Restore Your Health with Periodontal Treatment
Swelling, bleeding, or sensitive gums may be signs of gingivitis, an early form of gum disease. If left untreated, gingivitis can develop into more serious stages of gum disease and eventually lead to tooth loss. Early gum disease treatment such as scaling and root planing can help save you time and money on more costly, invasive treatments in the future. Dr. Brett Helton combines gentle techniques and nearly two decades of experience to ensure your treatment will be comfortable and highly effective. Following your treatment, our helpful team in Columbus, GA, will provide extensive patient education to help you keep your gums and teeth healthy for a lifetime.
How Does Gum Disease Develop?
Gum disease is an inflammation of the gums caused by poor oral hygiene. However, conditions such as diabetes, smoking, hormonal changes, and certain medications make you more susceptible to gum disease even if you practice regular brushing and flossing. Gum disease occurs when stubborn plaque and tartar extend beneath the gum line, where it can no longer be reached without a professional cleaning.
/https://d3b3by4navws1f.cloudfront.net/157672241_no_labels.jpg)
Although every patient experiences the symptoms of gum disease differently, the most common signs include:
- Redness
- Swelling
- Bleeding
- Bad breath
Without professional treatment, these symptoms can worsen and cause functional and cosmetic concerns in your smile.
Why Is Treatment So Important?
If left untreated, gingivitis can develop into a serious form of gum disease called periodontitis. Periodontitis can affect the gum tissue and surrounding bone, causing irreparable gum tissue recession and even tooth loss. As gum disease progresses, the gum pockets around the teeth also deepen. Additionally, gum disease has been linked to an increased risk of heart disease, diabetes, and stroke. As the effects of gum disease can affect the well-being of your whole body, it is important to get treatment as early as possible.
Non-Surgical Scaling and Root Planing
Scaling and root planing is the initial intervention for gum disease treatment and is used by virtually every dentist. The procedure can help to restore the health of your gums without surgery.
Our non-surgical treatment options can help improve your oral and overall health, reducing the risk of serious systemic diseases such as heart disease.
If you are anxious about the treatment, we can offer sedation in the form of fast-acting nitrous oxide to help you relax. Whether you decide to undergo sedation or not, Dr. Helton and Dr. Gibbs use a gentle, conservative approach to dentistry and will ensure that you are comfortable throughout treatment. The procedure consists of two steps:
Scaling
One of our doctors will remove plaque and tartar above and below the gum line using special tools to reach deep into the gum pockets.
Root Planing
The second step consists of smoothing out the roots of your teeth. This makes it more difficult for bacteria to attach to your teeth in the future and allows your gums to reattach to your teeth more easily.
What to Expect after Treatment
Patients who undergo this treatment may have some sensitivity or mild discomfort for up to a week following treatment. Often, no additional treatment is necessary following the procedure. However, depending on the severity of your gum disease, you may require more than one treatment to restore your gums to better health. During your follow-up appointment, one of our doctors will measure the depth of your gum pockets to determine if your condition is improving or whether additional therapy is needed.
Contact Us for an Evaluation
If you are unsure whether your symptoms are due to gum disease, our team can perform an evaluation during your dental exam. Our non-surgical treatment options can help to improve your oral and overall health, reducing the risk of serious systemic diseases such as heart disease. To schedule an appointment, call us directly at (706) 563-3225 or send us a message online.
