Gum Disease Treatment – Gilbert, AZ
Preserving Your Smile With
Effective Gum Disease Treatment
Did you know that more than three out of four Americans suffer from some form of periodontal disease today? This condition (also commonly referred to as gum disease) may seem harmless enough in its earliest stages, but if it’s allowed to progress too far without being treated, it could lead to potentially dangerous consequences for your smile, including the loss of teeth. Research has even shown that periodontal disease can contribute negatively to ailments like cardiovascular disease and diabetes. At Desert Springs Dental in Gilbert, AZ, we take the threat of periodontal disease very seriously. That’s why we’ve invested in laser dentistry technology as an effective, convenient, and virtually painless method of restoring health to your mouth and helping you smile brighter. Learn more about options for gum disease treatment in Gilbert, AZ below or reach out to our dental team to find out more.
Why Choose Desert Springs Dental Group for Gum Disease Treatment?
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Diode Soft Tissue
Laser Therapy -
Individualized Dental Care
For Every Patient -
Bacteria-Targeting Arestin
Antibiotic Therapy
What are the Symptoms of Gum Disease?
Common symptoms of periodontal disease include:
- Gums that seem red, swollen, and/or tender
- Gums that bleed whenever you brush or floss
- Constant bad breath
- A sudden change in the way your bite feels
- Teeth that appear longer (this means your gums are receding)
Of course, it’s also important to remember that in some cases, symptoms won’t manifest until periodontal disease has reached its most advanced stages. That’s why it’s important to attend thorough check-ups every six months with Dr. Condie! Our team will be happy to keep an eye on your smile.
Scaling & Root Planing
Aside from tooth decay, did you know that there’s another threat to your oral health? Your gums are just as important as your teeth, and the primary threat to gum health is a preventable infection known as periodontal (gum) disease. Despite being avoidable, it's estimated that at least 50% of adults have some form of it, and it's the leading cause of tooth loss. Fortunately, we can rescue your smile with gum disease treatment in Gilbert. In many cases, we suggest scaling and root planing to halt the infection in its tracks! To learn more, simply keep reading.
Do I Need Scaling & Root Planing?
If you notice signs of gum disease, such as:
- Bleeding while brushing or flossing
- Gum recession
- Chronic bad breath
- Visible plaque build-up
- Swollen gums
A deep cleaning, known as scaling and root planing, may be recommended. While early-stage gum disease can often be addressed with good at-home oral hygiene, advanced conditions may require this procedure to stop the progression and restore gum health. Regular checkups can help catch these signs early for effective intervention.
The Process of Scaling & Root Planing
Scaling and root planing is a two-step process that we use to minimize the presence of harmful oral bacteria in the mouth to help your body fight off the oral infection. First, Dr. Condie will remove all plaque and tartar buildup from the surface of your teeth, as far down as the gums. Then, she’ll smooth out the roots of the teeth to allow your gums to healthily reattach and provide them with protection.
Aftercare Tips for Scaling & Root Planing
Before scaling and root planing, your mouth will be numbed with a local anesthetic. It’s a good idea to refrain from eating for at least two hours afterward to prevent accidentally biting your tongue or cheek before the anesthesia wears off. In the following days, you can ease discomfort by rinsing with saltwater every few hours. While you can continue to brush your teeth as usual, exercise caution around the treated area.
Laser Periodontal Therapy
We strive to offer patients the latest in dental technology here at Desert Springs Dental, and when you undergo periodontal treatment, you’ll get to experience one of our latest and greatest tools: a soft tissue laser! Rather than relying on a scalpel, our soft tissue laser can remove infection less invasively and in a far more comfortable way. It’ll even seal the cleansed site with a blood clot, meaning that you heal faster and won’t have to return to have any stitches removed later on. You’ll be amazed by how simple the entire process is!
Arestin Antibiotic Therapy
Arestin antibiotic therapy provides a sustained release of an antibiotic to put up a lasting fight against harmful oral bacteria causing your gum disease. After scaling and root planing, we’ll place Arestin in the pockets of your gums to directly fight the issue for 14 days. Because it’s locally applied directly to the gum pockets, the rest of your body won’t be exposed to the antibiotics and you won’t need to swallow any pills.
