Periodontal (Gum) Disease Treatment in Boiling Springs & Inman, SC

Gum disease is one of the most common diseases that affect human beings, with over half of Americans experiencing some form of gum disease at some point in their lives. Gum disease starts as gingivitis, the most common form of the disease that involves red gums and bleeding, but can also go unnoticed by patients. If it is allowed to develop, it can turn into periodontal disease which, if left untreated, can result in tooth loss or jawbone loss. If you are experiencing any symptoms of gum disease, please let our team know and we will be happy to assess your situation and discuss your treatment options.

Gingivitis and periodontitis are both caused by a buildup of plaque and tartar, and the best prevention method is to maintain a thorough oral care routine and visit the dentist regularly to have hard-to-reach plaque removed. However, gum disease can be treated, and it’s important to seek treatment for it as soon as possible. Symptoms of gum disease include:

• Red, swollen, or very sensitive or tender gums
• Excessive bleeding when brushing or flossing
• Receding gum line
• Loose teeth or tooth loss
• Bad breath or foul taste in mouth

Peridontitis treatment requires a deep cleaning treatment that involves scaling and root planing. Scaling is done to remove plaque and tartar that has built up underneath the gum line. Root planing is then used to smooth the roots of the teeth and helps the gums reattach to the teeth. Once the gum pockets have been cleaned, we will often add a topical antibiotic called Arestin® to continue fighting bacteria and reduce pocket depth. Because the deep cleaning process is very detailed, it can require more than one appointment to complete, but it is worth it to restore the teeth and gums back to their original health.

Gingivitis is the earliest stage of gum disease and typically involves inflammation of the gums without permanent damage to the structures supporting the teeth. Periodontitis is a more advanced form of gum disease that can affect the tissues and bone surrounding your teeth. Identifying and treating gum disease early can help prevent it from progressing.

Occasional irritation can occur, but gums that bleed regularly may be a sign of inflammation or gum disease. Instead of avoiding the area, schedule a dental evaluation so we can determine what's causing the bleeding and recommend appropriate care.

Yes. Gum disease can progress with few noticeable symptoms, particularly in its earlier stages. That's one reason routine dental exams are important. Your dental team can look for inflammation, changes in gum attachment and other signs that may not be obvious at home.

A routine dental cleaning is preventive care that removes plaque and tartar from the teeth and around the gumline. Scaling and root planing, or a deep cleaning, is periodontal treatment that removes buildup from below the gumline and cleans the surfaces of the tooth roots. Your dentist will determine which type of cleaning is appropriate based on your gum health.

Patient comfort is important during periodontal treatment. Local anesthetic may be used to numb the treatment area and help keep you comfortable during scaling and root planing. You may experience some temporary tenderness or sensitivity afterward.

The length of treatment depends on how many areas of the mouth require care and the extent of plaque and tartar buildup below the gums. Scaling and root planing may be divided into multiple appointments so each area can be cleaned thoroughly.

Arestin® is an antibiotic that can be placed directly into periodontal pockets following scaling and root planing. It may be recommended for certain areas to help reduce bacteria as part of your periodontal treatment plan.

Advanced periodontal disease can damage the gum tissue and bone that support your teeth. Without treatment, this loss of support can eventually cause teeth to loosen or require removal. Periodontal treatment is designed to control the disease and help preserve your natural teeth whenever possible.

Gum tissue that has significantly receded typically does not grow back on its own. However, identifying why your gums are receding is important because treatment and changes to your oral care routine may help prevent further recession. We'll evaluate your gums and discuss your options based on the cause and severity.

There isn't one schedule that's right for everyone. Patients with a history of periodontal disease may need professional care more frequently than patients receiving routine preventive cleanings. We'll recommend a maintenance schedule based on your periodontal health and individual risk factors.

Schedule an evaluation if you notice persistent bleeding, swelling, tenderness, gum recession, chronic bad breath, loose teeth or other changes in your gums. You should also continue regular dental exams even when you aren't experiencing symptoms, since gum disease isn't always easy to detect at home.