can often arise quickly. If you suspect that there might be something wrong with your overall oral health, please do not hesitate to call us. We'll schedule an appointment and perform gum disease therapy if we think it could benefit you.
Why Choose Peery & Woolwine Family Dentistry for Gum Disease Treatment?
- Dentists with Decades of Experience
- Most Dental Insurance Plans Accepted
- Effective Therapy against Harmful Bacteria
What is Gum Disease?
Gum disease is caused by excess plaque buildup that causes your gums to separate from your teeth. When your gums pull away from your teeth, it creates pockets that trap plaque and tartar (hardened plaque) that you can longer reach by brushing and flossing. The bacteria that live in plaque can cause your gums to become inflamed and infected.
When the bacteria descend below your gum line, the infection begins to attack your jawbone and starts destroying the main support system for your teeth. If gum disease is not properly managed, or left undiagnosed, it will eventually lead to tooth loss.
Symptoms of Gum Disease
Some signs of gum disease can only be noticed by a trained dental professional. However, your need for gum disease therapy may make itself evident to you. Symptoms of gum disease can include:
- Gums that bleed when you brush your teeth
- Tender or sensitive gums
- Bad breath that lingers, despite normal brushing habits
- Gums that have noticeably receded
- Loose teeth
Each of these possible indicators is worrisome, and you'll need immediate dental attention to counteract the progression of gum disease. If left to its own devices, gum disease can even result in a higher risk of tooth loss! Gum disease therapy from Peery & Woolwine Family Dentistry can help your condition and keep your smile whole and healthy.
How Do We Treat Gum Disease?
Treating gum disease at Peery & Woolwine Family Dentistry requires that we first identify the severity of the bacterial accumulation. Once we do, we can determine whether scaling and root planing, antibiotic therapy, or both are best.
Scaling & Root Planing
Also known as a deep cleaning, scaling and root planing reaches below the gum line to remove the tartar and plaque buildup that’s causing your infection. Scaling is the first part of the process, and your hygienist will clean all of the buildup that is above and below the gum line and trapped in the pockets.
After this process is completed, your hygienist begins root planing, which smooths the surfaces of your roots to promote the reattachment of your gums to your teeth.
During the procedure, your hygienist will use dental anesthetics to ensure that you are completely numb so you don’t feel anything. It is normal to feel some tenderness or discomfort around your gums for a few days after the procedure.
You will also have a follow-up visit with your dentist in Lynchburg after your procedure to ensure that your gums are healing properly.
Depending on your unique needs, your gum disease treatment in Lynchburg may need to be completed in more than one appointment and your dentist may recommend antibiotic therapy to be delivered during your treatment to fight the infection.
ARESTIN® Antibiotic Therapy
Although we may not be able to eliminate every single germ, we can certainly bring your oral microbiome back under control. To help reduce the effect of these harmful bacteria, we can also apply topical antibiotic treatment after scaling and root planing. ARESTIN has proven effective in stopping the progression of gum disease. Keep in mind that we may need to repeat the entire process every three to four months until your condition has stabilized.