Gum Disease Treatment – Fanwood, NJ
Quality Care Today for a Healthy Tomorrow
Your teeth often get the spotlight when it comes to dentistry, but at Scotch Plans Fanwood Dental Care, we understand the importance of healthy gums. Infection and inflammation of the gums is a common problem that many patients experience. That’s why we offer gum disease treatment to ensure that you can smile with health and happiness. Keep reading to learn more about gum disease and how we can help!
Why Choose Scotch Plains Fanwood Dental Care for Gum Disease Treatment?
- Various Treatment Options Available
- Experienced Team of Dentists
- State-of-the-Art Practice
What is Gum Disease?
Gum disease is a common problem that affects about half of the American population. It’s an infection and inflammation of the gums that can result in serious issues like bone damage and tooth loss. However, it has also been linked to overall health problems like increased risks of heart attacks, strokes, high blood pressure, certain cancers, diabetes, and more. Typically caused by poor dental hygiene over time, gum disease can be reversed in its earlier stages, however if left untreated, it can persist into a more severe condition.
What Are the Symptoms of Gum Disease?
Thankfully, the problems that gum disease can cause can be completely prevented if caught early on. That’s why it’s important to know some of the most common signs and symptoms, including:
- Tender or puffy gums
- Sensitive gums
- Gums that bleed when brushing or flossing
- Red or swollen gums
- Persistent bad breath
- Teeth that appear longer
- Changes in bite
If you notice any of these symptoms, contact our office right away for treatment!
Gum Disease Treatment Options
We offer multiple options for gum disease treatment, and the service we recommend will depend on your specific smile. The most common treatment we provide is scaling and root planing, which effectively cleans your smile while preventing gum disease in the future. First, we will carefully remove any plaque and tartar that has built up on, above, or below your gumline. Then, we will reach under your gums to smooth out your tooth roots, making it harder for plaque and bacteria to collect under your gums in the future.
Another treatment we have to offer is antibiotic therapy. With this solution, we will provide you with a prescription that fights off infection in the mouth. This option is often used in tandem with scaling and root planing to stop gum disease in its tracks. In some cases, we may also recommend noninvasive surgery to halt the progression of gum disease, but this will depend on your smile.
Scaling & Root Planing
Scaling and root planing is the most common type of gum disease treatment. Ultimately, it is like a cleaning that is being taken to the next level. Our clinical team will target bacterial accumulations around and under your gum tissue. We will also carefully smooth down any rough spots on your tooth roots, which are prime real estate for plaque. Our goal is to help your gums regain their health and vitality.
Do I Need Scaling & Root Planing?
Scaling and root planing is often called a “deep cleaning,” and that is basically what it is. If we notice any early signs of gum disease, including bleeding, swelling, and inflammation, we will address it as quickly as we can to prevent it from progressing further and causing permanent damage to your smile. The goal of this treatment is to remove bacteria that have accumulated around or beneath your gumline. During the root planing portion of the treatment, we smooth down the roots of your teeth to allow your gums to reattach to the teeth.
The Process of Scaling & Root Planing
Scaling and root planing normally takes place over two separate appointments. The first one consists of the “scaling.” During this visit, we will scrape away the place and tartar that has formed along and beneath the gumline using dental instruments. We will especially target the area beneath the gumline where bacteria deposits have formed.
Once the scaling portion of the treatment is complete, we will move on to the planing. We do this by smoothing sections of the teeth that are normally hidden beneath the gum tissue. This will allow the gums to adhere to your teeth more easily, making it more challenging for bacteria to accumulate again. This reduces your risk of developing gum disease again in the future.
Aftercare Tips for Scaling & Root Planing
Some soreness of the gums is normal after scaling and root planing. You may also have some minor inflammation in the affected area. This is temporary and should resolve itself after a few weeks. Here are a few tips to help you recover quickly:
- Brush twice daily with the soft-bristled toothbrush
- Use a saltwater rinse after eating
- Floss thoroughly every day
- Stick to soft foods 48 hours after treatment
- Avoid foods that are spicy, acidic, or hot
- Refrain from intense physical activity right after treatment