Gum Disease Therapy – Carrollton, TX
Protecting Your Gums and Overall Health
If you’ve noticed lately that your gums look red, inflamed, and are even bleeding when you brush or floss your teeth, you’re most likely experiencing the initial stages of gum disease. This common dental problem is one that our dentists at DD Family Dentistry of Carrollton see almost every day. Millions of Americans battle it, many of whom never seek treatment or realize they have it. It’s important to understand the signs and symptoms associated with gum disease in Carrollton to ensure you get the help you need to maintain good oral health. If you’re concerned about your gums and want to see a dental professional who cares, contact our office to schedule an appointment today!
Common Signs of Gum Disease
Your dentist in Carrollton has a trained eye when it comes to looking for things like tooth decay and gum disease. When you may not pick up on dangerous or concerning signs, you can bet Dr. Durga will. If your six-month visit to the dentist office isn’t for a while, you should be cognizant of the signs associated with gum disease. If you begin to notice any of the following, make sure to call us.
- Red, tender, and swollen gums
- Gums that bleed while brushing, flossing, or eating hard foods
- Receding gums that make your teeth appear longer
- Loose teeth
- Pus developing between your gums and teeth
- Chronic bad breath
- Oral sores that do not heal
What to Expect During a Periodontal Screening
During your appointment with Dr. Durga, you will have what is known as a periodontal screening. This allows us to perform a brief examination of your gums and the areas around your teeth. What you can expect to happen is one of our dental hygienists will use a special tool to measure your gum recession or pockets. The scale is 0-4 with “0” being the best and “4” signaling an additional examination is needed.
Once our hygienist has finished charting your gum pockets, they will determine if you are in need of periodontal therapy, which is also known as gum disease therapy.
If gum disease is caught in its early stages (gingivitis), it can actually be reversed. How so? Through the use of good oral hygiene habits practiced at home and regular dental cleanings, you can turn back the clock on your gum health.
How Scaling and Root Planing Work as a Therapy Option
If it is determined that you do need periodontal therapy, you will most likely have what is called a scaling and root planing procedure.
Scaling involves our team removing the plaque and bacteria living above and below the gum line, and root planing smooths out the tooth root to prevent reinfection.
This procedure may not feel good, so if necessary, we can offer sedation to help keep you calm and comfortable during your visit. In addition, an over-the-counter pain reliever can help alleviate any discomfort once you are home.