Gum Disease Treatment – Metairie, LA

The moment you notice that your gums are bleeding, swollen, or red, you should call to schedule an appointment with our team at Second Line Family Dentistry. What is commonly referred to as gingivitis – the earliest stage of gum disease – can quickly progress into what is known as periodontitis. Without timely treatment, you can experience more serious dental issues. Fortunately, we provide safe treatment options that are designed to restore your smile and boost your oral health. Don’t wait to seek help; instead, call our office today to inquire about gum disease treatment that is right for you.

What is Gum Disease?

Gum disease is a common oral health problem that occurs when bacteria attack the soft oral tissues located inside the mouth. It directly affects the bones and gums, causing teeth to be at risk.

Gingivitis is considered the earliest stage of gum disease, resulting in bleeding and inflamed tissues; however, these symptoms can be reversed with regular oral hygiene at home and frequent professional cleanings. If allowed to progress, though, it can become periodontitis, which is a more advanced form of gum disease. This stage can be managed but not cured.

Tooth and bone loss are the two greater concerns associated with gum disease, which is why immediate care is required.

Those who are most likely to develop gum disease include:

• Those who smoke or use tobacco
• Those with poor oral hygiene
• Genetics
• Those with conditions that can compromise the immune system (i.e., diabetes)
• Individuals who take certain medications that can lead to dry mouth
• Pregnant individuals because of the change in hormones

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that an estimated 47% of adults in the U.S. aged 30 years and older have some form of gum disease. Since it is known to increase with age, nearly 70% of individuals 65 years of age and older have it to some degree.

Symptoms of Gum Disease

Many different symptoms can arise with gum disease, some of which include:

• Red or swollen gums
• Bleeding gums
• Bad breath (halitosis)
• Tender gums
• Gum recession (your teeth appear longer than before)
• Difficulty/pain while chewing
• Loose teeth
• Change in bite
• Increased tooth sensitivity
• Bone or tooth loss
• Change in how your restorations feel

How Do We Treat Gum Disease?

The only way to know which gum disease treatment is right for you is to meet with Dr. Ferguson for a scheduled appointment. She will thoroughly examine your mouth and determine how severe the bacterial infection is. Using the information she compiles, she will go over the various treatment options with you.

Scaling and Root Planing

Scaling and root planing is also known as deep cleaning and is a two-part process. Scaling involves removing all plaque and tartar from your teeth to reduce the amount of bacteria that are present. If your gums are receding, we will continue beyond the gumline to remove additional bacteria from the pockets. Once complete, we’ll move on to root planing, which requires smoothing out the roots of your teeth so that bacteria cannot reattach. Your gums will then be able to connect with your teeth and offer greater protection to the roots.

Antibiotic Therapy

In combination with scaling and root planing, Dr. Ferguson may also suggest antibiotic therapy. Delivered as a pill, you will take it so that any existing bacteria will be eliminated. It can take time for the medication to disperse and reach the small crevices where plaque and tartar may still be present; however, you can count on the antibiotic to do its job and ensure better gum health in the future.