Restore Your Gum Health With Gum Disease Treatment in Arlington
Gum disease doesn’t have to threaten your oral health. In fact, with gum disease treatment in Arlington, the dentists at Fielder Park Dental can renew your gum health and help keep your whole mouth healthy. Our nonsurgical gum treatment will also help you:
Image Title: Gum Disease Treatment
Proactive care
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Proactive care
Our practice works to help people have healthy gums. It's the foundation to what a smile is and we have a very talented team of dental hygienists here at our office that are very attuned to what it's required to keep gums healthy and to restore health in teeth that have disease and gums that have disease. We're very proactive in every hygiene visit in taking specific measurements to evaluate the gum tissue and then we provide recommendations based on that. Whether it's a limited treatment, no treatment or maybe even more advanced gum therapies. All of that is done through education and the patient's the driver in that situation. We just provide information and then try to help the patient achieve their goals.
- Put an end to painful, bleeding gums
- Make eating and brushing more comfortable
- Gain confidence that your gums look great
- Have peace of mind about your oral health
- Prevent or manage related health problems, such as diabetes and heart disease
Call us today at 817-275-4817 to schedule your appointment for gum therapy as early as 7 a.m. We’re on North Fielder Road underneath the water tower.
Gum Disease Can Sneak Up on You
Did you know that you could have early-stage gum disease and not even be aware of it? That’s right – disease-causing bacteria can lurk beneath your gumline and begin to wreak havoc with no obvious signs. That’s why it’s so important to keep up with your routine checkups. Your dentist will check for signs of gum disease and recommend treatment accordingly if it is found.
The most common way to treat gum disease is through a nonsurgical process known as scaling and root planing. This “deep cleaning” will remove bacteria and help put your gums back on course. Here’s what this process involves:
- A local anesthetic will be used to numb the area we’re working on. Oral sedation or complimentary nitrous oxide (laughing gas) is also available if you have any anxiety about your procedure.
- We’ll then use special dental instruments to scale (remove) bacteria, tartar, and plaque from around and beneath your gumline.
- Next, we’ll plane (smooth) your teeth roots to make it more difficult for bacteria to collect there.
- Depending on your circumstances, this process may need to be repeated every few months to keep your gums healthy.
If you have experienced gum recession as a result of gum disease, we may also recommend the Chao Pinhole® Surgical Technique to restore your gumline. Dr. Mercer is one of only a few dentists in the area who can perform this minimally invasive surgery for treating gum recession. It will restore the tissue around your exposed tooth roots without gum grafting or sutures and help eliminate tooth sensitivity.
Gum Disease vs. Periodontal Disease
Gum disease and periodontal disease are terms often used interchangeably, but they represent different stages of the same progressive condition. While periodontal disease always falls into the category of gum disease, a patient’s gum disease has not always necessarily developed into periodontal disease.
Gum disease, also known as gingivitis, is the early stage and is typically caused by plaque buildup along the gumline. Symptoms include redness, swelling, and bleeding gums, especially during brushing or flossing. At this stage, the condition is reversible with improved oral hygiene and professional dental cleanings.
If left untreated, gingivitis can advance to periodontal disease, a more severe form of gum infection. Periodontal disease affects the deeper structures supporting the teeth, such as the connective tissue and jawbone. Over time, it can cause gum recession, loose teeth, and even tooth loss. This stage often requires more intensive treatments, such as scaling and root planing or surgical interventions, to control the damage and prevent further progression. Regular dental checkups are crucial at each stage of gum disease for proper treatment and maintenance.
Don’t put your smile and your oral health at risk. Schedule an appointment today for a dental exam so we can provide Arlington gum disease treatment if needed. Call Fielder Park Dental at 817-275-4817, or request an appointment online.
Does gum disease treatment hurt?
We will numb your mouth with local anesthesia prior to performing the deep cleaning treatment called scaling and root planing. With anesthesia, you shouldn’t feel a thing. However, you can also receive dental sedation if you’re concerned about discomfort. We offer both laughing gas and oral sedation. You won’t pay an added fee for laughing gas!
What are gum disease symptoms?
Many patients notice bleeding gums, especially when brushing or flossing teeth. Gums may also feel tender and look more red than pink. Persistent bad breath is another common symptom. In the later stages of gum disease, you may notice that your gums are pulling away from teeth or even that your teeth feel loose.
How much does gum disease treatment cost?
The cost of treatment will vary, largely depending on the severity of your gum disease and the number of treatments required to eliminate or manage it. It costs far less to treat gum disease in its early stages. You can expect to pay several hundred dollars for treatment, though many insurance plans will pay at least part of the cost. We also have a variety of flexible payment options to choose from.
Why get gum disease treatment?
In its early stages, gum disease causes tenderness and bleeding but no serious dental issues. If left untreated, though, it can progress to a stage that causes bone and tooth loss. In fact, gum disease is the leading cause of tooth loss among adults. The best course of action is to seek treatment at the first signs of disease.
What causes gum disease?
Gum disease, also called periodontal disease, is an infection caused by bacteria in your mouth. Bacteria form a clear, sticky film called plaque that build ups around your gumline, leading to inflamed and infected gums. Left untreated, the infection causes your gums to separate from teeth, creating “pockets” where more bacteria accumulates. In advanced stages of gum disease, the infection spreads from your gums to the bone that supports your teeth. Your teeth will loosen and possibly fall out.
What is the aftercare of a deep cleaning for gum disease?
After scaling and root planing (also known as a deep cleaning), it’s recommended to avoid smoking for 48 hours. You also shouldn’t drink alcohol or use strong mouthwashes that contain alcohol since that can slow the healing process.
You may take non-asprin pain medication such as ibuprofen (Advil) or acetaminophen (Tylenol) to relieve discomfort or tenderness. It’s also recommended to eat a well balanced soft diet the first day, do warm saltwater rinses, and brush your teeth very lightly for the first few days.
How will I know if I need scaling or root planing?
You may need scaling and root planing if you show signs of gum disease, such as swollen gums, bleeding gums, persistent bad breath, or gum recession. Our team will assess your oral health during your exams, checking for tartar buildup below the gumline, pocket depth around teeth, and signs of inflammation. X-rays may also be taken to evaluate bone health. If gum disease is present, we have a variety of excellent methods to restore your gum health.
How can I keep my gums healthy at home?
To maintain healthy gums at home, brush your teeth twice daily using a fluoride toothpaste and a soft-bristled toothbrush. Floss daily to remove plaque and food particles between teeth. Use an antimicrobial mouthwash to reduce bacteria and rinse thoroughly. Eating a balanced diet, staying hydrated, and avoiding tobacco products also contribute to gum health. For more specific questions or advice, please ask our team.