Gum Disease Treatment – Chevy Chase, MD
Stop Gum Disease, Save Your Teeth
Everyone knows how important it is to protect and preserve the health of natural teeth over the years, but many don’t pay the same amount of attention to their gums. This vital soft tissue is the support system of your smile, and it can fall victim to infection just like the rest of the body. That’s why it’s important to take certain precautions, like flossing daily, as well as keeping an eye out for common warning signs of gum disease.
Why Choose Ronan Freyne, DMD for Gum Disease Treatment?
- Top-Rated Dental Team
- Dental Insurance Welcome
- Open Five Days a Week
What is Gum Disease?
Gum (periodontal) disease is one of the most common health problems on the planet. It’s an infection in the gums that develops due to an accumulation of harmful bacteria. In the early stages, the symptoms are relatively mild, like tender gums. However, if the infection is left alone to progress, it can lead to tooth loss. That’s why it’s best to contact our Chevy Chase location if you suspect that something is wrong.
Symptoms of Gum Disease
Common symptoms of gum disease that patients should look out for when brushing and flossing at home include:
- Gum tissue that seems excessively swollen, red, or tender to the touch
- Gums that regularly bleed, especially after brushing/flossing
- A gradually receding gum line (your teeth will appear longer)
- Excessive bad breath that lingers even after practicing oral hygiene
How Do We Treat Gum Disease?
If Dr. Ronan Freyne, or one of our team members, discovers tell-tale signs of periodontal damage, we can intervene with the necessary care to banish dangerous bacteria and improve your oral health. Until your visit, you can read on to learn a little more about the different treatment options that are available at our Chevy Chase dental office.
Scaling & Root Planing
One way we can treat gum disease is with scaling and root planing. This in-depth cleaning eliminates bacteria from below the gumline. Our team will also smooth the rough surfaces of your tooth roots, which are prime sites for damaging plaque accumulation.
Do I Need Scaling & Root Planing?
This procedure is typically referred to as “deep cleaning,” which is an incredibly effective method for addressing early signs of periodontal disease. To determine if this treatment is necessary for you, we’ll need to see if you’re showing any of the common symptoms, such as bleeding, swelling, and inflammation around the gums. If any of these signs are left unchecked, they can result in permanent damage to your smile and lead to more costly complications, including tooth loss and infection. The goal of this procedure is to remove the bacteria and smooth over the tooth roots so your gums can heal and reattach to your pearly whites.
The Process of Scaling & Root Planing
In many cases, scaling and root planing are completed after two appointments. Of course, the first part is the scaling portion, which will involve scraping off any plaque and tartar from your smile as well as below the gumline with special dental tools. This is so we can target the areas where bacterial deposits are most likely to form.
After we’ve completed the scaling process, we’ll start root planing by smoothing out the parts of your teeth that are usually concealed underneath the gum tissue. By doing so, we can help the gums reconnect to your teeth more efficiently while making it more challenging for bacteria to accumulate in the future. This can end up significantly minimizing your risk of developing periodontal disease later on.
Aftercare Tips for Scaling & Root Planing
Once you’ve undergone scaling and root planing, you’ll likely experience some soreness and mild swelling around your gums. Fortunately, this should be short-lived, and you should feel much better within several weeks. To help make your recovery smoother, try practicing the following tips:
- Rinse with salt water after meals to wash away debris/food and avoid irritation.
- Brush gently twice daily with a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoridated toothpaste.
- Floss between your teeth every day or after meals.
- Eat softer foods for the first 48 hours following your treatment.
- Avoid hot, spicy, or acidic foods.
- Stay clear of strenuous physical activity right after your appointment.
Antibiotic Treatment
We typically recommend antibiotic therapy in conjunction with the above treatment methods. The ARESTIN powder is placed directly inside infected periodontal pockets, and they release a bacteria-killing antibiotic that will help eliminate any remaining infection.
Laser Gum Disease Treatment
Our state-of-the-art Picasso diode laser produces a controlled ray of light that allows us to gently remove diseased tissue and infectious bacteria. Better yet, bleeding and other post-operative symptoms are greatly minimized with this approach, and patients experience a much quicker recovery time as a result.
How Does Laser Gum Disease Treatment Work?
Laser gum disease treatment involves using our Picasso diode laser to gently and precisely remove infected gum tissue and kill harmful oral bacteria. The laser itself is able to vaporize the tissue using a concentrated beam of light energy, which is less invasive than a traditional scalpel and sutures. As a result, patients are able to remain more comfortable both during and after their treatment.
The laser can also be used to get rid of tartar buildup on the roots of the teeth and below the gumline to allow the healthy gum tissue to reattach to the teeth and protect the vulnerable roots.
The Benefits of Laser Gum Disease Treatment
This advanced procedure has several unique advantages to offer patients, including:
- Reduced Need for Antibiotics: Dental lasers are able to kill harmful oral bacteria on-contact and cauterize the area, dramatically minimizing the need for antibiotics.
- Faster Recovery Period: Laser periodontal treatment is minimally invasive and doesn’t involve a traditional scalpel and sutures, allowing for a shorter recovery period and faster healing.
- Less Post-Operative Discomfort: Patients experience less bleeding and discomfort following treatment with a dental laser than with traditional methods.
- Reduced Chances for Complications: Because the laser cauterizes the tissue as it vaporizes it, patients experience less of a risk of post-operative complications like infections.
Aftercare Tips for Laser Gum Disease Treatment
Recovering from laser periodontal treatment typically only takes a couple of weeks, while most patients are able to resume their normal daily routine the very next day. It’s normal to experience some soreness, bleeding, and discomfort following your procedure. These symptoms will usually get better or disappear with time, but if you notice them getting worse, please reach out to our team.