Combat Gum Disease with Non-Surgical but Effective

Periodontal Gum Treatments

Your gums are just as important as your teeth when it comes to maintaining a healthy smile. Periodontal therapy focuses on preventing, diagnosing, and treating gum disease to ensure your gums and supporting structures stay strong and healthy.

At Dougherty Cosmetic Dentistry, we offer comprehensive periodontal care tailored to your needs, helping you preserve not only your smile but also your overall health. Call now to schedule a consultation and protect your oral health.

SCHEDULE MY VISIT

Gum Disease Explained

Gum disease occurs when plaque—a mixture of food debris, saliva, and harmful bacteria—irritates the gums and surrounding tissues. It occurs in stages, with the earliest stage being gingivitis. Gingivitis only affects the gums; its symptoms include gum swelling, bleeding, and redness.

If left untreated, gingivitis progresses into periodontitis, which causes gums to pull away from the teeth. This gum recession forms deep pockets along the gum line, causing tartar and harmful bacteria to damage the gum-supporting ligaments. Besides receding gums, periodontitis causes bad breath, tooth sensitivity, and painful chewing.

Gum disease is unforgiving when you fail to treat it. Untreated periodontitis damages teeth-supporting bone, causing loose teeth and an uneven bite. Worse yet, harmful bacteria can seep into the bloodstream, potentially damaging vital organs like the heart, kidney, and liver.

Periodontal Therapy: Prevention and Treatment

Gum disease can be reversed through consistent brushing, flossing, and rinsing in its early stages. To monitor your progress, your bi-annual professional cleanings will now be scheduled every 3 to 4 months.

If you have moderate to advanced gum disease, we offer various periodontal therapies designed to address the condition and prevent further damage.

Our treatments include:

Scaling and Root Planing:

Often referred to as a deep cleaning, this non-surgical procedure removes plaque and tartar buildup from below the gumline, helping to smooth the roots of your teeth to promote healthier gum tissue.

Maintenance and Monitoring:

Once we’ve treated your gum disease, we work with you to develop a maintenance plan that includes regular cleanings and exams to keep your gums healthy and monitor for any signs of recurrence.

Antibiotic Therapy:

In cases of active infection, we may apply localized antibiotics to help eliminate harmful bacteria and promote healing.

Laser Therapy:

For a more advanced treatment, laser therapy can help remove infected gum tissue while promoting the regeneration of healthy tissue.

In cases where gum disease severely affects your bone and gum tissues, advanced treatments such as gum flap surgery and bone and soft tissue grafting may be required. Our dental team will guide you every step of the way to ensure your gums get to a healthy, natural pink color.

Who Needs Periodontal Therapy?

Periodontal therapy isn’t just for severe cases. It’s recommended for anyone showing signs of gum disease—even in its early stages.

You may be a candidate for periodontal treatment if you have bleeding gums, chronic bad breath, gum recession, or a history of gum infections. Patients with diabetes, heart disease, a weakened immune system, or are pregnant should also monitor their gum health closely, as they are more vulnerable to periodontal problems.

At Dougherty Cosmetic Dentistry, we provide tailored periodontal care based on your individual needs and stage of disease.

The Link Between Gum Health and Overall Health

Your oral health is connected to your overall health. That’s why we emphasize the importance of gum health not just for a beautiful smile, but for your general well-being.

Gum disease is unforgiving when you fail to treat it. Untreated periodontitis damages teeth-supporting bone, causing loose teeth and an uneven bite. Studies have shown that gum disease can increase the risk of conditions such as heart disease, diabetes, and stroke.

By addressing gum issues early, periodontal therapy can help:

Prevent bone loss around the teeth
Reduce tooth mobility and the risk of tooth loss
Avoid more complex and costly treatments down the road
Improve gum health and stabilize oral tissues
Support overall health, reducing risks linked to heart disease, diabetes, and more
Protect your smile for the long term

Effective Periodontal Maintenance Near Me

Dougherty Cosmetic Dentistry offers periodontal therapy in Garden Ridge, TX, and its environs to keep your smile infection-free. To learn more, please call
(210) 880-4120 to speak to our dental team.