Periodontal Therapy

Gum disease, also known as periodontal disease, is an infection of one’s gums that usually occurs due to genetics or poor oral hygiene habits. Without regular brushing, flossing, and visits to the dentist, food debris and bacteria are left behind in the crevices of one’s teeth and along their gum line. When left long enough, this debris can develop into sticky plaque that initially forms an invisible film over the surface of one’s teeth. Eventually, plaque will harden into tartar buildup and cause one’s gums to move away from their teeth which requires gum treatment. Noticeable symptoms of gum disease are:

• Red or inflamed gums
• Bleeding gums
• Sensitivity or tenderness
• Bad breath
• Oral discomfort
• Loose teeth or tooth loss

A dentist must diagnose gum disease. If you’re diagnosed with gum disease, Dr. McMillan will likely recommend that you undergo gum treatment also known as a deep dental cleaning. While a routine dental cleaning gently scrapes away the plaque and tartar that can lead to gum disease and tooth decay, deep dental cleanings involve teeth scaling and root planing. Teeth scaling removes the build-up from along your gum line and root planing focuses on removing the build-up from the tooth roots. Deep dental cleanings usually take 1-2 hours to complete, depending on the condition of your mouth. In some cases, you may have to undergo two deep cleaning appointments. Because periodontal cleanings are more invasive than a routine cleaning would be, it’s normal to experience tenderness after a periodontal cleaning; this should resolve on its own after a day or two.

Periodontal disease will not go away on its own. On the contrary, it will only worsen and lead to more serious complications if left untreated, including potential tooth loss and illnesses in other parts of the body. For this reason, it’s crucial to seek periodontal dental services sooner than later if you experience one or more of the signs of gum disease.